Canada’s Protected Areas

Humans can impact any and all areas of Earth. And indeed have done so to most. In an effort to forestall complete re-purposing, we’re setting aside areas that allow for the traditional flow of energy through ecosystems. With this, the ecosystems and their constituent lifeforms might continue to exist in spite of humans.

From the IUCN: A protected area is a clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. Explore Canada’s protected areas by entering an ID # in the range of [1 .. 10,017] below:

Note, IUCN Management Categories:

  • Category Ia: Strict Nature Reserve
  • Category Ib: Wilderness Area
  • Category II: National Park
  • Category III: Natural Monument or Feature
  • Category IV: Habitat/Species Management Area
  • Category V: Protected Landscape/Seascape
  • Category VI: Protected area with sustainable use of natural resources

Ostensibly, a Protected Area allows the natural ecosystem to flourish without negative human impact. How do we ensure that this protection extends into the future?