Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Report, 2020
Goal 15, Life on Land

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Release date: October 20, 2020

Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 15, Life on Land

Description: Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 15, Life on Land

38% of Canada’s land area is forest

In 2017, 49% of forests were certified under sustainable forest management standards.

Source: Natural Resources Canada, The State of Canada’s Forests: Annual Report 2018.


Canada’s conserved areas

As of December 2019, 12.1% of Canada’s land and fresh water area was conserved, roughly the size of Ontario

A map shows conservation areas in Canada

  • Kluane national park reserve
  • Queen Maude gulf migratory bird sanctuary
  • Quttinirpaaq national park
  • Gwaii Haanas national park reserve
  • Riding mountain national park
  • Pukaskwa national park
  • Tobeatic
  • Cape Breton highlands national park
  • Akami-Uapishku-Kakkasuak-Mealy Mountains national park reserve

Conserved areas

Sources: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators, Interactive indicator maps: Conserved areas and Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database.


At least 80,000 species exist in Canada

30,000 species have been assessed to date of which 80% are ranked as secure or apparently secure

At risk of disappearance are:

  • 68% of reptile species
  • 28% of mammal species
  • 21% of bird species

Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Environmental Indicators.

Community Spotlight

Ducks Unlimited Canada is a registered charity that conserves, restores and manages wetlands across the country. In addition to providing essential habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, these wetlands protect communities from floods and droughts, mitigate the effects of climate change by storing carbon and naturally filter pollutants from water. Its 82 years of conservation work have resulted in 11,023 habitat projects and the conservation of 25,900 km2.

Source: Ducks Unlimited Canada


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