Wildlife Conservation Day - Dec 4
Since 2012, the world has recognized Wildlife Conservation Day on December 4 to shine a light on the need to protect wildlife, and especially wildlife that is considered endangered. Human-caused climate change is affecting wildlife habitats and devastating many forms of life. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, there are currently over 42,100 species threatened with extinction. Addressing this is challenging, but we can rise to the challenge of protecting wildlife if we work together.
It is helpful to focus on local species and think about what we can do here. Blanding’s turtle is native to Nova Scotia and is one of several turtle species that is considered endangered in Canada. The Piping plover is a migratory shorebird in Atlantic Canada that is registered as endangered. Conservation can save these species.
Our efforts
The Environment & Climate Change team works every day to make sure that the municipality is a healthy place for wildlife. Here are some of the important policies and projects that contribute to wildlife conservation:
- the Halifax Green Network Plan promotes maintaining wildlife habitats, biodiversity and taking care of our ecologically and culturally important open spaces and aquatic systems
- the Urban Forest Master Plan enhances the quality and diversity of the urban and suburban forest, promoting wildlife habitat
- Parks & Recreation staff have been working with community groups to deliver pilot-scale naturalization projects in municipal parks, providing more naturalized space for wildlife to co-exist
- we were recently awarded Bird Friendly City status from Nature Canada, and continue to work with communities to make our region safer for birds and other wildlife
- we're working with the Natural Asset Initiative on a pilot project in the Nine Mile River watershed to contribute to the protection and management of natural assets such as forests and wetlands
How you can make a difference
By following your concern for protecting the wildlife around us, you can make a difference. Here are some practical things you can do:
- ensure a respectful and safe distance while observing wildlife in their natural habitats
- explore local species that are of special concern, threatened or endangered and discover initiatives to contribute to their conservation
- learn more about invasive species and the threat they pose to native wildlife in local ecosystems
- eat plant-based or reduce your consumption of meat as much as you can
- volunteer with groups like Nature Nova Scotia or Hope for Wildlife
- reduce your use of single use plastics; new research suggests that the concentration of plastics in the Atlantic Ocean is as much as ten times higher than previously thought
- lead a beach clean-up
Living Lakeshores
Living Lakeshores aims to increase the resilience of freshwater shorelines, encourage care for the natural environment and share the skills of shoreline naturalization.
Head over to the project page to find out how to get involved.
Click to view project page.
Nature and Biodiversity
We’re so lucky to be surrounded by nature in the Halifax region, with forests, beaches, lakes, wetlands and barrens all around us. Keeping these ecosystems healthy is vital, as they provide us with clean water, store extra water during floods, clean our air and lower air temperatures. Healthy ecosystems also sequester carbon, which helps mitigate climate change.
Climate change projections for our region show that we can expect weather that is wetter, wilder and warmer than ever. Understanding how nature can help us adapt to these changing conditions is essential for building resilient communities. What’s more, access to pristine natural areas contributes to the magic of the municipality and attracts visitors, locals and new residents alike. Ecosystem health is also essential for our non-human residents such as birds, insects, mammals and plants. The biodiversity of our region depends on availability of healthy and diverse habitat.
Here are some ways we're working to protect and understand nature in the Halifax Regional Municipality:
- We're working with the Natural Asset Initiative on a pilot project in the Nine Mile River watershed to identify key natural assets that play a role in stormwater management and climate resilience.
- We were recently awarded Bird Friendly City status from Nature Canada, and continue to work with communities to make our region safer for birds and other wildlife.
- We released an Integrated Pest Management plan in 2022, and continue to work towards more effective management of invasive species.
- We use nature-based resilient landscaping such as rain gardens and naturalized areas to manage stormwater in our parks, right of way spaces and municipal property. We also provide resources for residents to manage excess water on their property using nature-based solutions at home.
- We encourage residents to plant perennials in the boulevard right-of-way, to promote biodiversity and habitat for pollinators.