Canada can develop infrastructure and protect biodiversity
Nearly 200 countries recently came together in Armenia for the 2026 United Nations Biodiversity Conference to review progress toward halting and reversing biodiversity loss. Many of these governments will soon convene again in Turkey to discuss efforts to tackle climate change at COP31.
In 2026, international leaders gathered in Armenia for the United Nations Biodiversity Conference to evaluate their progress in combating biodiversity loss. Following this, they are set to convene in Turkey for COP31 to discuss climate change mitigation. In 2022, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity's parties adopted the Global Biodiversity Framework, aiming to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and restore nature by 2050.
Initial assessments of the first 36 national plans revealed that none fully achieved two key objectives: restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems and protecting 30% of lands and waters by 2030. By the end of 2025, Canada had conserved only 14% of its land and freshwater, and 15% of its oceans, falling short of its interim target of 25% by the same year.
A subsequent audit found the same lack of progress for ocean conservation. Despite its commitment to biodiversity, Canada is simultaneously pursuing infrastructure development and resource extraction, with plans to expedite approvals and large-scale projects, a trend not witnessed in recent history. Simultaneously, the government has slashed public science budgets and diminished public engagement, leading to criticism over reduced transparency and access to information.
A recent study explored how environmental research influences policy-making and practice through knowledge co-production, involving 84 senior environmental professionals from various levels of government and non-profit organizations. The study identified several critical factors for effective evidence use in environmental policy, including trust, early collaboration, transparent communication, and sustained cooperation among stakeholders.
However, the researchers found that Canada's current efforts to fast-track major projects could undermine these efforts, as the barriers they identified are likely to worsen with accelerated development. The research underscores the importance of inclusive, collaborative governance and the deliberate use of high-quality evidence to inform decision-making, a challenge that Canada must address to meet its biodiversity commitments without sacrificing environmental goals.
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