January 24, 2025
As we head into 2025, we’re rallying Manitobans to join us in our mission to protect 30% of our lands and waters by 2030—and we’re not stopping there.
From supporting Indigenous-led conservation to saving critical wildlife habitats, here are 25 exciting ways we’re making conservation a priority this year. Get ready to be inspired, and let’s make 2025 the year that Manitoba speaks up for nature like never before! Here are CPAWS Manitoba’s 25 key initiatives to advance conservation efforts across the province for 2025.
25 Initiatives:
- Advocating for the protection of 30% of Manitoba’s lands and waters by 2030: Holding the provincial government to its commitment to protect 30% of the province’s lands and waters by 2030.
- Engaging citizens in Budget 2025: Encouraging Manitobans to advocate for prioritizing conservation funding in the provincial budget.
- Supporting Indigenous-led conservation initiatives: Collaborating with Indigenous communities to establish protected areas that honor traditional knowledge and stewardship.
- Protecting polar bear habitats: Working to conserve the Hudson Bay Lowlands, crucial for polar bear denning and survival.
- Advancing the Southeastern Interlake Conservation Areas Initiative: Engaging communities and stakeholders to protect this boreal region’s forests, wetlands, and shorelines.
- Supporting the Seal River Watershed Indigenous Protected Areas Initiative: Backing efforts to safeguard one of the last free-flowing rivers in Manitoba and its surrounding ecosystems.
- Supporting the Kitaskeenan Kaweekanawaynichikatek Indigenous Protected Areas Initiative: Supporting the five Cree nations working together to conserve their traditional homelands.
- Ensuring Manitoba invests in achieving 30×30: Advocating for adequate resources and funding to meet conservation targets.
- Promoting the protection of Manitoba’s peatlands: Highlighting the importance of peatlands in carbon storage and climate change mitigation.
- Holding the government accountable for woodland caribou action plans: Ensuring action plans are produced this year that effectively protect large-scale habitats for threatened woodland caribou populations.
- Advocating for the creation of the Hudson Bay Marine Conservation Area: Working to help protect marine ecosystems and species in Hudson Bay.
- Facilitating Nature Club events: Organizing hikes and workshops to connect people with nature and foster a conservation ethic. We have 23 upcoming events for 2025! Check out our event listings to join us for FREE group hikes, summer nature workshops, snowshoeing, and more to be announced. Check out our Manitoba hikes page to browse trails and plan your next trip.
- Engaging youth in conservation education: Providing programs and resources to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
- Advocating for the protection of critical bird habitats: We are working to help conserve areas essential for migratory and resident bird species, specifically the hudson bay lowlands, as it is the home to 170 migratory bird species.
- Helping to promote the values of Indigenous-led conservation: Showcasing how Indigenous stewardship benefits both people and nature.
- Educating the public on 30×30 and the science behind it: Highlighting the science-based research that shows how this target can help safeguard ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future.
- Connecting with Indigenous Nations about protected area opportunities: Building partnerships to explore new protected area designations in traditional territories.
- Highlighting Manitoba’s special natural places: Promoting the unique beauty and ecological importance of the province’s natural areas.
- Advocating for the protection of wetlands: Emphasizing their role in water filtration, flood control, and wildlife habitat.
- Hosting a variety of summer workshops: Engaging the community in hands-on activities and discussions to inspire action and foster a deeper connection to nature and conservation.
- Driving action with all levels of government: Ensuring conservation is a top priority across municipal, provincial, and federal agendas.
- Promoting sustainable economic development: Supporting initiatives that balance environmental health with community prosperity.
- Adding new workshops to the growing list of Nature Club events: Adding new events to our annual nature club calendar. This includes bird-watching tours, bug identification workshops, and intro to orienteering.
- Raising awareness about biodiversity loss: Educating the public on the urgent need to protect ecosystems and species at risk.
- Encouraging Manitobans to advocate for conservation: Empowering citizens to speak up for the protection of the province’s lands and waters.
Together, these initiatives will ensure 2025 is a pivotal year for conservation in Manitoba. Stay tuned for more updates and ways to get involved!
Speak Up for Manitoba’s Wild Places!
Manitoba’s future depends on all of us raising our voices for conservation. With so much at stake—from protecting iconic species like polar bears and moose to safeguarding vital ecosystems for future generations—your voice can make a real difference.
Reach out to your government officials today and let them know that conservation must remain a top priority in Budget 2025 and beyond. Demand increased funding for protected areas, Indigenous-led conservation, and wildlife habitat preservation.
Together, we can ensure protection for Manitoba’s lands, waters, and wildlife are for years to come.