October 18, 2024
Manitoba’s Unique Conservation Opportunity
Manitoba is one of the few places on Earth with an incredible chance for large-scale conservation. Just a year ago, the provincial government, led by Indigenous Premier Wab Kinew, committed to protecting over 122,000 square kilometres of land by 2030—a space roughly the size of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia combined. The goal is clear: to conserve 30% of Manitoba’s diverse landscapes by 2030, working with Indigenous communities.
Since then, Manitoba has placed 42,000 square kilometres under interim protection while conducting a feasibility study with four Indigenous communities, along with federal and provincial governments. This first step is promising, but the journey ahead requires much more.
The Conservation Challenge
Manitoba has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to conserve vast wilderness areas, but the path to achieving the 30×30 goal by 2030 is steep. While protecting 30% of the province sounds great, it’s not a simple process. Creating even one protected area can take years of consultations and careful planning. And with only six years left, many new conservation projects need to be launched soon if Manitoba hopes to meet this ambitious target.
Adding to the challenge, cuts made by the previous government left Manitoba’s Environment and Climate Change department understaffed and underfunded. While the current government is working to rebuild its capacity it also needs to provide new funding for Indigenous conservation initiatives and time is running short. To meet the 30×30 goal, Manitoba needs to act urgently and expand its conservation efforts.
How CPAWS Manitoba is Helping
As the Manitoba government builds its 30×30 action plan and works to gather resources, we are stepping up to help accelerate the process. We are focusing on opportunities for protecting the most ecologically valuable areas, aiming to secure permanent protection for 122,000 square kilometres before political priorities shift.
Here’s how we are driving conservation forward:
- Supporting the 30×30 Action Plan: We’re working directly with the Manitoba government to help develop a solid plan to protect 30% of the province by 2030. With years of experience and deep ties to Indigenous communities, CPAWS Manitoba brings a wealth of knowledge to this initiative.
- Indigenous-Led Conservation: CPAWS is providing ongoing support to three major Indigenous-led conservation projects that together aim to protect 90,000 square kilometres.
Why CPAWS Manitoba?
CPAWS Manitoba is uniquely qualified to lead this conservation push. For over 30 years, we’ve worked closely with Indigenous communities and built strong relationships with both provincial and federal governments. CPAWS Manitoba was also behind the campaign that led the government to commit to 30×30 in the first place.
We know that successful conservation must balance environmental protection with economic needs. For example, we’ve worked with industries to shift logging away from critical woodland caribou habitats, showing our ability to find solutions that work for both nature and people.
The Road Ahead
The next few years are critical for Manitoba’s conservation future. CPAWS Manitoba is working hard by continuing to build public support, partnering with Indigenous communities, and working closely with the provincial and federal governments to secure funding and political backing for 30×30. Together, we can ensure that Manitoba protects its incredible wilderness for generations to come.
For anyone passionate about climate change, protecting wildlife, or simply curious about what CPAWS Manitoba is doing, this is a chance to get involved in something that truly matters—not just for Manitoba, but for the entire planet. Let’s work together to protect 30% of Manitoba’s land and waters by 2030.