Nature Conservancy of Canada

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) says the loss of wetlands across the country is leaving communities more vulnerable to severe weather.

World Wetlands Day was marked on Monday.

Andrew Holland, the organization’s director of external affairs, said the day served as a reminder of how important wetlands are for both local communities and the country as a whole.

He said Canada holds about a quarter of the world’s wetlands, but many have been lost to development.

“The original wetlands in southern Canada, roughly 70 per cent, have been lost to land conversion,” he said.

“They’ve been paved over, plowed or converted into roads and subdivisions.”

Holland explains the losses are even greater near cities and towns, where between 80 and 98 per cent of the original wetlands have disappeared.

He added that disappearance is now showing up in the form of heavier rains, flooding, drought and wildfire risk.

“During floods, they hold water like a big sponge,” he said.

“During wildfires, the wetlands are there and help act as a fire break.”

Wetlands also help purify drinking water and provide habitat for birds, mammals and other wildlife.

Holland said protecting drinking water is one of the most important responsibilities communities share, and wetlands play a key role in that work.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada reported $2.4 billion in insured damage from severe weather last year.

Holland elaborated that wetlands can help reduce those long‑term costs by protecting roads, homes and other infrastructure.

NCC has conserved more than 930 wetland sites across the country.

Holland said some restored wetlands were once gravel pits or agricultural land, and many can be brought back within four or five years.

He also stated that restoration work supports local contractors and creates jobs.

Holland said wetlands should be treated with the same seriousness as roads, bridges and stormwater systems because they help protect communities and reduce future costs for governments, insurers and taxpayers.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada says it is putting more emphasis on connecting protected areas across the country.

Andrew Holland, a national media relations director with NCC, said the organization is trying to group projects so they form larger natural corridors instead of isolated sites.

He said that the approach helps wildlife move more safely and strengthens conservation efforts over time.

“That’s the name of the game, rather than do one project here or there, we try to have them in close proximity so it gives a wider area for wildlife movement,” Holland said.

“And… it makes these areas more resilient to the impacts of erosions and, floods and wildfire.”

Holland said long‑term support from donors and partners has helped NCC protect natural areas in several provinces.

He said the work includes forests, wetlands and grasslands in regions such as Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia.

Holland said NCC has protected more than 20 million hectares across the country since 1962.

He said the group is continuing to add new projects that connect with existing parks and conservation lands, creating larger networks of habitat for wildlife.