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Ontario Biodiversity Council

The Ontario Biodiversity Council has members from environmental and conservation groups, government, academia, indigenous organizations, natural history institutions and industry that work together to support biodiversity conservation in Ontario. Formed in 2005, Council now has 40 members who guide the ambitious conservation agenda outlined in Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy.
Ontario Biodiversity Council

Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy 2023-2030

Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy was renewed in 2023! The strategy is like a 'to-do' list for conservation actions across the province. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the updated strategy.  Now it's up to each of us, from across the province, to take actions to protect what sustains us.
Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy 2023-2030

Protecting Biodiversity

Our economy, quality of life and health are directly tied to biodiversity. It’s worth protecting for our sake and for its own sake. We need to work together to protect our plants, animals, land, lakes and rivers, forests and other ecosystems. Life – it’s brought to you by biodiversity!
Protecting Biodiversity

The State of Ontario’s Biodiversity

The State of Ontario’s Biodiversity 2020 is like a report card for biodiversity. It uses indicators to measure the health of biodiversity in our province and to assess the progress we’re making towards meeting the targets from Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy.  Read the Summary Report and learn more!
The State of Ontario’s Biodiversity

Our Vision

Working together to implement Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy.

Our vision is a future where biodiversity loss is halted and recovery is advanced. People value, protect and enhance biodiversity and the ecosystem services essential for human health and well-being.  Ontario’s renewed biodiversity strategy will guide conservation actions to 2030.

Ontario's Strategy
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Spotlight

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2025 Ontario Biodiversity Summit

Our turning point for nature When: May 21-22nd, 2025 Where: Trent University, Peterborough-Nogojiwanong, Ontario. Standard registration $425. Student registration $200. All applicable taxes are included. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Register here!  About the 2025 Ontario Biodiversity Summit Everyone has a role to play to conserve biodiversity in Ontario and to set a path towards a […]

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Logo for Global Biodiversity Plan

It’s time to get with the plan!

In celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity (Biodiversity Day), individuals and organizations from across Ontario and around the globe are making sure they are part of the plan to conserve and restore biodiversity.

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Echinacea cone flower in native plant garden

The importance of Indigenous perspectives and leadership

The Ontario Biodiversity Council recognizes that Indigenous Peoples are essential partners in biodiversity conservation and commits to “recognize and respect the contribution of Indigenous and local knowledge to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems.”1

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Cover of 2023 Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy

Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy has been renewed!

We celebrated Biodiversity Day on May 22nd 2023 by releasing a Summary of the renewed Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy! The full strategy is coming soon so check back! In the meantime, we wanted to share some of the updates and improvements made to the Strategy, which will guide our conservation actions to 2030. Check out and share […]

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#OBS2023 in the news!

Check out our news release about the updates to Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy! We’re pleased to share the summary version with you. You can read our news release about it here: News release OBS2023

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Cover of Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy 2011

Renewing Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy

Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy helps guide conservation efforts in Ontario. It’s time to update it to focus on new targets and priorities to 2030.  Get involved! Share your ideas on how we can work together to: empower people, reduce threats, enhance resilience, improve knowledge, and transform investments.

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Working Groups

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SNO

The Stewardship Network of Ontario (SNO) is a group of non-government and government stewardship organizations. They work together to support stewardship agencies to contribute to biodiversity conservation and environmental health. SNO began in 2004 in response to a clear need for improved information sharing, collaboration among stewardship agencies and a stronger voice for stewardship in Ontario. To learn more about SNO, please visit:

SNO
Emerging Leaders

Ontario’s Emerging Leaders for Biodiversity (ELB) got its start at the 2015 Ontario Biodiversity Summit, which brought together young people aged 18-30 from across the province to develop a plan to implement Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy. The group now has a seat on the Ontario Biodiversity Council and continues to work to empower young people to conserve biodiversity. Learn more about the ELB at their website.

Emerging Leaders
BEAN

The Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network (BEAN) is a network of organizations working together to promote an increased awareness and understanding of biodiversity. Members represent formal and non-formal education, the environmental and conservation sectors, government and private industry. To learn more about BEAN and its members, please visit:

BEAN
Ecohealth Ontario

Healthy ecosystems are essential for human health and survival.  We all depend on clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, healthy food, green spaces and contact with wildlife to enrich our lives.  Ecohealth Ontario (EHO) is a group of professionals from the fields of public health, medicine, education, planning and the environment.  Visit the Ecohealth website to learn more.

Ecohealth Ontario
Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition

Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition is an alliance of organizations that share a common vision for a healthy, green Ontario where the economic, social, environmental and health benefits of green infrastructure are fully realized.  http://www.greeninfrastructureontario.org/

Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition
ONES

The Ontario Network for Ecosystem Services advances the knowledge and exchange of information about ecosystem services in Ontario.  The network is made up of people and organizations who seek and supply knowledge about ecosystem services and the benefits they provide to humans.  http://www.onecosystemservices.ca/

ONES

Multimedia

Screen shot of video showing state of Ontario's biodiversity indicators

Join Steve Hounsell, Chair of the Ontario Biodiversity Council, as he summarizes they key points from the State of Ontario’s Biodiversity 2020 Summary Report.  Learn about where we are achieving our biodiversity targets, and where more work needs to be done.

Play Video

State of Ontario’s Biodiversity 2020

First slide for the 2021 Ontario Biodiversity Summit opening sessionEnjoy the recording from the opening session of the 2021 Ontario Biodiversity Summit.  Keynote speaker Harvey Locke, and a panel of experts discuss how nature based solutions offer hope in addressing biodiversity loss and climate change.

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Opening Session: 2021 Ontario Biodiversity Summit

Ed Gillespie, Futerra – Pricing Everything, Valuing Nothing?

 

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Ed Gillespie speaking to the 2015 Ontario Biodiversity Summit.

Member Organizations

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Sierra Club Canada
Ontario Woodlot Association
Ontario Fur Managers Federation
Ontario Streams
Forest Gene Conservation Association
Union of Ontario Indians
Trent University
Toronto Zoo
Sustain Ontario
Stewardship Network of Ontario
Ontario Stone Sand and Gravel Association
Ontario Plant Restoration Alliance
Ontario Nature
Ontario Power Generation
Ontario Mining Association
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Ontario Environment Network
Ontario Network for Ecosystem Services
Ontario Land Trust Alliance
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Invasive Species Centre
Government of Ontario
Green Infrastructure Ontario
Forests Canada
Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations
Emerging Leaders for Biodiversity
Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network
Biodiversity Institute of Ontario
Birds Canada
Carolinian Canada Coalition
Chiefs of Ontario
Conservation Ontario
Ducks Unlimited Canada
EcoHealth Ontario

About this site

Strategic Directions

Empower People
Reduce Threats
Enhance Resilience
Improve Knowledge
Transform Investments
Biodiversity And The Economy

About The Strategy

Urgency To Act
Supporting National And International Efforts
Measuring Progress
About The Ontario Biodiversity Council
What's Next

What Is Biodiversity

Glossary
SPOTLIGHT
CONTACT US

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