Biodiversity Outcomes Framework
Biodiversity Outcomes Framework
Canada's Biodiversity Outcomes Framework was approved by Ministers responsible for Environment, Forests, Parks, Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Wildlife in October 2006. The intent of the Framework is to influence and connect biodiversity-related work across Canada, to aid monitoring and reporting on progress, and assist governments in more directly engaging Canadians in conservation planning, implementation and reporting. [1]
Vision and Mission of the Framework
The 1995 Canadian Biodiversity Strategy provided the Biodiversity Outcomes Framework with this Vision: A society that lives and develops as part of nature, values the diversity of life, takes no more than can be replenished and leaves to future generations a nurturing and dynamic world, rich in biodiversity.
Mission of the Framework: Working together to sustain Canada’s natural assets and enrich the lives of Canadians.
Elements of the Framework
The Framework focuses on the "What" "Why" and "How" aspects of four biodiversity outcomes:
What and Why elements:
Healthy and Diverse Ecosystems reduce human impacts, restore damaged ecosystems, enhance the productivity and resilience of our ecosystems, and preserve the goods and services essential to our well-being. We need healthy, diverse ecosystems to enjoy clean air, water and soil, and other ecological services essential for human well-being.
Viable Populations of Species maintain the structure and function of ecosystems. Conservation at the ecosystem level sustains most native species, but special efforts are needed for some. A viable complement of native species is required to sustain yields of food and fibre, and to provide cultural, aesthetic, spiritual and recreational values.
Genetic Resources and Adaptive Potential is nature’s insurance policy. Genetic diversity helps assure ecological resilience and creates options for future innovation. As a result, new food varieties, pharmaceuticals, bioenergy can be produced, production is increased, and resistance to pest and disease is strengthened.
Sustainable Use of Biological Resources including production and consumption of natural resources helps assure stable jobs, traditional lifestyles, long-term food security and human health. Sustainable use allows for healthy and prosperous communities, sustainable livelihoods, and traditional lifestyles.
How: The Biodiversity Outcomes Framework outlines the use of an adaptive management approach to address how biodiversity targets can be attained. Components of this approach include:
- Assess - Research and information support planning and decision-making
- Plan - Biodiversity outcomes integrated into land, water and resource management plans in a participatory manner
- Do - Informed and enabled implementation
- Track - Monitoring and reporting systems support continuous improvement
A Commitment to Engage Canadians
The goal of the Biodiversity Outcomes Framework is to move toward direct engagement of Canadians by providing an opportunity to:
- develop a deeper understanding of the value of biodiversity and the role that natural systems play in keeping our communities safe and healthy, sustaining jobs and traditional lifestyles, and creating options and opportunities for the future.
- receive and access information on the state of Canada’s forests, farmlands, oceans, inland waters and arctic ecosystems.
- become partners in developing and achieving the long-term vision and goals for the natural communities that keep this country healthy and prosperous.