How
are IBA sites selected?
Sites
are identified using a set of standardized and internationally
agreed upon criteria that have gained worldwide recognition.
IBAs can be identified under four main categories:
sites regularly holding significant numbers of threatened
species; sites regularly holding endemic species or
species with restricted ranges; sites regularly holding
an assemblage of species largely restricted to a biome
or a unique or threatened community type; and sites
where birds congregate in significant numbers when
breeding, in winter, or during migration. IBAs are
identified according to their significance (based
on specific bird population thresholds) as either
globally, continentally, or nationally significant.
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What
happens after a site has been identified as an IBA?
After
a site has been identified as an IBA, it is added
to a list of IBA sites. Once all of the sites have
been identified, they will be compiled into a directory
of IBAs in Canada (an electronic
directory featuring one page site summaries is
available on the IBA web site). The next step in the
process is to work in partnership with key provincial
and territorial partners and local stakeholders to
determine the type of protection or stewardship required
for individual sites. IBA Community Conservation Planners
across Canada have worked closely with members
of local communities to develop conservation
plans for many IBAs across Canada.
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How
will IBA conservation plans get implemented?
In
most cases, IBA conservation plans will be implemented
by local IBA stakeholder groups at each site. To help
support local IBA initiatives, the CNF and BSC have
developed a new granting program, the IBA Community Action Fund. The Fund's primary
function is to support high priority conservation
initiatives identified in the conservation planning
phase.
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What
are the benefits of the IBA program?
The
identification of important bird habitat is a necessary
first step in establishing habitat-based priorities
in bird conservation. The designation of a network
of sites can help decision-makers focus their efforts
and protect the most critical bird habitat. The program
is inclusive and identifies important sites for all
groups of birds. It integrates aquatic and terrestrial
habitat conservation by protecting seabird, shorebird,
landbird, and waterfowl habitat. Most importantly,
the program is community-driven, and cooperative.
It relies on grassroots involvement to develop and
implement effective conservation plans. The program
will also help generate widespread public awareness
about birds and will help build partnerships at all
levels: international, national, provincial, and local.
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Will
the IBA program protect all species of birds?
No,
the IBA program is site-based and may not be appropriate
for all species. A proportion of Canada's bird species,
because of their dispersed distribution, cannot be
protected fully at any time in their life-cycle by
inclusion within the Important Bird Area network.
It is important to note that the IBA program forms
just part of an integrated approach to bird conservation
and is part of a larger national bird conservation
strategy.
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Will
designation of a site result in legal protection of
the area?
No, there is no legal clout attached
to the IBA designation. However, conservation of certain
sites may require a formal protected area designation.
In other cases, protection may be achieved through
conservation easements, land purchases and voluntary
stewardship initiatives.
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How
does the IBA program link with other bird conservation
initiatives in Canada?
The IBA program complements existing
bird conservation initiatives in Canada, such as the
North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI),
Canadian Shorebird Conservation Plan, Western Hemisphere
Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN), North American
Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP, and Partners in
Flight — Canada. By working cooperatively we
can assist each other in meeting mutual conservation
goals.
-
Join
an IBA stakeholder group
Local individuals and groups can become active stakeholders
in an IBA, contribute to the site's conservation
plan, and get involved in specific conservation
projects.
-
Help
implement an IBA conservation plan
In doing so, you may be eligible for financial support
from the IBA Community Action Fund. The fund offers
matching grants of up to $5,000 to support local
conservation actions for high-priority IBAs.
- Volunteer
at an IBA near you
Participate in a local bird census. Assist a local
land manager. Become an IBA educator and promote
change in policies, attitudes, and actions.
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Who
do I contact to learn more?
To find out more, please contact:
Nature Canada
85 Albert St., Suite 900
Ottawa, ON K1P 6A4
ph: 613-562-3447
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