Healthy, thriving ecosystems are vital for the sustainability of our environment. They are home to countless species and diverse plant life that, together, offer clean air, clean water, and natural spaces for both outdoor adventure and quiet reflection. We must work to protect these areas and, in so doing, reap the direct and indirect benefits they so graciously offer.
Protection Goals
Protection Goals
Although Nova Scotia can boast a historic rate of progress on the designation of protected areas, we must be vigilant about reaching our target goals including:
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Protecting at least 20 per cent of land and water mass in Nova Scotia.
With limited Crown land, our provincial designation targets are lower than the target established nationally and internationally.
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Protecting 30 per cent of lands and oceans by 2030.
Protected areas are essential to addressing the twin existential threats of biodiversity collapse and the climate crisis. Using this as our guide, we will continue to advocate for the successful meeting of these targets.
Top Sites in the Province & in HRM
Top Sites in the Province & in HRM
We are committed to advocating for the protection of the remaining sites identified in Our Parks and Protected Areas: A Plan for Nova Scotia. While Nova Scotia has made considerable progress on this plan, more than 70 sites are not fully protected.
Simultaneous to our provincial endeavors, is our advocacy for the protection of three parks located within Halifax Regional Municipality:
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Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes
Made up of native Acadian forests, wetlands, and an interconnected system of headwater lakes, this urban park offers a world-class experience for residents and visitors. It was one of four sites shortlisted across Canada for potential designation as a National Urban Park. Read more about Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes here.
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Sandy Lake – Sackville River Regional Park
Covering approximately 1,800 acres of land and water, this diverse landscape has long been considered unique. It hosts an outstanding number of birds species, offers habitat connectivity and a wildlife corridor, and its location provides easy access to nature for residents and visitors. This area requires protection to allow it to thrive as a wild space.
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Halifax Backlands
This area encompasses close to 1,350 hectares of a rare ecosystem that is the key to securing urban green spaces in Halifax Regional Municipality. Protecting this area is an investment in water quality and recreational opportunities.
All three of these sites are vital components of The Halifax Green Network Plan. By working with the community, engaging in the regional planning process, and delivering educational initiatives, the EAC is making its voice heard and its research count.