Indicator 14.5.1 Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas

Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Target 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information

Indicator 14.5.1: Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas

This indicator measures the proportion of Canada’s marine area that is conserved. Conserved areas are lands and waters where human use is limited. They include protected areas as well as other effective area-based conservation measures. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)

Land and/or water access and use within protected areas are controlled primarily for the purpose of conserving nature (for example, a park, a conservation area or a wildlife reserve). Other effective area-based conservation measures are also managed over the long term in ways that result in the effective conservation of biodiversity. However, they might have been established for other purposes.

Trends are estimated based on the date a site was established, rather than the date when it was recognized as a Protected Area or other effective area-based conservation measure (OECM). As such, the totals for a previous year may change as data are updated.

Comparisons with previous reports should be made with caution, as data quality and completeness continue to improve. Privately protected land and other effective area-based conservation measures contribute to achievement of Canada’s targets, but many are not yet captured within the database. (ECCC)

The area conserved is estimated by means of a geographical analysis based on reported boundaries, accounting for overlaps. (ECCC)

Data were readily available to report to this indicator as specified by the metadata. Please refer to the sources to access additional information on the metadata or source.