When we protect land, water thrives — and so do we
Together, we can conserve an additional one million hectares of nature across Canada by 2030.
Water is more than a resource. It's the pulse of life.
Water flows through every community, every ecosystem, every living being. But what most don’t see is where that life begins: on the land. From mountain forests to coastal wetlands, the landscapes we conserve are natural water systems. These lands absorb rainfall, filter pollutants, maintain groundwater levels, and shield rivers and lakes from erosion and runoff.
But these vital ecosystems are under increasing threat from climate change, extreme weather, pollution and rapid development.
The land that protects Canada’s water is under threat — putting our health and way of life at risk.
Healthy watersheds, wetlands and shorelines protect our families and communities from catastrophic flooding and drought. Water is central to many Indigenous Peoples’ identity, language and relationships. It is essential for industry in Canada to operate — from agriculture to fisheries to manufacturing. Access to clean water enriches our lives through recreation and bolsters our physical and mental health.
Wetlands are being paved over, natural shorelines are being altered forever and invasive species are disrupting delicate ecosystems. When we lose these landscapes, we lose nature’s ability to filter and store water. This destabilizes nature’s resilience and puts species, communities and economies at risk.
Canada boasts more than 60 per cent of the world's freshwater lakes.
One quarter of the world's wetlands are in Canada.
Canada is home to one third of the world's coastlines.
You can protect the land that keeps water flowing.
Give today to protect land and water across Canada, for the benefit of all life on Earth. Your donation will protect our water sources, our communities and our way of life.
Together, we will conserve an additional one million hectares of nature across Canada by 2030. Please give today.
Your philanthropy at work
NCC has hundreds of active and prospective conservation projects at any given time. Your gift or pledge will protect, restore and care for wetlands, lakes, rivers and shorelines at the scale needed to create resilient landscapes.
Wetlands: Safeguarding nature’s filters
One quarter of the world’s total wetlands are right here in Canada, covering 1.5 million square kilometres. Serving as sponges and filters, wetlands hold hidden power and are vital for water storage and flood control. For every $1 spent to conserve wetlands, we save more than $3 in flood control.
Minesing Wetlands, Ontario
A meeting place of many watercourses that flow out into Georgian Bay, the species-rich Minesing Wetlands provide flood control, water filtration, fish habitat and recreational opportunities. Together, NCC and our partners have protected more than 5,400 hectares — more than 83 per cent — of these globally significant wetlands. This is the only known home in Canada of the beautiful, elusive and endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly.
Freshwater: Critical protection for rivers, lakes and watersheds
Fresh water is one of the most precious resources on the planet. Canada boasts more than 60 per cent of the world’s freshwater lakes and seven per cent of the planet’s renewable freshwater resources. Our fresh water is under constant threat from altered and damaged landscapes, climate change, extreme weather, pollution and invasive species.
Carey Island, British Columbia
More than 90 per cent of the lower Fraser River has been modified, leaving very little spawning and rearing habitat for aquatic species like salmon. In collaboration with the Pelólxw Tribe, NCC is enhancing the Carey Island’s fish-friendly shorelines and channels and amplifying collective conservation initiatives throughout this crucial area.
Coastal shoreline: Where land meets ocean
Canada is home to one third of the world’s coastlines, giving us a conservation opportunity of global significance. But these coastlines are under intense threat from erosion, habitat destruction, pollution and climate change. By conserving coastal shorelines, salt marshes, estuaries and dunes, you protect properties from erosion, storm surge and flooding, and protect fish nursery habitat.
Musquash Estuary, New Brunswick
At NCC’s 2,300-hectare Musquash Estuary Nature Reserve, a magnificent river winds through forests and vast marshes to meet the world’s highest tides. Its mud flats, salt marshes, freshwater bogs and forests all support unique plants, animals and marine life, from bobcats and harbour seals to peregrine falcons and semipalmated sandpipers. NCC is working with partners to conserve more of the surrounding land to protect both wildlife and the water owing into the estuary.