Week 12 Lecture - Wetland Policy & Protections - Fall24

Ramsar Convention

A global treaty established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

Policy Statement

A non-binding document providing guidance on interpreting and applying laws and regulations, influencing decision-making.

Acts

Laws enacted by the legislature that provide the foundation for legal governance in specific areas.

Regulations

Detailed rules made under the authority of an Act, which are legally binding and enforceable.

No Net Loss Policy

A policy aimed at ensuring that the total area and function of wetlands do not decrease.

Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSWs)

Wetlands determined to be of significant ecological importance and protected from development.

Wetland Conservation Organizations

Groups that work towards the preservation and restoration of wetland habitats, such as Ducks Unlimited.

Environmental Protection Act

An Act that establishes regulations to protect the environment, including wetland areas.

Conservation Authorities Act

An Act allowing local authorities to manage watersheds, including regulations concerning wetland protection.

Wetland Loss

The reduction or degradation of wetland areas due to human activities or environmental changes.

Mitigation Hierarchy

A framework for prioritizing actions to avoid, reduce, and then offset impacts on ecosystems.

Watershed Management

The process of managing the use and development of land and water resources in a watershed.

Global Accord

An international agreement such as the Ramsar Convention that aims to promote environmental conservation globally.

Endangered Species Act

Federal legislation in Canada that protects species at risk and their habitats, including wetland areas.

Biodiversity Offsets

Compensatory measures intended to counterbalance unavoidable losses of biodiversity resulting from development.

Planning Act

An Ontario Act that sets the framework for land use planning and development decisions.

Wetland Inventory

A systematic collection of data and mapping of wetland areas to inform conservation policies and actions.

Ecological Function

The roles that ecosystems play in maintaining environmental quality and supporting species diversity.

Conservation Land Tax Act

Legislation that offers tax incentives for lands dedicated to conservation purposes, including wetlands.

Draining Wetlands

The process of removing water from wetlands for agricultural or development purposes, often leading to habitat loss.

Ramsar Sites

Wetlands designated as being of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Wetland Conservation Strategy 2017-2030

Ontario's initiative aimed at halting wetland loss and enhancing wetland functions by 2030.