How has Legislation Shaped the World?

How has Legislation Shaped the World

Canadian Efforts:

Dating back to Confederation, the Fisheries Act was established to manage and protect Canada’s fisheries resources (oceans and inland waters, territorial seas and fishing zones). This act is binding to federal, provincial and territorial governments [10].

Migratory Bird Convention Act (Established 1916)

With over 500 species of migratory birds in Canada the MBCA has taken the responsibility of developing and implementing policies and regulations to ensure the protection of migratory birds, their eggs and their nests [7].

National Parks Act (Established 1930)

Canadian National Parks preserve areas in all 13 Provinces and Territories with the goal to create a system of protected areas with represent the distinct natural regions of the country. Parks Canada (administration), aim to maintain ecological integrity of these natural areas as well as allow the public to explore, learn and enjoy Canada’s natural environment. 36 National Parks and 8 National Park Reserves have been incorporated [14].

Canadian Wildlife Act (Established 1973)

The Canadian Wildlife Act indicates the requirements necessary for a geographic region in Canada to be designated as a National Wildlife Area by the Canadian Wildlife Service division of Environment Canada. Activities which are prohibited in these designated areas (harming protected species of habitat) are also identified in this act. However, land use permits have been appointed if the intended use is compatible with conservation strategies [13].

Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Act (Established 1989)

With an emphasis on scientific research and public input, the WER Act helps preserve wilderness, wildlife and biodiversity for future generations. In Newfoundland and Labrador the ranging caribou herds, diverse seabird colonies, fossil sites and habitats of endangered or threatened plants and animals are protected under this act. “Provisional reserves” are also a strategy in which potential reserves are granted protection while being reviewed as a permanent reserve [15].

Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (Established 1992)

The CEAA has identified the requirements of federal departments, such as Environment Canada, to conduct environmental assessments for proposed projects. The original Act was released in 1992 but was repealed and re-written in 2012. Focuses include ensuring that designated projects are considered and carried out in a careful and precautionary manner to avoid significant adverse environmental effects as well as promote cooperation and coordination between federal and provincial governments [13].

Canadian Ocean Act (Established 1997)

The Canadian Ocean Act, enforced by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, is responsible for the development and implementation of policies and programs which support Canada’s economic, ecological and scientific interests in oceans and inland waters. One of the main goals is to ensure sustainable development and safe use of these waters with a focus on the conservation and allotment of harvest within the salt water fisheries (Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Coasts) as well as inland freshwater fisheries (Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg). Enforcement of this act is incorporated by fisheries officers, fishery guardians and fishery inspectors of the Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian Hydrographic Service [13].

International Efforts:

Convention on Biological Diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity was inspired by the world community's growing commitment to sustainable development. It represents a dramatic step forward in the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources [1].

World Wildlife Fund (Established 1961)

The WWF is a non-government organization which focuses on issues regarding conservation, research and restoration of the environment. As the largest independent conservation foundation, 100 countries (5 million supporters) has been involved in approximately 1,300 conservation and environmental protection projects. Their mission is to “halt and reverse the destruction of our environment” which in turn will aid threatened and endangered species of those habitats [22].

Antarctic Treaty (Established 1961)

The Antarctic Treaty regulates the international relations with respect to Antarctica (the Earth’s only continent without a native human population). This treaty allows Antarctica to be classified as a scientific reserve and allows freedom for scientific investigation, prohibiting military activity in the area as well as prohibitions against mining and other activities which negatively affect the natural habitat and inhabitants [19].

International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (Established 1948)

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the scientific backbone to the global conservation status of biological species. As the World's main authority on the conservation status of species, a series of regional red lists are produced by countries or organizations to assess the risk of extinction to species within a political management unit. The IUCN criteria is scientifically driven and used to evaluate this risk of extinction for thousands of species and subspecies - relevant to all regions of the world [16].

How is it listed?

Species Protection

Flaws of Legislation - SARA

Endangered Species in NL