Ecological Connectivity

The 40th Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (2016) passed RESOLUTION 40-3 – RESOLUTION ON ECOLOGICAL CONNECTIVITY, ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE, AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION.

The NEG/ECP recognizes that enhancing ecological connectivity helps create resilient and adaptable ecosystems and communities in the face of climate change. The objectives of Resolution 40-3 aim for broad-scale restoration and maintenance of ecological connectivity through cross-border project.

The NEG/ECP recommends that the Committee on the Environment forms a working group at the 44th Annual NEG/ECP Conference in 2020. This working group should coordinate ecological connectivity efforts and report to the NEG/ECP on a 2-year minimum basis with updates on current and planned activities that progress the objectives of Resolution 40-3.  

The Government of Nova Scotia has begun coordinating ecological connectivity projects within the provincial borders and beyond. The NS Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (DLF) has made ecological connectivity a priority within their agenda and to-date has engaged with other departments, municipalities, the Government of Canada, Mi'kmaq communities, environmental NGO’s, and the forest industry. This engagement of stakeholders by DLF is a step towards improving relationships to foster stronger partnerships that will help achieve ecological connectivity goals for the province.

Nova Scotia’s NEG/ECP Ecological Connectivity Working Group Representatives:

Mr. Bruce Stewart, Manager of Forest Planning and Research
Dr. Peter Bush, Provincial Landscape Ecologist

Current & Past Work

Forest Connectivity in Nova Scotia
Research Report produced by Dalhousie University in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables.

Forest Connectivity in Nova Scotia (PDF)

ecologicalconnectivity.com

The NS Department of Natural Resources and Renewables is populating the NEG/ECP ecological connectivity website with completed and on-going projects based in Nova Scotia. The website is a knowledge-sharing platform to bridge the gap between government, academic, and NGO research communication. By compiling projects that have incorporated connectivity on all scales across eastern Canada and the United States, this website acts as a hub for connectivity information and data sharing, as well as a platform for fostering new partnerships.  . 

https://ecologicalconnectivity.com/

Provincial Ecological Connectivity Network

A Nova Scotia Network for ecological connectivity  has been established to share current information on regional ecological connectivity projects and research. Network members represent federal, provincial, and municipal governments as well as industry, environmental NGO’s and university researchers. The members are actively involved in advancing the NEG/ECP goals on ecological connectivity by way of this network. For more information on the Nova Scotia Network for Ecological Connectivity, please email Peter Bush at peter.bush@novascotia.ca.

Canadian Maritime Ecological Connectivity Forum

The Government of Nova Scotia partnered with Dalhousie University, the Government of Prince Edward Island, and the Government of New Brunswick to organize the first Canadian Maritimes Ecological Connectivity Forum on April 24-25, 2019. The CMEC forum brought together leaders in the science of ecological connectivity to share information and best practices, and promoted collaboration both between and within the Maritime Provinces to advance connectivity agendas.

Canadian Maritime Ecological Connectivity Forum Summary (PDF)