Building on Four Decades of Conservation
The 2024 Update to the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) built on nearly four decades of collaborative conservation efforts among Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Initiated in 1986 to address declining waterfowl populations, the Plan secured millions of acres of habitat through Joint Ventures and Management Units, demonstrating success in restoring wetlands and supporting biodiversity. Signed by high-level officials from each country, this update reviewed progress since the 2012 Revision and the 2018 Update, emphasizing the Plan's role in providing ecosystem benefits such as improved water quality, flood control, and recreational opportunities.
Ongoing Threats and New Strategies
Despite achievements, the update highlighted ongoing threats, including accelerated wetland and grassland losses — such as a 50% increase in U.S. wetland declines from 2009 to 2019 and rapid grassland conversion in the Northern Great Plains. Human activities, agricultural intensification, urban development, and climate change exacerbate these issues, challenging the sustainability of waterfowl habitats. The Plan called for innovative strategies to scale up conservation, including stronger protections, restoration efforts, and communication of multiple benefits to attract new funding and policy support.
Expanding the Partnership
To ensure future success, the update advocated expanding and diversifying partnerships beyond traditional hunters and birders to include Indigenous communities, local governments, farmers, corporations, and others. This broader engagement aims to reverse habitat losses and achieve NAWMP's three core goals:
- abundant waterfowl populations for hunting and other uses;
- sufficient wetlands for wildlife and societal benefits; and
- growing numbers of supporters for conservation.
