Reflecting North America
Growing a Broader Conservation Community
Consistent with its fundamental goal to grow and diversify its support base (NAWMP 2012), the NAWMP must seek to inspire and support the conservation community as it embraces the richness of diverse cultures, individuals, experiences and perspectives. The NAWMP encourages efforts at all levels to grow and engage a diverse suite of practitioners, partners and supporters that will increase the relevance of the NAWMP to the broader communities within which it works. Ultimately, the NAWMP should aspire to reflect the diversity of people in North America. This is another element of the strategy of expanding NAWMP supporters and partners by communicating the multiple benefits the NAWMP provides to the communities and landscapes within which it conserves waterfowl and their habitats.
Opening the Door
Engaging New Partners and Communities
There are opportunities to gain experience and diversify NAWMP practitioners, supporters and partners by engaging and collaborating with culturally diverse and community-based organizations in conservation planning and delivery. Community outreach can be expanded to groups that have been outside the historical conservation community. Ultimately, the success of the NAWMP in sustaining waterfowl populations depends on including and engaging all people who share landscapes with waterfowl. It is crucial to connect with those who value not only waterfowl but also the multiple benefits provided by waterfowl habitats. JVs and Flyways will play a critical role in this outreach because important audiences will vary geographically.
Indigenous-Led Conservation Areas in the Canadian Boreal Forest
Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) are places where Indigenous governments have the primary role in protecting and conserving lands and waters for future generations. Indigenous governments may work with national and territorial governments, non-governmental organizations, local stewards and interested parties to identify and secure important conservation areas, including those that contain waterfowl habitats. Ducks Unlimited Canada, through its National Boreal Program, currently is working with the Deninu Kųę́ First Nation and the Fort Resolution Métis Government in the Northwest Territories in their efforts to establish an IPCA in the Slave River Delta and Taltson watershed, a NAWMP priority area in the Prairie Habitat Joint Venture's Western Boreal Forest region. Once complete, this IPCA will span hundreds of thousands of acres and include breeding habitat for green-winged teal, mallard, scaup and other waterfowl, as well as many waterbirds, shorebirds and landbirds.
