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Conservation Partnerships 
Ducks Unlimited Canada’s conservation success rests not only on members, supporters and staff. DUC relies on like-minded individuals, businesses, governments, agencies and organizations to help conserve wetlands. These Canadian partnerships continue to be essential to effective wetland conservation.
Beyond Canada’s borders, DUC directly benefits from the work of Ducks Unlimited organizations in the United States and Mexico. These Ducks Unlimited organizations generate money for investment in the conservation of wetlands at home and abroad.
In Canada, money is directed to DUC’s key waterfowl breeding areas because of these partnerships. Ultimately, Ducks Unlimited partnerships are improving wetland habitat all across North America for the benefit of waterfowl, other wildlife and people.
NS wetland conservation programs have evolved from an initial focus on the enhancement of large wetlands critical to breeding waterfowl, to a focus on restoring water on the agricultural landscape and protecting key coastal wetlands.
This shift in focus supports an industry move towards environmentally and economically sustainable agriculture practices. This approach has more directly engaged the agriculture sector and will over time result in more waterfowl. These activities will also contribute to the general health of the environment through improvements in water quality.
The conservation of key coastal wetlands has involved a suite of creative programs including an innovative partnership with the NS government called the Owners Unknown Program, which allows DUC to secure coastal habitats where land title has been lost over time. Key activities include a focus on wetland stewardship.
Landowners
DUC wetland conservation programs are dependant on the conservation ethic of landowners. A significant portion of DUC’s wetland conservation programs are on private lands with DUC signing a conservation agreement with lando wners. DUC has currently entered into agreements with 532 conservation-minded landowners in Nova Scotia.
North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP)
The North American waterfowl management plan (NAWMP) was singed in 1986 and represents a collaborative strategy for the conservation and enhancement of waterfowl habitats from Ontario to Newfoundland and Labrador. The goal of the plan was to restore waterfowl populations to levels of the mid 1970’s. The NAWMP enables a flow of resources from the US to Canada for the conservation of critical waterfowl production and staging habitats. Ducks Unlimited Incorporated and individual State partners are able to match US federal dollars 1:1, which then flow to Canada in support of local conservation programs. This partnership has a tremendous impact on DUC’s progress.
Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV)
32,842 ha: Land DUC has conserved in Nova Scotia through EHJV partnerships.
The NAWMP was launched in Atlantic Canada in 1989 with the establishment of the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV). The goal of the EHJV is to protect, restore and enhance wetlands that contribute significantly to waterfowl and other migratory bird populations in the Atlantic flyway. The founding partners include Ducks Unlimited Canada, the individual provinces, Environment Canada, and Wildlife Habitat Canada. Since its inception other partners have been added. Notable new partners include provincial and federal Agriculture departments and the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Government of Canada, Agricultural Policy Framework
The Government of Canada and the provincial and territorial governments are working with the agriculture and agri-food industry and interested Canadians to develop an architecture for agricultural policy for the 21st century. The objective is for Canada to be the world leader in food safety, innovation and environmentally-responsible production. This represents an opportunity to implement wetland and upland conservation programs across the agriculture landscape. DUC has developed these types of projects in the Maritime Provinces.
Nova Scotia, Farm Investment Fund
The Farm Investment Fund supports sustainable growth in Nova Scotia farm businesses by providing public investment for projects that enhance economic viability, farm and food safety and promote environmental stewardship. DUC will offer a suite of 5 programs to farmers through this fund that will improve the wetland habitat and wildlife on their farms. The programs include: farm ponds, wetland restoration, beaver pond management, flushing bars and invasive species control.
Black Duck Joint Venture (BDJV)
There has been international concern over the decline in Black duck populations. This resulted in the NAWMP establishing the Black Duck Joint Venture (BDJV). The mandate of the BDJV is to facilitate and co-ordinate the gathering of information to improve our understanding of the black ducks’ needs that will guide conservation and management decisions.
DUC has been a partner in the BDJV since its inception. Several research projects in Atlantic Canada have involved partnerships with the BDJV. In addition, survey data from the BDJV are critical to DUC’s conservation planning in Atlantic Canada.
Sea Duck Joint Venture (SDJV)
Sea Ducks were given no special considerations in the NAWMP, as in 1986 most populations were thought to be stable. Since 1986, there has been greater focus on Sea Ducks and while this group remains the most poorly understood waterfowl, the view in the conservation community is that 10 of 15 species are in decline. In addition, the Eastern Harlequin duck is listed as a federal species of concern.
In response to this growing concern the SDJV was established in 1998 with a mission of promoting the conservation of North America’s Sea Ducks by providing greater knowledge and understanding of effective management. DU has been a partner since inception.