A Call for Action
Saving wetlands is Canada’s unique and urgent responsibility. Canadians hold the fate of one of the world’s most important ecosystems in our hands. Wetlands are a biological resource akin to rainforests and coral reefs. They teem with life and provide a host of powerful environmental benefits.
As a primary keeper of these precious natural areas, Canada has a critical role to play in determining whether they flourish or fade away.
Our work for ducks creates a swell of significant benefits that flow to all Canadians. They include clean air and clean water. Lush green landscapes and lucrative green jobs. Natural infrastructure projects that safeguard our communities and sustainable practices that empower industries, developers and agricultural producers. Conserving the habitat that keeps ducks flying strong supports the environment and the economy in real and powerful ways. This is the ripple effect.
Our Response
Nation-wide Conservation Results
Ducks Unlimited Canada’s progress toward a healthy and resilient natural world.
We’re creating a path toward a sustainable future. It’s a path that’s connecting landscapes from coast to coast to coast with healthy wetlands and clean water. Our conservation results are a testament to the commitment of our supporters, the effectiveness of our programs and the passion that fuels our efforts every day.
11,299 Habitat Projects
6.5 million Acres Conserved & Restored
190.6 million Acres Influenced
As of March 31, 2020; cumulative
| Annual Conservation Progress and Planning | 2020 Goals | 2020 Results | 2019 Results | 2018 Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Habitat acres conserved | 89,875 | 108,274 | 98,766 | 105,902 |
| (includes acres restored) | 45,545 | 62,467 | 51,187 | 48,442 |
| Habitat acres influenced | 4 million | 24 million | 26.2 million | 5.2 million |
Conserved Areas
DUC is directly protecting through habitat programs such as land purchases, management agreements and conservation easements.
Restored Areas
Previously lost or degraded, now returned to their natural state and protected by DUC conservation work.
Influenced Areas
DUC is impacting through partnerships and policy work. A parcel of land that DUC is responsible for protecting and managing.
Environmental benefits
Economic benefits you can take from the bulrushes to the bank
The wetlands DUC saves aren’t just for ducks. They’re for all of us. These ecosystems are some of the most valuable natural resources, proving why putting your money where nature is makes (dollars and) sense. The total economic value of the 6.5 million acres (2.6 million hectares) of habitat under DUC’s care is $5.4 billion.
$244.3 million Nature-related recreation and tourism
$90.3 million
Gross Domestic Product
(includes business profits and employment salaries)
$5.1 billion Environmental benefits
Our conservation community
A place where you belong.
DUC’s conservation community is made up of committed fundraisers, generous donors, passionate brand ambassadors and inspiring community leaders who bring our work to life.
DUC’S CONSERVATION COMMUNITY STANDS 111,025 STRONG.
Here is a closer look at what some of these key ambassadors are doing:
- 18,279 members take action to support our mission.
- 5,236 volunteers raise funds and awareness for wetland conservation.
- 18,894 landowners protect vital habitat on their properties.
- 386 staff members work to advance conservation every day.
- 44,810 event attendees participate in fundraising activities in their communities.
Our Financial Commitment
Making the most of every charitable dollar is a responsibility we take seriously.
By directing funds in ways that produce the greatest conservation impact, every DUC donor can take pride in knowing that they’re making a difference in their backyard — and beyond. Our goal is to invest 80 per cent of our expenditures in habitat conservation annually. In the 2020 fiscal year, DUC invested 82 per cent in habitat conservation.
| Uses of Funds (millions) | 2020 Goals | 2020 Results | 2019 Results | 2018 Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation (includes capitalized land purchases) | $78.0 82% investment | $74.0 82% investment | $79.8 81% investment | $78.7 81% investment |
| Fundraising | $9.8 | $10.2 | $12.9 | $13.2 |
| Administration | $10.0 | $6.5 | $6.3 | $5.9 |
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2021
DUC is planning to realize $80.6 million in gross revenue. Note: This is an adjusted goal due to the impacts of COVID-19.
| Sources of Revenue (millions) | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Grants | $42.1 | $39.3 | $48.5 |
| Fundraising Revenue* | $15.7 | $17.3 | $19.8 |
| Program & Other Revenue | $20.0 | $14.9 | $13.5 |
| Non-Government Partnerships | $10.1 | $11.1 | $11.4 |
| Investment Income (Loss) | ($7.1) | $13.4 | $7.4 |