World Wetlands Day: Why Canada’s boreal wetlands matter to the world

World Wetlands Day: Why the boreal forest in Canada matters for wetlands conservation

For thousands of years, people have lived alongside wetlands, developing knowledge systems that recognize how to live with these landscapes while maintaining their health. Traditional knowledge of Indigenous Peoples continues to guide effective stewardship today.

World Wetlands Day is a moment each year when we all should pause to appreciate clean water, abundant wildlife and the cultural traditions that wetlands sustain.

Why the boreal forest in Canada matters for wetlands conservation

Canada’s boreal region spans nearly 1.3 billion acres and contains some of the largest, most intact wetlands on the planet. These peatlands store immense amounts of carbon, regulate water systems and provide nesting habitat for billions of birds that migrate across continents.

Yet, less than 15 per cent of this region is formally protected.

The boreal holds a quarter of the world’s wetlands, supports one‑third of North America’s waterfowl each breeding season and shelters immense biodiversity. Its peatlands alone store billions of tonnes of carbon, making this region one of our most powerful natural climate solutions on the planet. When we invest in boreal wetlands, we strengthen water security, wildlife populations and climate resilience on a continental scale.

As severe weather events reoccur, Canadians are beginning to understand the value and necessity of large-scale conservation rooted in science, partnership and community resilience. World Wetlands Day marks our renewed commitment to boreal conservation in Canada.

From reflection to action: Conserving boreal wetlands

Our goal is to help ensure the boreal’s long-term health through a balanced approach that combines conservation with sustainable land use.

That’s why we collaborate with partners across government, industry, Indigenous communities and organizations to steward this landscape. Safeguarding large, undisturbed natural areas is essential. At the same time, helping communities and industry apply best practices in managed areas strengthens conservation across the entire region.

Our work is rooted in science and built on collaboration. We share expertise and provide practical tools such as wetland mapping, field guides and best management practices to help partners make informed decisions on the ground. Together, we’re advancing solutions that keep the boreal forest thriving for generations.

How you can help conserve the world’s largest wetland carbon store

World Wetlands Day helps us reflect on how traditional knowledge, science and conservation come together to sustain healthy wetlands. It’s a chance to better understand the North, Canada’s boreal wetlands and their significance for the world.

But reflection alone isn’t enough. Recognizing that wetlands are vital, living systems—shaping our water, climate and communities—sets the stage for the actions we all can take to help conserve them.

“World Wetlands Day is a moment each year when we all should pause to appreciate clean water, abundant wildlife and the cultural traditions that wetlands sustain,” says Pat Kehoe, acting CEO of Ducks Unlimited Canada.

That’s why, on World Wetlands Day, we asked Canadians to turn their awareness into action by supporting our renewed boreal campaign for Canada, for the world.”

Canada’s boreal wetlands are a global asset. On World Wetlands Day, we’re reminded that awareness is only the first step—lasting impact comes from taking action together.

When wetlands thrive, communities and wildlife thrive with them. On World Wetlands Day, Ducks Unlimited Canada brought that message home.