Wetlands and peatlands have various meanings to people in Canada not so much because it is a matter of scientific dispute but more so because of the wide range of wetlands. In general, they literally refer to lands that are wet for prolonged periods of time and this is reflected in the development of particular soil, fauna and vegetation types. Historically, Canada had an abundance of wetlands and peatlands, then due to the impacts of changes/pressures such as urban development, increased population, land use/development, resource development/extraction, etc., in southern Canada especially, there are currently fewer wetlands remaining. To conserve and protect the wetlands and peatlands that remain, regular and careful monitoring and reporting as well as planning practices will be required.

Why should we care about the status of wetlands and peatlands in Canada? Wetlands and peatlands are special habitats and ecosystems throughout Canada. Their biodiversity is striking, ranging across arctic and temperate regions. For a vast array of wildlife species in particular as well as for people, they provide critical places that are fundamental in sustaining life and ecological services. Unlike other ecosystems (i.e. forests, grasslands), wetlands and peatlands occur all over Canada’s immense land mass and along its vast fresh and saltwater shorelines. Wetlands are typically the biological reservoirs in grassland, forested and arctic landscapes, and coastal areas, hosting and sustaining many of the country’s natural assets such as plants, birds, insects, and mammals. Just as important, they sustain the mainstay physical resources, such as water and soils. In an overarching capacity, the combined biophysical properties of wetlands are the life networks, homes and for many wildlife species. 

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