Canada’s commitment to protect 30% of its lands and waters in line with the global target being called for in the draft Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (summary review available at https://news.globallandscapesforum.org/54159/whats-on-the-horizon-for-the-upcoming-post-2020-biodiversity-framework/) presents formidable challenges for those engaged in the design, establishment and management of networks of protected and conserved areas across the country.

As an early contribution to assist in this effort the Canadian Council on Ecological Areas (CCEA) has recently issued a new publication Implementing Connectivity Conservation Science in Canada (see accompanying summary, the full report is available at https://ccea-ccae.org/implementing-connectivity-conservation-in-canada/ ). This report provides an overview of many aspects of connectivity science and features presentations of 10 case studies of successful connectivity initiatives by leading practitioners and researchers in different regions of Canada. The report provides concluding recommendations for overcoming barriers to the wider implementation of connectivity science.

Connectivity embraces many ecological functions that are necessary to sustain the biodiversity and ecological integrity in and around protected and conserved areas and intervening lands and waters thereby offering rich opportunities for research in conservation biology and environmental studies. Accordingly, CCEA has issued this year’s Stan Rowe Home Place Graduate Award to Rachel Singleton, Simon Fraser University, to help to support her Master’s work on connectivity as briefly described with the awards program at https://ccea-ccae.org/the-stan-rowe-home-place-graduate-award/ .

For further information, please contact Dr. Christopher Lemieux, Associate Professor and John McMurry Research Chair in Environmental Geography, and CCEA Director, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, email clemieux@wlu.ca. and visit CCEA’s website at www.ccea-ccae.org.