Our mission
CPAWS envisages a healthy ecosphere where people experience and respect natural ecosystems. We will achieve this by:
- protecting Canada's wild ecosystems in parks, wilderness and similar natural areas, preserving the full diversity of habitats and their species
- promoting awareness and understanding of ecological principles and the inherent values of wilderness through education, appreciation and experience
- encouraging individual action to accomplish these goals; working co-operatively with government, First Nations, business, other organizations and individuals in a consensus-seeking manner, wherever possible
Our vision
CPAWS believes that by ensuring the health of the parts, we ensure the health of the whole, which is our health too. Canada, home to one-quarter of the world's remaining wilderness forests, stands out as a beacon of hope for conservation in a time of enormous change.
The next 10 years are a critical time for us to act, before industrial development forecloses the chance to protect some of the last great forests and fresh water and marine ecosystems on earth. We have the amazing opportunity to protect at least 50% or more of our remaining wilderness, including our Boreal Forest region.
CPAWS' vision is that Canada will lead by example through conserving large landscapes and waterscapes within our own borders and oceans. Our vision is that Canada will maintain pristine lakes, vast caribou herds and abundant wild salmon; that we will share the land with magnificent predators like grizzly bears and wolves; that we will nourish the land ethic of Canadian cultures; and that we will continue to enjoy the beauty of nearby natural landscapes in our daily lives.
Read our full conservation vision (PDF)