Co-ordination will be required to promote the effective implementation of national and international elements of the Strategy. The extent, manner and timing of implementation will depend on an evolving understanding of how ecosystems function and the effects of human activity on these ecosystems. The Strategy may also serve as a guide to local and indigenous communities, city and regional governments, business and industry, ecology groups, educational and scientific establishments, and interested citizens in general. Conserving biodiversity and making sustainable use of biological resources must be seen as objectives to be pursued in tandem with social and economic goals. If we are to safeguard our natural heritage for future generations, we must take decisions that consider not only our own needs, but also those of our children and their descendants.
Biodiversity has ecological, economic, social, cultural and intrinsic values.
All Canadians depend on biodiversity and have a responsibility to contribute to biodiversity conservation and to use biological resources in a sustainable manner. All Canadians should be encouraged to understand and appreciate the value of biodiversity and to participate in decisions involving the use of our air, water, land and other resources. An ecological approach to resource management is central to conserving biodiversity and using our biological resources in a sustainable manner. Development decisions must reflect ecological, economic, social and cultural values. Healthy, evolving ecosystems and the maintenance of natural processes are requisites for the in situ conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of biological resources.