When there is less diversity in nature, ecosystems become less productive. Species and biological communities have difficulty adapting to change. Economic opportunities and the quality of life of future generations are also put at risk. By protecting nature, we protect ourselves. Nature provides many health benefits to Canadians.
Scientists continue to discover species with the potential to heal.
Almost half the prescription drugs used to treat disease are derived from living organisms. For example, the extract from the Western Yew, a tree found in Canada's Pacific forests, contains a compound known as taxol which is effective in treating cancer. In spite of the number of wildlife species at risk in Canada, we still have one of the best records in the world for species conservation. No known Canadian species has become extinct in the last 10 years, and the health of species such as the Wood Bison and the American White Pelican has significantly improved. The plan helps restore populations of migratory waterfowl and other wetland dependent wildlife across North America through habitat conservation and restoration.