It’s Time to Protect What Protects Us.

Dear Larry,

Over the past few weeks, the wildfires that forced evacuations across Manitoba have eased, and many communities are finally welcoming their people back home. While the smoky skies are clearing, the fires have left a vivid reminder that the climate crisis is no theoretical threat.  It’s already reshaping lives and landscapes here in Manitoba. 

Yet even as we breathe a collective sigh of relief, the province is pressing ahead with the prospect of a pipeline partnership with Alberta that would deepen our dependence on fossil fuels instead of charting a safer, nature-first path forward.

That’s why now, more than ever, we need a Plan for Nature.

The Missing Piece: A Plan to Protect Our Lands and Waters

Summer in Manitoba is a time of abundance. Green forests, flowing rivers, singing birds, and families heading outdoors to hike, paddle, and reconnect with nature.

But amid all this renewal, one thing is missing: a coordinated provincial strategy to conserve the very landscapes we love and depend on.

The Manitoba government has plans for housing, healthcare, childcare, critical minerals, and more. But for nature? Nothing. No plan.

There have been encouraging steps, like supporting the Seal River Watershed Indigenous Protected Area initiative, but isolated wins won’t get us where we need to go.

We need a bold, cohesive plan to reach Manitoba’s commitment to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030 (30x30). A plan rooted in science, Indigenous leadership, and meaningful action, not just promises.

"We wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint or a bridge without an engineering plan. And yet, when it comes to protecting the ecosystems that sustain us, Manitoba still lacks a coordinated, long-term plan.”

Nature is Our Foundation

Nature isn’t a luxury. It’s a life-support system.

Manitoba’s lands and waters filter our drinking water, regulate our climate, grow our food, and protect our communities from floods and fires. When we fail to protect nature, we risk everything.

A comprehensive conservation plan is essential to ensure future generations can enjoy clean water, thriving wildlife, and the outdoor traditions that define who we are.

A Powerful Climate Solution Right in Our Backyard

The newly released Hudson Bay Lowlands Ecosystem Valuation confirms what many have long known: the Hudson Bay Lowlands is one of Canada’s most powerful natural climate solutions.

Commissioned by CPAWS Manitoba and authored by the Manitoba based International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), the report reveals that the Hudson Bay Lowlands:

• Provide nearly $250 million/year in ecosystem services, including hunting, tourism, and mental health benefits
  

• Store an estimated 7 billion tonnes of carbon with a global carbon storage value of over $1.2 trillion

This intact wilderness, covering nearly 10% of Manitoba, is ecologically and culturally vital. Five Indigenous Nations are working together here to establish a large Indigenous Protected Area to safeguard its waters, wildlife, and way of life for future generations.

This is exactly the kind of initiative a Manitoba conservation plan should support and build upon.

How You Can Stay Involved

You’ve already shown that you care about Manitoba’s natural places, and we truly appreciate your support. If you’d like to help keep the momentum going, here are a few easy ways to stay engaged:

• Stay informed by following along with our updates and sharing information with your community.

• Join the conversation on social media—liking, sharing, and commenting can help spread the word.

We’re in this together, and we’re so glad you’re with us. If you have any questions, thoughts, or just want to share a favourite outdoor memory,
we’d love to hear from you!

Protecting What Makes Manitoba Special

CPAWS Manitoba is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting Manitoba’s lands and waters for future generations. Built right here in Manitoba, we are an independent, consensus-based organization.

Our work is made possible through a variety of grants, primarily from foundations, as well as individual donations. In Manitoba, government support makes up just 15% of our funding, with only 7% coming from federal sources. Our financials and impact reports are publicly available to ensure transparency.

As Manitobans, we live, work, and play here. We are committed to safeguarding the wild spaces that make our province unique. Our passion for conservation drives us to collaborate with communities, Indigenous Nations, and all levels of government to protect nature now and for future generations.