May 22 marks the International Day for Biological Diversity, a global day to celebrate and raise awareness of the incredible variety of our natural world. British Columbia is highly biodiverse, with the highest number of species of any province or territory in Canada. However, of the species that have been assessed by scientists, 43% are on watch lists due to their low or dwindling population. This International Day for Biodiversity, we encourage our supporters to join us in taking action to protect BC’s biodiversity.  

Biodiverse BC

More than 50,000 species call British Columbia home. Of that, 76 species are provincially endemic, meaning they are only found in the province and nowhere else in the world. These species include vascular plants, invertebrates, mammals and birds. Perhaps one of the more well-known species endemic to BC is the Vancouver Island Marmot, one of the world’s rarest mammals. In 2003, there were less than 30 marmots found in the wild. Thanks to recovery efforts, the population has increased to around 250, but the mammal is still federally Endangered and a Priority 1 species in BC. 

Two Vancouver Island Marmots

Many of BC’s native species are under threat due to habitat loss, destruction, and fragmentation, climate change, pollution, and more. With over 40% of BC’s native species being of provincial conservation concern, it is imperative to mitigate the threats to biodiversity and strive to protect wildlife habitat across the province.  

Fittingly, the theme for this year’s International Day for Biodiversity is “From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity.” With the help of our generous supporters, The Nature Trust has conserved over 180,000 acres of land across the province. Protecting habitat is the most effective way to protect biodiversity. As the effects of climate change compound, it is essential to work together as a community to conserve more land at a quicker pace and build back biodiversity.  

The Salmon River Estuary, one of The Nature Trust of BC’s conservation areas.

Take Action on May 22:

This International Day for Biological Diversity, we invite you to join us in taking action to protect BC biodiversity. The success of The Nature Trust of BC relies on supporters like you who are passionate about protecting British Columbia’s natural world.  

Join the movement on social media  

We invite all of our supporters to join the global movement to support biodiversity on social media! Using the hashtag #CelebrateBCsBiodiversity, post your favorite spot or animal in BC on your social media on your story or feed. Don’t forget to tag us so we can share your post! 

Donate to The Nature Trust of BC 

The best way to conserve biodiversity is to protect habitat, and that is precisely what we do at The Nature Trust. In honor of International Day for Biodiversity, consider donating to The Nature Trust of BC to ensure that British Columbia’s most vulnerable ecosystems are protected for generations to come.