Implementation and evaluation of biodiversity conservation policies in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Okusipe, Obafemi McArthur (2017) Implementation and evaluation of biodiversity conservation policies in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The prevalence and variety of biotic elements, such as flora and fauna and the processes related to them in an environment, may be perceived as a natural occurrence but their sustenance and survival may not entirely be ascribed to natural processes, especially amidst human interactions. Biodiversity loss is a topical issue that has generated concerns over the last few decades leading to the establishment of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) in 1992. The research aimed to provide a framework for assessment which would contribute towards the reduction of biodiversity loss. The research is empirical in nature and adopted secondary data sources. It examined existing biodiversity management policies, particularly local approaches (coordination and monitoring of biodiversity development management), proposed a local biodiversity information system for monitoring and reporting and identified how best practices in the United Kingdom (UK) can be replicated in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), Canada. The research objectives include reviewing NL and Canadian biodiversity strategies, investigating local initiatives and actions for effective local policy coordination (biodiversity mainstreaming) and monitoring (biodiversity profiling) performance and developing a local biodiversity information system. The research identified the main drivers of biodiversity loss, best practices and suggested solutions to biodiversity conservation challenges. The research concluded that the absence of a provincial biodiversity strategy and action plans, the lack of biodiversity policy coordination, monitoring and of a reliable biodiversity information system have resulted in the status and trend of biodiversity loss and inefficient biodiversity conservation in NL.

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