Valuing Nature Conservation on Private Land

The Centre for Land Conservation has released new research examining how to accelerate progress toward Canada’s 30×30 conservation target by better recognizing and supporting private landowners’ conservation efforts. This comprehensive report explores the barriers and opportunities for increasing recognition of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) on privately owned lands across southern Canada. 

Through extensive research and direct consultation with woodlot owners, farmers, and agricultural associations, the study reveals that while many private landowners are already managing their lands for long-term biodiversity conservation, significant barriers prevent these areas from being counted toward national conservation goals. The research identifies key challenges including complex reporting processes, privacy concerns, and misalignment between recognition criteria and landowner values. 

The report presents a detailed analysis of social, financial, and regulatory incentives that could encourage greater participation in conservation programs. From innovative tax mechanisms to community-based monitoring approaches, the findings demonstrate how targeted incentives—designed around landowner priorities of autonomy, economic stability, and trust—can unlock broader participation in Canada’s conservation network. 

This research provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, conservation organizations, and landowners seeking to bridge the gap between conservation action on the ground and national reporting systems, ultimately strengthening Canada’s path to achieving its ambitious biodiversity goals.