A Home for Nature: Protected Areas Planning

Proposed Cape Norman Ecological Reserve, showing limestone barrens with blue sky and ocean in the background
Proposed Cape Norman Ecological Reserve (Erika Pittman)

For many residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, safeguarding our natural landscapes is deeply rooted in our values. These spaces hold a special significance, providing opportunities for enjoyment, learning, and nurturing our rich natural and cultural heritage.

The protection of our wild spaces is not only instinctive but also essential. Protected areas serve a crucial purpose in conserving the biodiversity of Newfoundland and Labrador.

As of 2023, 6.9% of Newfoundland and Labrador is under protection. We’re actively working to expand this protection to preserve more wilderness and species.

Proposed Ecological Reserves

Conne River North proposed ecological reserve wetlands
Conne River North Proposed Ecological Reserve (Dru Kennedy)

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has asked the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council (WERAC) to engage the public on ten proposed new protected areas and make recommendations on whether to proceed with interim protection on these sites. These areas include nine sites described in the Home For Nature report: Ripple Pond; Halls Gullies; Cape Norman; Watts Point Extension; Facheaux Bay; Conne River North; Stony Lake; Rodney Pond; and Cape St. George; and a tenth publicly proposed site, Indian Arm Brook.

For more information on proposed ecological reserves, please contact WERAC or the Natural Areas Program.

 

Resources

The cover of the document 'A Home for Nature: Protected Areas Plan for the Island of Newfoundland'

A Home for Nature: Protected Areas Plan for the Island of Newfoundland

In 2020, WERAC released the draft Protected Areas Plan for the Island of Newfoundland for public review. Read the Protected Areas Plan and  WERAC’s What We Heard document, which summarizes public comments on the plan.

 The cover of the document 'Building a Foundation for a Home for Nature: WERAC Recommendations Report on the Protected Areas Plan for the Island of Newfoundland'

WERAC Recommendation Report: Foundation for a Home for Nature

WERAC submitted a Recommendation Report to government on the Protected Areas Plan that outlines recommendations for building a comprehensive network of protected areas for the province. Review the 2021 report here.

 
The cover of the document 'Labrador Nature Atlas: Volume one'

Labrador Conservation Planning

Natural region mapping has been updated for Labrador, as a key step in land-use planning for the Big Land.

 The cover of the document 'Newfoundland and Labrador Human Footprint: A Snapshot of Human Influence on the Landscape'

Additional Resources

Keen to learn more about land use considerations? This section provides additional information that helps in protected areas planning.

GIS Data

Download GIS Data for existing and proposed protected areas in Newfoundland and Labrador.