The IBA Program The Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas Program took root in Canada in 1996 with a five-year effort that focused on site identification and designation. As part of this first phase, nearly 600 IBAs were designated across every province and territory using an internationally established, science-based approach.  Subsequently, provincial nature federation groups were engaged to coordinate the development of conservation plans for selected IBAs and to lead local conservation activities. The Government of Canada was a critical partner in these early years, providing generous financial support through its Millennium Fund program. Environment Canada provided strong in-kind support in a science advisory role and through the provision of migratory bird data. The current focus of the program is to: reinvigorate the IBA Program nationally and regionally develop a national Caretaker Network to engage citizens in conservation actions at IBAs develop monitoring protocols and systems to report on bird populations at IBAs encourage decision makers to consider IBAs in planning and regulatory processes Learn more about the IBA Agenda or download a printable brochure (6 MB PDF) Please join us in making the IBA Program a resounding success!
	Great Egret Photo: © iStock Photo Restoring and protecting - one beach at a time Photo: © Margaret Cuthbert

The IBA Program is an international conservation initiative coordinated by BirdLife International. The Canadian co-partners for the IBA Program are Birds Canada and Nature Canada.