As communities strive to build climate resilience and reverse the trend of biodiversity loss, demand for readily available, ecologically appropriate native seed and plants continues to increase dramatically.
Earlier this week, Carolinian Canada presents a new strategy as a regional solution to address the crises of climate change and biodiversity loss in southern Ontario.
Southern Ontario Seed Strategy: Healing the Land in Partnership with Native Plants includes recommendations to increase the quantity and diversity of native seeds in southern Ontario to meet ecological restoration and cultural needs over the next five years and beyond.
The strategy addresses the challenges, gaps, and opportunities to build a robust and ethical supply chain in the region as governments seek to deliver on 2030 biodiversity commitments and goals for climate resilience.
Embedded in the strategy is the importance of grounding the growth of the sector in Indigenous leadership and reconciliation, as Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of the land since time immemorial with strong cultural practices associated with native seeds and plants.
Developed in collaboration with over 100 organizations and individuals, the Southern Ontario Seed Strategy is for all participants in the native plant supply chain, including native plant and seed producers and users/buyers, such as all levels of government, conservation authorities, and non-governmental organizations.
The ability of governments and organizations to achieve goals related to climate resilience, biodiversity, control of invasive species, and expansion of green infrastructure depends on increased investment in the native plant sector.
Carolinian Canada and partners are committed to working toward implementing recommended actions in the strategy to increase restoration capacity in southern Ontario and heal relationships with the land and people. Support for the strategy was provided by the Greenbelt Foundation, Canadian Wildlife Federation, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
More details, here.
