Robust information is essential for managing and conserving biodiversity. The following links provide access to some of the most up to date and comprehensive sources of data and information on Canada’s biodiversity and conservation efforts as well as several links to international information sources.
Agriculture and agri-food Canada research centres and collections
Agriculture and agri-food Canada scientists maintain several biological collections and resources including plant and animal genetic collections, climate, soil, and drought resources.
A key source of geographic information the provides a selection of interactive and historical maps and geographical data available for reference or downloading
The Biological Survey of Canada (BSC) is a not-for-profit organization that helps to coordinate scientific research among specialists on the Canadian biota. The BSC network of scientists discovers, synthesizes, and freely shares knowledge about Canada’s biological diversity.
Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility (CBIF)
In support of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), Canada is exploring new ways to improve the organization, exchange, correlation, and availability of primary data on biological species of interest to Canadians. By enhancing access to these data, CBIF provides a valuable resource that supports a wide range of social and economic decisions including efforts to conserve our biodiversity in healthy ecosystems, use our biological resources in sustainable ways, and monitor and control pests and diseases.
Canadian Centre for Climate Services
The Canadian Centre for Climate Services provides access to climate data, tools, and information to support decision-making.
Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators
The Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI) program provides data and information to track Canada's performance on key environmental sustainability issues including climate change and air quality, water quality and availability, and protecting nature.
Canadian National Forest Inventory
The National Forest Inventory (NFI) is being implemented to assess and monitor the extent, state, and sustainable development of Canada's forests in a timely and accurate manner.
Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database
The Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database (CPCAD) contains the most up to date spatial and attribute data on marine and terrestrial protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECM) in Canada.
Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program
The Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program (CBMP) is an international network of scientists, governments, Indigenous organizations and conservation groups working to harmonize and integrate efforts to monitor the Arctic's living resources.
Commission for Environmental Cooperation
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) is a partnership between the Governments of Canada, Mexico, and the United States to facilitate effective cooperation and public participation to conserve, protect and enhance the North American environment in support of sustainable development for the benefit of present and future generations.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada Science
Fisheries and Oceans Canada science programs produce science data, advice, and research about aquatic environments, fish, marine mammals, climate change and hydrography.
Global Biodiversity Information Facility
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) is an international network and data infrastructure funded by the world's governments and aimed at providing anyone, anywhere, open access to data about all types of life on Earth.
Government of Canada Open Data Portal
The Government of Canada’s open data portal consolidates data from across government departments and agencies and makes it available to the public through a single and searchable window, providing access to data that is produced, collected and used by departments and agencies across the federal government.
Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is an independent intergovernmental body established by States to strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, long-term human well-being and sustainable development.
NatureCounts managed by Birds Canada, aims to facilitate the collection, management, analysis and sharing of natural inventory and monitoring data, with a particular focus on birds and other vertebrates such as amphibians, reptiles and bats.
NatureServe Canada provides scientific information about Canada’s species and ecosystems to help guide effective conservation action and natural resource management. NatureServe Canada is a registered charity that functions as a network of provincial and territorial Conservation Data Centres (CDCs) to develop, manage and distribute authoritative information critical to the conservation of Canada’s biodiversity.
Species at Risk Public Registry
The Species at Risk Public Registry provides documents relating to the administration of the Federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) including, for example, species assessments, the General Status of Wildlife Species in Canada report, as well as information about the listing process, on the recovery of species, on permits, agreements and exceptions, and on consultations.