What’s CPAWS

Canada is the second-largest country in the world and is mostly covered by forest, rivers and plains, where hundreds of animals and plants live alongside each other. Did you know that at the end of 2020, only 12.5% of Canada’s natural landscapes were protected? What about the remaining area? CPAWS works hard every day to protect these sites for the benefit of both wildlife and people.

Protecting the environment, an everyday mission

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada’s only nationwide charity dedicated solely to the protection of the public land, ocean and freshwater. They are working to get the government to create more protected natural spaces. Their main goal is to have at least half of Canada’s public land, ocean and inland water protected so that future generations can enjoy Canada’s natural beauty. With this goal in mind, the organization is taking numerous actions to encourage the creation of new parks and protected areas.

From the 1960s to today

Founded in 1963 as the Canadian National and Provincial Parks Association (CNPPA), the organization used the wave of environmental awareness to mobilize citizens. Its goal was to improve the image of Canada’s natural parks, a goal that was achieved in its early years with the establishment of the first-ever guide for use, development and protection of parks in the country.

Thanks in large part to the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, more than half a million square kilometers of Canada’s public land, ocean and inland water are protected.

In the past 50 years, CPAWS has led and participated in several successful conservation projects: in Quebec, where it helped in the creation of Tursujuq National Park, in Nova Scotia, collaborating with the government to create new and expand a number of parks and protected areas across the province, or in the Yukon, to protect 55,858 km² in the Peel River Watershed area, just to name a few.

We can’t stop progress

CPAWS offers recommendations in the effective management of existing parks and protected areas, while continuing its research into innovative conservation solutions. Over the next few years, the organization will need to continue its efforts to achieve its marine protection goals. By 2030, Canada will need to have 30% of its land and ocean protected and be on its way to 50% for 2050.

Working with engaged citizens

Volunteers are actively involved in CPAWS’ activities. The organization has established the Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program for young adults between the age of 18 and 30 to provide them with an educational and rewarding experience. The organization offers each participant in the program the chance to become involved in change through an expedition to an area in need of environmental protection. This opportunity allows them to experience nature, as well as open their minds to the possibilities surrounding the conservation of Canada’s natural areas.

Life Sports Gear and CPAWS

We are committed to protecting the environment, which is why we launched our Green Initiative. We have also released a series of hiking bags inspired by Canada’s national parks to celebrate the beauty of our country. For every bag registered here, we pledge to make a donation to CPAWS to support their activities.

Together we can protect Canada’s natural heritage… one backpack at a time.