Canadian Wildlife Federation advocates for nature as essential infrastructure

The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is calling for a policy shift to recognize natural ecosystems as essential infrastructure within Canada’s national planning framework. The organization contends that functional landscapes, such as wetlands and forests, provide tangible utility—including flood mitigation and water purification—that rivals traditional built structures.

As climate change increases the frequency of severe weather events, CWF suggests that relying solely on physical engineering is insufficient. Investing in nature is presented as a cost-effective strategy to protect communities and economic assets from environmental volatility.

This proposal aligns with broader academic and policy debates regarding the economic valuation of nature. Experts suggest that integrating biological assets into infrastructure mandates requires significant updates to fiscal policy and government procurement processes.