Out today, first-of-its-kind research — co-authored by Y2Y's @Aerin_J — maps out Canada’s most important spots for freshwater, recreation and carbon storage, providing an important tool for conservation decisions.
Our release: https://y2y.net/blog/new-research-identifies-places-that-protect-benefits-people-get-from-nature/

This new research shows that some of the most critical areas where people benefit from nature do not occur within currently protected areas and may be threatened by current and future natural resource extraction.

Photo: N Raynolds

“Most research that studies the benefits people get from nature only evaluates where nature has the potential to produce these benefits. Because our work also models and maps human access and demand, we identify where people actually receive these benefits," says @MGEMitchell.

Think of some of the ways you rely on nature daily: the water you drink, how your food grows, fresh air, mental and physical well-being.

Researchers mapped three key benefits: climate regulation, freshwater, and nature-based outdoor recreation. https://forbasin.forestry.ubc.ca/ES_CAN/ 

“Canada is grappling with where and how to protect nature," says @Aerin_J, co-author and Y2Y's conservation scientist. "Governments at all levels need to make smart decisions and use information like this to ensure that people and nature can thrive."

Photo: Aerin Jacob

Read the study in @IOPenvironment from Y2Y, @UBC, @Carleton_U @mcgillu
https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/abc121

In Canada? Explore the tool to see ecosystem services hot spots near you
https://forbasin.forestry.ubc.ca/ES_CAN/