Data was collected between Fall 2012 and Spring 2013. Participation in the survey was limited to Canadian adults age 18 and over. Over 24,000 responses were received.
The survey results improve our understanding of the importance of nature and biodiversity to Canadians by measuring their awareness of nature-related concepts and their participation and investments in a wide range of nature-based activities.
Here are just a few highlights from the report:
- More than two-thirds of Canadian adults (70%) chose to spend time outdoors in the last year in order to experience nature, and almost half of Canadian adults travelled to experience more nature (47%).
- Awareness of the terms "species at risk", "biodiversity", and "ecosystem services" was consistently high in every province and territory.
- 89% of Canadian adults participated in at least one of over 30 different nature-based activities, with the most popular being picnicking or relaxing in nature (71% nationally), followed by reading or viewing nature media (66%); hiking, climbing, horseback riding (64%); and gardening or landscaping with plants (51%).
- 13% of Canadian adults volunteered in nature conservation away from their homes during an average of 31 days per year.
- 4.6 million Canadians (almost 19% of all adults) gave money for donations or membership dues to nature or conservation organizations.
- Over all, Canadian adults made an estimated $41.3 billion (Cdn) in expenditures for nature-based activities in the 12 months prior to completing the survey, with the greatest amount dedicated to non-motorized, non-consumptive activities.
More information and access to the Report: Canadian Nature Survey | biodivcanada (chm-cbd.net)