New Brunswick is rich with life. Situated on the eastern edge of the continent, about halfway between the equator and the North Pole, ocean and land come together, influenced by conditions to the north and south. Several large ecosystems (marine, boreal, and temperate) come together here resulting in a very diverse ecological composition. There is also a long history of human land use across the landscape. Together, human, and natural factors define the variety of life occurring in New Brunswick. Approximately 30,000 species are estimated to live here (not including bacteria and viruses).
The Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development (DNRED), in collaboration with the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre and local experts, assesses the conservation status of New Brunswick species; to date, over 9,300 species have been assessed. Biodiversity considerations factor prominently into forest management plans, environmental impact assessments, and other land-use planning processes. Conservation action occurs with local partners, federal agencies, and natural resource industries to ensure that the province’s resources are used responsibly, sustainably, and biodiversity is maintained for future generations.