Updating the Canada’s Terrestrial Ecological Framework (CTEF)
NatureServe Canada is leading a four-year initiative (2023-2027) to update and modernize the Canadian Terrestrial Ecological Framework (CTEF).
This initiative, supported by $1.8 million in funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada, along with substantial contributions from provincial and territorial governments, aims to ensure that the framework remains relevant to contemporary conservation and planning needs and supports biodiversity commitments.
What is the CTEF?
The Canadian Terrestrial Ecological Framework (CTEF) is a hierarchical system that classifies Canada's land into ecological units. These range from large areas shaped by climate and landforms, governing broad ecosystems, to smaller areas influenced by microclimates and local landforms.
Since its creation in 1996, the CTEF has provided a structured way to understand and report on Canada's ecological diversity. The system has evolved with updates in 2014 and 2019, incorporating new marine and freshwater ecozones. These updates have aimed to create a seamless national map for conservation reporting across provincial and territorial boundaries.
Value of the CTEF
The CTEF provides a common spatial framework for evaluating and reporting on critical issues like biodiversity conservation, climate change, and natural resource management. It is a tool used by federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments, as well as researchers, educators, and non-governmental organizations.
The current update addresses emerging needs for ecological data-sharing and monitoring, particularly in the context of climate change and ecosystem management. By aligning ecological boundaries across jurisdictions, the CTEF supports collaboration and consistent reporting, strengthening Canada’s ability to manage its natural landscapes.
Modernizing the CTEF
Over time, the CTEF has faced discrepancies in how different jurisdictions have defined their ecological boundaries. The 2014 and 2019 updates highlighted some of these divergences, with some regions refining their frameworks independently.
The primary aim of the current update is to resolve these discrepancies and ensure that ecological boundaries and classifications are consistent across Canada’s provinces and territories. This is essential for improving data-sharing and supporting Canada's commitments to international frameworks, such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The updated CTEF will also support modern reporting needs, including modeling the cumulative effects of climate change and assessing impacts on species at risk.
Strategic Vision and Collaboration
The CTEF update is a collaborative effort coordinated by NatureServe Canada involving federal, provincial, and territorial governments and other key stakeholders. This collaboration ensures that ecological data will be aligned across jurisdictions and accessible to all users.
By working together, the project supports Canada's commitments to international biodiversity goals and helps advance national priorities related to climate change mitigation and conservation. The collaborative nature of the update also fosters stronger ecosystem management across Canada.
Project Phases
The CTEF update is structured into three key phases:
- Phase I (2023-2025): Development of the updated framework, engaging partners, and creating the necessary GIS and data infrastructure.
- Phase II (2025-2026): Implementation of the framework across Canada, conducting spatial analysis, and refining the CTEF based on feedback.
- Phase III (2026-2027): Finalization of the CTEF, public dissemination of data, and publication of reports and tools for broader use.
Project Updates
July 2024
NatureServe Canada's CTEF Internal Science Team has released its strategic plan and project update report. The plan outlines the roadmap for completing the CTEF revision by 2027, emphasizing collaboration with provincial and territorial governments to align ecological frameworks across borders.
For more information, click on the links to access the full report in English and French.
October 2024
The CTEF National Workshop will be held in Calgary, Alberta, from November 19-20, 2024, bringing together key participants from federal, provincial, and territorial governments to refine the CTEF framework. An optional field trip, "Prairies to Peaks," will follow on November 21st, providing a hands-on exploration of Alberta’s diverse ecosystems.
Learn more:
- A National Ecological Framework for Canada 1996 report
- Canadian Council on Ecological Areas Ecozones Introduction
- Ecozones.ca website
- National Ecological Framework spatial layers: federal Open Government website