In 2022, McGill joined hundreds of universities in signing the Nature Positive Pledge, a commitment to start a nature-positive journey by establishing a biodiversity baseline, deciding on targets, taking action and reporting annually. Subsequently, in 2023, McGill launched its inaugural Biodiversity Plan, which marked a milestone in the University’s commitment to biodiversity. The plan sets out the University’s goals to monitor, protect and enhance biodiversity.
Read McGill's Biodiversity Plan
Actions to foster biodiversity
By 2030, McGill aims to manage 30% of its green space to foster biodiversity. To do so, the University will increasingly rely on a differentiated space management approach for its exterior spaces. Differentiated management reallocates landscaping efforts to optimize the maintenance of green spaces in a manner that is appropriate to each space’s use.
This includes, for example:
- Adapting mowing frequency
- Targeted invasive species control
- Added planting
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies a university as Nature Positive?
A Nature Positive University is committed to halting its negative impact on ecosystems and enhancing its overall positive effect on nature through restorative actions. The criteria for a university to be considered Nature Positive may differ depending on its capacity and ambition, however the core goal remains the same: to contribute meaningfully to nature conservation and restoration. To explore more about what it takes to be a nature positive university check out their website Nature Positive Universities: Make the Pledge.
How can I find out more about McGill’s biodiversity?
By paying close attention to the different forms of life present around you, no matter how small or large, you will find that biodiversity is everywhere. To support your exploration of Downtown Campus, Macdonald Campus, the Gault Nature Reserve or the Morgan Arboretum, we recommend downloading a biodiversity identification app like iNaturalist. You will be able to record your own biodiversity observations and consult previous sightings. If you visit the Morgan Arboretum, try using the scavenger hunts available (Fall and Winter versions) to enrich your experience! In addition, you can review the results of the 2024 McGill Bioblitz, and look forward to McGill’s upcoming Biodiversity Atlas, an interactive repository of McGill’s biodiversity baseline.
What do we mean by “green spaces managed to foster biodiversity”?
We define biodiversity spaces as green spaces that welcome a large proportion of indigenous species, pollinators and/or incorporate three layers of vegetation cover (ground cover, shrub and canopy), including thematic gardens and permaculture or urban agriculture spaces. We consider green spaces to be ‘managed to foster biodiversity’ when their maintenance practices are altered to achieve these criteria.
Where can I track McGill’s progress towards its objectives?
You will soon be able to track McGill’s progress towards its objectives through the upcoming Biodiversity Atlas and, starting at the end of 2025, by consulting McGill’s Sustainability Annual Report.
