Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs)

 

What is an IBA?

Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) are special places identified because of their critical importance to birds, using internationally recognized criteria. These areas provide essential habitat for:

  • birds that are threatened or at risk
  • large numbers of birds during migration

  • bird species that are found in very few places on Earth

    By protecting birds, IBAs also help conserve broader biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.

Why Do IBAs Matter?

Birds travel long distances every year — some crossing continents. To survive, they rely on key stopovers to rest, find food, breed, and prepare for the next part of their journey.

IBAs help:

  • protect these key places
  • focus conservation where it will make the biggest difference
  • support biodiversity — not just birds but all wildlife that depend on healthy ecosystems

How Did This Program Start?

  • The IBA program was started by BirdLife International in the 1980s.
  • Canada joined in 1996.
  • There are now nearly 600 IBAs across Canada, including 83 in British Columbia.

These sites were identified using scientific criteria and in partnership with many conservation groups.

Who Is Involved?

IBAs in BC are supported by:

This teamwork ensures sites get the attention they need.

What You Can Do

If you’re interested in supporting bird habitat and biodiversity, you can:

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