The Canadian Council on Ecological Areas’s Gold Leaf Awards acknowledge the contribution of individuals, industry, universities, programs or groups. These awards notably highlight those actions which focus on the establishment of a network of protected areas which is representative of ecosystems and landscapes diversity for the whole country, as well as the type of contributions which are necessary to attain, encourage and guide the establishment of a comprehensive network of protected areas for all of Canada.
CCEA has been advocating the establishment of a comprehensive system of protected areas and to plan within the greater ecosystem context. Finding ways to effectively apply the science behind ecological integrity, the restoration of damaged ecosystems, and helping promote assessment methods, particularly through the development of a common suite of criteria and indicators are priority strategic areas of the CCEA.