2020 Annual Report: The Ripple Effect — Ducks Unlimited Canada Skip to main content
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2020 Annual Report:
The Ripple Effect

How wetlands are shoring up Canada’s environmental and economic well-being

A Call for Action

Saving wetlands is Canada’s unique and urgent responsibility. Canadians hold the fate of one of the world’s most important ecosystems in our hands. Wetlands are a biological resource akin to rainforests and coral reefs. They teem with life and provide a host of powerful environmental benefits.

As a primary keeper of these precious natural areas, Canada has a critical role to play in determining whether they flourish or fade away.

Our work for ducks creates a swell of significant benefits that flow to all Canadians. They include clean air and clean water. Lush green landscapes and lucrative green jobs. Natural infrastructure projects that safeguard our communities and sustainable practices that empower industries, developers and agricultural producers. Conserving the habitat that keeps ducks flying strong supports the environment and the economy in real and powerful ways. This is the ripple effect.

Our Response

Nation-wide Conservation Results

Ducks Unlimited Canada’s progress toward a healthy and resilient natural world.

We’re creating a path toward a sustainable future. It’s a path that’s connecting landscapes from coast to coast to coast with healthy wetlands and clean water. Our conservation results are a testament to the commitment of our supporters, the effectiveness of our programs and the passion that fuels our efforts every day.

11,299 Habitat Projects

6.5 million Acres Conserved & Restored

190.6 million Acres Influenced

As of March 31, 2020; cumulative

Annual Conservation Progress and Planning 2020 Goals 2020 Results 2019 Results 2018 Results
Habitat acres conserved 89,875 108,274 98,766 105,902
(includes acres restored) 45,545 62,467 51,187 48,442
Habitat acres influenced 4 million 24 million 26.2 million 5.2 million

Conserved Areas

DUC is directly protecting through habitat programs such as land purchases, management agreements and conservation easements.

Restored Areas

Previously lost or degraded, now returned to their natural state and protected by DUC conservation work.

Influenced Areas

DUC is impacting through partnerships and policy work. A parcel of land that DUC is responsible for protecting and managing.

Environmental benefits

Economic benefits you can take from the bulrushes to the bank

The wetlands DUC saves aren’t just for ducks. They’re for all of us. These ecosystems are some of the most valuable natural resources, proving why putting your money where nature is makes (dollars and) sense. The total economic value of the 6.5 million acres (2.6 million hectares) of habitat under DUC’s care is $5.4 billion.

$244.3 million Nature-related recreation and tourism

$90.3 million Gross Domestic Product
(includes business profits and employment salaries)

$5.1 billion Environmental benefits

 
  © DUC

Our conservation community

A place where you belong.

DUC’s conservation community is made up of committed fundraisers, generous donors, passionate brand ambassadors and inspiring community leaders who bring our work to life.

DUC’S CONSERVATION COMMUNITY STANDS 111,025 STRONG.

Here is a closer look at what some of these key ambassadors are doing:

  • 18,279 members take action to support our mission.
  • 5,236 volunteers raise funds and awareness for wetland conservation.
  • 18,894 landowners protect vital habitat on their properties.
  • 386 staff members work to advance conservation every day.
  • 44,810 event attendees participate in fundraising activities in their communities.

Our Financial Commitment

Making the most of every charitable dollar is a responsibility we take seriously.

By directing funds in ways that produce the greatest conservation impact, every DUC donor can take pride in knowing that they’re making a difference in their backyard — and beyond. Our goal is to invest 80 per cent of our expenditures in habitat conservation annually. In the 2020 fiscal year, DUC invested 82 per cent in habitat conservation.

Uses of Funds (millions) 2020 Goals 2020 Results 2019 Results 2018 Results
Conservation (includes capitalized land purchases) $78.0 82% investment $74.0 82% investment $79.8 81% investment $78.7 81% investment
Fundraising $9.8 $10.2 $12.9 $13.2
Administration $10.0 $6.5 $6.3 $5.9

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2021

DUC is planning to realize $80.6 million in gross revenue. Note: This is an adjusted goal due to the impacts of COVID-19.

Sources of Revenue (millions) 2020 2019 2018
Government Grants $42.1 $39.3 $48.5
Fundraising Revenue* $15.7 $17.3 $19.8
Program & Other Revenue $20.0 $14.9 $13.5
Non-Government Partnerships $10.1 $11.1 $11.4
Investment Income (Loss) ($7.1) $13.4 $7.4
* Includes gift-in-kind donations. DUC also leveraged lines of credit for our Revolving Land Conservation Program of $13.6 million in 2020, $19.3 million in 2019 and $21.7 million in 2018.

Financial Statements and Reports

2020

2019

2018

2017