SDG 15 - Strategic Initiatives
Maintain Biodiversity of Ecosystems
Western engages in research, industry, and local community collaboration to maintain and enhance ecosystems and biodiversity, including those under threat.
Western’s local chapter of iNaturalist Canada, led by the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the Royal Ontario Museum, Parks Canada, and NatureServe Canada, focuses on identifying species on campus, particularly those at risk. The Thames River, running through campus, is home to various animals such as waterfowl, beavers, and the spiny softshell turtle, a species at risk.
The Campus as a Living Lab project unites faculty, staff, community, and industry partners to protect biodiversity. Some key projects include:
- The Bee Yard—studying honeybee dance communication;
- Vibratory communication among insects and spiders;
- Barn Swallow Breeding and Nesting Structure—providing suitable nest structures to support this species at risk;
- Research into the migratory behaviour of North American hoverflies; and
- Industry and research collaboration, studying the environmental impacts of road salt.
The Sherwood Fox Arboretum is a collection of trees on campus, representing the biodiversity of the Carolinian Zone, including an old growth forest. In 2003, Western signed the International Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation prioritizing plant conservation. The Western University Tree Dashboard offers an interactive tour of the arboretum. A Tour of Select Trees in the Sherwood Fox Arboretum tells the story of their biological and historical importance.
The WesternWater Centre collaborates with the government, local municipalities, industrial partners, academic partners, and the local Indigenous community. The centre focuses on research leading to innovative solutions addressing all aspects related to clean water supply and water-environment issues, including the protection and management of water resources, resource recovery, and treatment technologies, to aid our aquatic ecosystems.
The Great Lakes Futures Project is a collaboration of more than 20 Canadian and American organizations working towards a socio-ecologically sustainable future for the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River Basin. The assessments of climate change, the economy, biological and chemical contaminants, invasive species, demographics and societal values, governance and geopolitics, energy, and water quantity form the basis for driving international policy to protect our water resources and ecosystems.
Ecosystem Education
Western offers educational programs on ecosystems, including about flora and fauna, for local and national communities.
- The Master of Environment and Sustainability program teaches about sustainability, the SDGs, and ecosystem health.
- Advanced Facility for Avian Research is available at a cost for non-academic users focusing on how birds adapt their reproductive and migratory strategies to environmental pressures.
- Connecting for Climate Change Action, offered by the Department of Geography and Environment, teaches about climate change’s impact on ecosystems and ways to engage in action.
- The Department of Biology provides public talks and high-school visits, as well as hosting visits from outside groups on topics like Conservation Biology, Climate Change, and Ecosystem Health.
- Free Weekly Seminars are hosted by the Department of Biology on a variety of topics, including bird conservation, conserving biodiversity in Canada’s agroecosystems, and insect feeding and plant pollination.
- Annual CanFunNet Fungal Biology Conference shares knowledge about fungi from ‘coast to coast’.
- Ivey’s Future of Agri-food series hosts events related to the ecosystem of agriculture and food in Canada, with episodes posted online for free access.
Species Conservation 
The government of Canada passed the Species at Risk Act (SARA) to prevent wildlife species in Canada from becoming extinct, endangered, or threatened. Environment and Natural Resources is responsible for listing species in Canada, and uses the IUCN Red List as a resource.
Before any habitats are disturbed, a thorough Environmental Assessment is conducted to identify and monitor species at risk and their critical habitats.
Western University adheres to SARA by protecting critical habitats and ensuring that our operations do not harm these areas. We encourage students to contribute to species recovery efforts by supporting them in applying for Habitat Stewardship Program grants.
We are also conducting a Biodiversity Inventory on our main campus to identify and monitor environmentally significant features for long-term ecological assessment. Participants are trained to follow guidelines for recording sensitive species, including Species at Risk, to minimize harm and ensure compliance with conservation protocols. As of 2023, observers have found 22 at-risk species through this project.
Local Biodiversity in Planning
Western takes into account local biodiversity in the planning and development process.
Sustainable Design Guidelines ensures projects are designed, constructed, and operated to have a minimal impact on the natural campus ecology.
Western's Open Space Strategy emphasizes preserving biodiversity by enhancing and maintaining natural areas on campus. Reclaiming asphalt to create more greenspace, planting trees, removing invasive species, and protecting the tree canopy are all prioritized.
Building sites go through the Ontario Environment Assessment Process including a review by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to assess biodiversity concerns.
Water Discharge Guidelines 
Western University has comprehensive policies to prevent and reduce marine pollution, particularly from land-based activities. These policies ensure polluted water does not enter the water system, including from accidents and incidents.
The university abides by federal, provincial, and municipal regulations such as the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Ontario Water Resources Act, and London’s Water By-law (W-8) and Waste Discharge By-law (WM-16). These regulations prohibit the discharge of pollutants into bodies of water and ensure high water quality.
Western’s Policy on Environment and Sustainability promotes sustainability and waste reduction. Procedures include handling and disposing of contaminated biowaste, emergency response plans, and regular safety audits. Key policies include:
- Contaminated Biological Waste Disposal Policy
- Hazardous Chemical Waste Policy
- Laboratory Health and Safety Manual
- Hazardous Waste
Western also has a plan to minimize alterations to local ecosystems and implements practices to protect these ecosystems, such as:
- Western Open Space Strategy: restricts development in the forested areas along the Thames River and Medway Creek to preserve biodiversity.
- Campus Master Plan: restricts development on floodplain regions in accordance with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority regulations.
- Ontario Environment Assessment Process: new build sites are reviewed by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and denied if there are environmental concerns.
- Waste Streams @ Western: works to divert waste from landfills.
