Our Mission, Vision & Beliefs
Strong values guide our wetland and wildlife conservation work
DUC has a proud history of successful on-the-ground conservation work. Our conservation programs have long focused on retaining, restoring and managing wetlands and associated habitats. More recently we have embraced the retention and restoration of both wetlands and uplands through a mix of direct, extension and policy programs supported by targeted communications and education initiatives.
DUC has been very effective over the years, targeting 90 per cent of our habitat investments in the highest priority geographic regions for waterfowl. With our partners we have conserved over 6 million acres and influenced another 47 million acres of habitat since 1938. These accomplishments have firmly secured our reputation as Canada’s leading conservation organization. That said, there are serious challenges ahead as we work towards securing the future of continental waterfowl populations.
Our Mission
All Ducks Unlimited organizations conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.
Our Vision
Abundant wetlands and waterfowl – today, tomorrow and forever.
Our Beliefs
A set of core values are integral to our work, define how we interact with each other, our partners and our supporters, as well as guide the strategies we employ to fulfill our conservation mission and vision.
Our Position on Hunting
- recognize and treasure the rich heritage of waterfowling and the contributions of hunters to conservation,
- believe in fairness, integrity, honesty, trust and respect,
- value our volunteer network as a critical link to community support and action in support of our conservation mission,
- are a science-based organization that embraces innovation and learning,
- believe that mutually beneficial partnerships are essential for our success,
- understand that innovative, motivated, dedicated and competent volunteers as well as staff are essential,
- support the sustainable management of renewable natural resources,
- embrace diversity within our staffing and volunteer resources,
- pursue collabo ration versus confrontation, but not at the expense of our values or mission,
- use financial and other resources entrusted to us effectively and efficiently,
- are a politically non-partisan organization.
DUC was founded in 1938 by waterfowlers.
These conservation-minded individuals recognized that conserving wetlands would help to ensure the future of waterfowl populations.
Today, our organization is strongly supported by both waterfowl hunters and non-hunters. Both groups recognize the value of wetlands and their associated habitats, and that wetland conservation has many things to offer all people.
DUC supports the sustainable use and harvest of renewable resources based on sound science. We support waterfowl hunting, when conducted in an ethical and sustainable manner, as a legitimate and acceptable use of a renewable resource.
DUC does not direct resources toward the influence of firearm or hunting legislation unless the legislation is clearly and directly related to waterfowl habitat conservation.
