The Canadian Important Bird Areas Program (IBA) was established by the Canada Birdlife Partners, the Canadian Nature Federation and Bird Studies Canada, as part of an international effort to identify and conserve sites important to all bird species worldwide. In Manitoba, the IBA Program is being delivered and administered by the Manitoba Naturalists Society. Conservation planning began in the Manitoba in August 1999.

Whitewater Lake is recognized as a Canadian Important Bird Area of global significance. Whitewater Lake provides habitat for over 110 species of birds as well as over 40 species of other wildlife. There are at least 8 bird species that meet IBA population criteria at the globally significant level.