The Government of Canada is protecting nature through investments in Canada's natural heritage

OTTAWA, Nov. 19, 2018 /CNW/ - Canadians love nature and the diverse wildlife that depends on it. That's why the Government of Canada has committed to doubling the amount of nature protected, on land and in our oceans, from coast to coast to coast.

Today, Environment and Climate Change Canada is launching a call for proposals for the Natural Heritage Conservation Program. Proposals will be sought from organizations that can develop, coordinate, and deliver a national program aimed at assisting local, provincial, territorial, and national conservation organizations in securing ecologically sensitive private lands across Canada.

As part of the Budget 2018 Nature Legacy initiative, the Government of Canada has made a $500 million investment in the new Canada Nature Fund to support the protection and conservation of Canada's ecosystems, landscapes, and biodiversity, including species at risk. Canada Nature Fund contributions will be matched by partners, raising a total of $1 billion for conservation action, and will help Canada work towards its 2020 target of protecting 17% of Canada's lands and in-land waters, protecting and recovering species at risk, and improving biodiversity for all.

The $100 million Natural Heritage Conservation Program is one of four Canada Nature Fund streams to be launched this year. Calls for proposals will also be opening in the coming weeks for the Canada Nature Fund's Challenge component as well as for funding to protect species at risk. Application information and details are available at Nature Legacy.

By working with partners across the country, the Government of Canada will continue to protect our natural heritage and ensure a healthy and prosperous future for our kids and grandkids.

Quotes

"Protecting our nature and the wildlife that depend on it is important to preserving our natural heritage and ensuring our kids and grandkids have a healthy and prosperous future. That's why we are committed to doubling the amount of protected nature. The Nature Fund is an important part of achieving this objective through the establishment of new protected and conserved areas on private lands."
– Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts

• The new $500 million Canada Nature Fund will be matched by partners who will contribute an additional $500 million to raise at least $1 billion toward the conservation of Canada's nature.
• Today's announcement means that the Canada Nature Fund will contribute $100 million over four years to the establishment of protected and conserved areas on private lands in Canada. This federal funding will be matched by private organizations.
• The Canada Nature Fund supports the protection of Canada's ecosystems, landscapes, biodiversity, and species at risk.
• Globally, Canada has 20 per cent of freshwater resources, 24 per cent of wetlands, 25 per cent of temperate rainforest area, and 33 per cent of remaining boreal forest.
• Canada also has almost one third of all land-based carbon storage. This is a vital element of action on climate change.

Associated links

• Nature Legacy

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page

Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada