The Government of Canada remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard biodiversity, aiming to conserve 30 percent of its land, inland waters, and marine and coastal regions by 2030. A critical aspect of this goal is ensuring that protected areas are seamlessly connected, enabling wildlife to migrate, interact, and access essential resources such as food and suitable habitats.

In a significant step toward achieving this vision, The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, has announced a $1.3 million funding allocation from the Parks Canada National Program for Ecological Corridors. This funding will support two environmental non-profit organizations in leading key conservation projects in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, further strengthening ecological connectivity in the maritime provinces.

Advancing Ecological Connectivity in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia

The first initiative, spearheaded by Birds Canada, will focus on enhancing ecological corridors stretching from Sa’ qewi-ilnuwey Awti (Big Salmon River Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area) to the Chignecto Isthmus Wilderness Area. The project will cultivate collaboration among various stakeholders, including municipal governments, voluntary landowners, and Indigenous communities, to bolster conservation planning and Indigenous stewardship. Additionally, improved species monitoring and Indigenous land-use guidance will expand scientific understanding of wildlife movements, ensuring the effectiveness of current conservation strategies and guiding future actions.

Strengthening Stewardship in Nova Scotia

The second initiative, led by the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute, will develop a comprehensive conservation strategy in Nova Scotia. This project will actively engage with Indigenous governments and organizations, as well as private landowners, to preserve at least 300 acres of land through voluntary stewardship agreements, community easements, or strategic land acquisitions by project partners. Furthermore, the initiative will assess the impact of forestry practices on ecological connectivity and establish best practices to mitigate habitat fragmentation.

A Nationwide Commitment to Ecological Corridors

This announcement builds upon Parks Canada’s ongoing investments in ecological connectivity. In late 2024, nearly $6 million was allocated to ecological corridor projects nationwide, supporting a range of non-profit organizations that collectively contributed an additional $7.5 million in funding and in-kind resources. These projects span 10 of the 23 designated national priority areas for ecological corridors, identified through a collaborative effort between Parks Canada, conservation experts, stakeholders, and public consultations. Using advanced scientific methodologies and national-scale data, these priority areas are strategically selected to maximize conservation impact.

Nature-Based Solutions for a Resilient Future

Ecological corridors serve as vital nature-based solutions, allowing species to move freely across landscapes while mitigating the adverse effects of habitat fragmentation. Beyond conservation, these corridors play a crucial role in climate adaptation, ensuring that both nature and communities can thrive amidst environmental challenges. By fostering local engagement and scientific research, these initiatives highlight the importance of maintaining a well-connected network of protected areas across Canada.

A Unified Approach to Biodiversity Conservation

The Government of Canada’s commitment to halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 and achieving full ecological recovery by 2050 hinges on collaborative efforts. By working alongside provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous communities, and dedicated environmental organizations such as Birds Canada and the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute, Canada continues to advance its conservation leadership on the global stage. With sustained investments in ecological corridors, the nation is building a future where biodiversity thrives, ecosystems remain resilient, and conservation efforts create lasting benefits for generations to come.

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada “Protecting the rich biodiversity in Canada requires both innovation and collaboration. By supporting ecological corridors, this initiative helps wildlife thrive, safeguard the health of ecosystems, and builds resilience to climate change for future generations. These projects in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia highlight the power of working together — with Indigenous governments, local communities, and private land stewards — to create a well-connected network of protected areas. This investment is a critical step toward achieving national conservation goals and ensuring a sustainable, resilient future for nature and people across Canada.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs “The Chignecto Isthmus is an essential link between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia – but also a vulnerable one. By safeguarding this ecological corridor, we are preserving our natural heritage for future generations. This protection benefits iconic Atlantic species, while also making New Brunswick communities more resilient to climate change.”

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