Conserving land plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and preserving habitats that support diverse species and ecological processes. By working together to protect natural areas, we will better connect networks of conserved areas, while contributing the sustainability of local communities that can adapt to environmental changes.
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of joining Julie Dabrusin, Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, and to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, to announce that the Government of Canada has invested over $12.5 million in Canada Nature Fund and Enhanced Nature Legacy funding (through the Target 1 Challenge program) with Conservation Ontario to support the acquisition of land primarily in southern Ontario.
This funding has resulted in the conservation of over 1600 hectares of land, a crucial step toward increasing habitat for species at risk, helping to tackle climate change and supporting conservation, restoration, and protection of our natural environment. These conserved areas are vital for enhancing biodiversity, safeguarding floodplains, and expanding Canada’s conservation network.
This announcement underscores our government’s commitment to safeguarding the natural beauty and ecological integrity of our region, providing greater biodiversity protection and opportunities to explore the natural landscapes that define our community. This collaboration with Conservation Ontario and other dedicated partners is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for the betterment of our environment.
This Government of Canada funding was matched with Conservation Authorities, municipal and private funding as well as some landowner donations. The ongoing partnership with Conservation Ontario represents the effort needed to advance Canada’s goal of conserving 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030 and help fight against the triple crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. The Government of Canada remains committed to working closely with conservation partners and other levels of government and all Canadians.
