Canada and NWT Commit to Indigenous-Led Conservation and Biodiversity Protection

The Governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories (NWT) have taken a significant step toward environmental sustainability with the signing of the Canada–Northwest Territories Nature Agreement. Announced by Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for NWT, and Jay Macdonald, NWT’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the agreement sets the foundation for long-term collaboration on biodiversity conservation and Indigenous-led stewardship.

Advancing Conservation and Indigenous Leadership

This 10-year agreement is designed to combat biodiversity loss and enhance conservation efforts through Indigenous leadership. Key components include:

• Supporting Indigenous-led Protected and Conserved Areas to strengthen environmental stewardship.
• Protecting key species at risk such as barren-ground caribou and wood bison.
• Encouraging Indigenous leadership in conservation efforts across the territory.
• Enhancing data-sharing mechanisms to improve conservation planning and management.

By 2028, the NWT government aims to protect and conserve 6% of the territory, with the potential to expand to 9.6% by 2035. This contributes to Canada’s broader goal of conserving 30% of the nation’s land and water by 2030, in alignment with the Kunming–Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Federal Investment in Northern Conservation

The agreement includes an initial investment of $7 million for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, with up to $20 million in federal funding allocated over the agreement’s lifespan, subject to government appropriations. This funding will support initiatives such as the Indigenous-led NWT: Our Land for the Future program, which promotes conservation efforts while fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

Protecting Nature for Future Generations

Government officials emphasized the importance of this agreement in securing a sustainable future for the region.

“Protecting nature is one of the best ways to fight biodiversity loss and climate change. This agreement brings us one step closer to safeguarding the places we love while ensuring access to nature for all.” – Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

With over 15.8% of the NWT’s land and water already conserved, this agreement strengthens ongoing efforts to develop wildlife conservation plans, identify threats to biodiversity, and support Indigenous-led stewardship initiatives.