Northern Ont. First Nation receives new land conservation funding

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says conserving land is crucial to 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," said the government agency in a news release.

"Contributing to the sustainability of local communities so they can adapt to environmental changes."

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On Aug. 7, Toronto–Danforth MP Julie Dabrusin and Newmarket–Aurora MP Tony Van Bynen announced a more than $12.5 million investment by the federal government in Canada Nature Fund and Enhanced Nature Legacy funding through the Target 1 Challenge program with Conservation Ontario to support the acquisition of land.

This funding has resulted in the conservation of more than 1,600 hectares of land in the province.

ECCC officials called the investment 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.

An undated promotional photo of Shawanaga Island, where the Shawanaga First Nation is looking to establish an Indigenous protected and conserved area. (Supplied/Shawanaga First Nation | Photo Credit: Shared Value Solutions)

Shawanaga Island – where the Shawanaga First Nation is looking to establish an Indigenous protected and conserved area – is among the areas receiving funding.

Those behind the idea of an Indigenous lead conservation area on the island told CTV News that the funding will help conserve important species, protect food security while helping to facilitate understanding of and respect for Indigenous way of life.

An undated promotional photo of Shawanaga Island, where the Shawanaga First Nation is looking to establish an Indigenous protected and conserved area. (Supplied/Shawanaga First Nation | Photo Credit: Shared Value Solutions)

"20 per cent of the world's land is Indigenous land and it holds 80 per cent of the world's biodiversity," said Andrew Byrne of Shawanaga First Nation.

"Throughout time Indigenous-led conservation has far surpassed what western science has done."

He said the idea of the unique conservation area is to blend western science with traditional knowledge to further the conservation efforts.

Byrne added the First Nation is still working with the federal government in a bid to officially establish the Indigenous conservation area.

An undated promotional photo of Shawanaga Island, where the Shawanaga First Nation is looking to establish an Indigenous protected and conserved area. (Supplied/Shawanaga First Nation | Photo Credit: Shared Value Solutions)

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This Government of Canada funding was matched with conservation authorities, municipal and private funding and some landowner donations.

"The ongoing partnership with Conservation Ontario represents the effort needed to advance Canada's goal of conserving 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030 and help fight against the triple crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution," said ECCC officials.

The federal government advised it remains committed to working closely with conservation partners, other levels of government and all Canadians.

"Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient network of protected areas for the benefit of our environment, communities, and future generations," said Angela Coleman, the general manager of Conservation Ontario, in a news release.