Fighting the triple crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution requires collective effort and systemic change in the ways we interact with nature and collaborate with each other. The Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous peoples, in true partnership that respects Indigenous leadership, science, and knowledge, to safeguard the ecosystems we all depend on while advancing reconciliation.
This week, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, alongside Indigenous Governments in the Northwest Territories, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and private philanthropies, celebrated the signing of a framework agreement to support one of the largest Indigenous-led land conservation initiatives in the world.
Once completed, this initiative, known as the Northwest Territories Project Finance for Permanence, or NWT PFP, could more than double the amount of conservation in the territory, contributing 2.5 percent or more toward meeting Canada's commitment to protect 30 percent of the country's land and inland water by 2030.
This historic milestone in the NWT PFP process was achieved through unprecedented collaboration and builds on a shared vision for an inclusive and long-term approach to climate change mitigation, environmental stewardship, Indigenous rights, and collaborative governance.
The framework agreement outlines the terms and expected outcomes of the initiative in the Northwest Territories, including activities within the scope of investments. Activities include support for establishing new protected and conserved areas identified by Indigenous Governments, as well as ongoing stewardship of existing areas. Guardians' programs, climate research, investments in conservation-based economic opportunities, and on-the-land, cultural and Indigenous language programs linked to conservation could also be funded.
The NWT PFP will also help communities adapt to climate change by supporting climate monitoring and assessment activities, preparing for fire risks, and other climate-related impacts.
Canada will continue to support Indigenous-led efforts to conserve nature and biodiversity, protect Indigenous cultures and ways of life, and build a healthy future for generations to come while making significant progress toward meeting Canada's conservation goals.
