Advocating For Conservation

ACLT represents the local and regional land trusts at the national level and advocates on issues that will accelerate conservation across Canada.

Learn About Land Trusts

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Capacity building

The Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts (ACLT) represents local and regional land trusts at the national level, advocating for policies and initiatives that accelerate conservation across Canada. Since its inception, ACLT has been committed to amplifying the voices of land trusts, ensuring that their priorities are heard and acted upon on the national stage.

In our 2023 survey of land trusts, we asked how ACLT and regional alliances could best support their work. The overwhelming response was clear: advocacy for funding programs for land trusts was the top priority.

We asked – We heard – We prioritized.

Our Advocacy Efforts in 2024

Land trusts are non-profit, charitable organizations dedicated to conserving private land through donations, acquisitions, and conservation agreements (such as easements and covenants).Through collaboration with landowners, communities, and partners, they play a crucial role in conservation efforts.

Current Advocacy Priorities

ACLT is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role of land trusts and increasing funding opportunities to support their work. Our key advocacy goals include:

1. Increasing Awareness of the Land Trust Sector

Promoting the essential contributions of land trusts to conservation across Canada.

2. Renewing the Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) Beyond 2026

Advocating for ACLT to be designated as the national representative for regional and local land trusts within the NHCP-LTCF.

3. Redesigning the NHCP-LTCF Program

Increasing funding for local and regional land trusts to $25 million per year for five years, enabling the conservation of an additional 15,000 hectares of land annually across southern Canada.

4. Establishing a $150 Million Endowment Fund

Creating a long-term funding stream through the Canada Conservation Investment Fund to ensure the perpetual care of natural spaces by local and regional land trusts.

Land Trusts Contributing to Canada’s Commitment to Biodiversity

Canada played a pivotal role in establishing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which outlines key targets for biodiversity conservation. The Canada 2030 Nature Strategy, released in June 2024, highlights Canada’s actions towards these targets, with land trusts playing an essential role in these efforts.

As part of this, ACLT is proud to be a member of the Green Budget Coalition, a collective of 22 leading Canadian environmental organizations that advocate for policy recommendations to the federal budget. ACLT has been advocating for the renewal and expansion of the NHCP, as well as the creation of the Canada Conservation Investment Fund to strengthen the private land conservation sector.

For more details, view the full set of GBC recommendations for the 2025 Federal Budget here.

How do Land trusts contribute to the goals of the KMGB Framework

Advocating for Collaborative Land Conservation - Municipal Protected Areas Program (MPAP)

At the heart of effective land conservation are strong partnerships. Municipalities and land trusts, when working together, create a powerful synergy that can protect critical landscapes, support local communities, and contribute to global sustainability goals. By aligning local policies with conservation efforts, these partnerships help preserve vital ecosystems and advance climate goals.

The Role of Municipalities and Land Trusts

Municipalities, with their responsibility for urban planning and land management, are uniquely positioned to integrate conservation into local frameworks. Land trusts, dedicated to the long-term preservation of natural spaces, provide essential expertise in land protection and stewardship. When these two entities collaborate, they strengthen conservation efforts, create new green spaces, and safeguard natural areas within urban and suburban settings.

How Municipalities and Land Trusts Make a Difference

1- Land Conservation
Municipalities and land trusts can jointly acquire and protect key ecological areas—ensuring that forests, wetlands, and open spaces remain intact for future generations. Please see the Conservation Options for Municipalities here.

2- Tax Incentives for Conservation
Tax policies and incentives play a vital role in private land conservation. In 2024, ACLT began research on the role of tax incentives in supporting conservation efforts and produced a preliminary study titled Land Conservation with Public Benefits: Incentives, Funding, and Process Supports in Canada. This study will provide valuable insights into how tax policies can be optimized to support the conservation of natural spaces across the country.

3-Climate Resilience
Protecting natural areas not only benefits biodiversity but also plays a critical role in climate change mitigation. By preserving carbon sinks and ensuring ecological health, these partnerships help meet national and international climate goals.

4- Sustainable Land-Use Planning
Local governments can integrate conservation into planning processes, with guidance from land trusts. This ensures that future development is balanced with the preservation of valuable natural spaces, benefiting both the environment and local communities.

5-Community Engagement
Municipalities often have deep connections with communities. ACLT took the initiative to outline how Municipalities, Indigenous People and environmental organizations can build partnerships. Please read the report here.

MPAP Project: A Model for Success

TheMunicipal and Private Land Conservation (MPAP) project showcases how municipalities can become leaders in land conservation. Please learn more about the project and key partners: Nature Canada, Wildlands League, Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts with their regional partners at the LTABC and RMN, Ontario Nature and BC Nature.

Through the MPAP project, these organizations are advancing conservation solutions that can be replicated in communities across the country and worldwide, contributing to both local and global sustainability goals.

Take Action

Vote for nature Show your support for conservation by visiting our Vote for Nature page.

Share the Vote for Nature with your members and encourage them to get involved in advocating for conservation.

Support Our Advocacy Efforts
Your contribution helps us continue to advocate for better funding and policy changes for land conservation across Canada. Donate today to help us protect the future of Canada’s natural spaces.

Stay Informed on Our Advocacy Work
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Our Partners in Advocacy
ACLT works in partnership with the regional alliances and other environmental organizations such as those participating in the Green Budget Coalition, to ensure that land trusts have the resources and support they need to protect Canada’s natural heritage.