Funding for landtrusts
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Canada’s most biodiverse regions, where more than 80% of the population lives and the majority of economic activity occurs, face an urgent funding need. This need calls for a balanced solution that benefits both nature and communities.
The Natural Heritage Conservation Program
Launched in 2007, the Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) has played a pivotal role in conserving ecologically sensitive lands across the country. vIts impact includes:
- 840,000+ hectares of grasslands, forests, lakes, and wetlands conserved
- Collaboration between environmental organizations, landowners, Indigenous communities, industry, and government to secure land for permanent conservation
In 2019, through advocacy by the Land Trust Working Group (now ACLT), a portion of the NHCP funding was directed specifically to support land trusts. This led to the creation of the NHCP-Land Trust Conservation Fund (NHCP-LTCF), with Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC) chosen to administer the fund.
- Learn more about the NHCP-LTCF and how to apply for funding.
- Read the most recent NHCP report.
Measurable Outcomes
What this funding is helping achieve across the country:
Did you know
Canada was instrumental in the creation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and has committed to its 23 targets (including the commitment to protect 30% of Canada’s land, freshwater, and ocean by 2030). We have outlined in this report how land trusts contribute to these targets.
Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy was released in June 2024 to advance work on these targets.
Our Ongoing Advocacy
ACLT continues to advocate for greater financial stability, long-term funding, and recognition of land trusts as key partners in conservation.
Visit our advocacy page.
