Feds, Northwest Territories agree on nature protection plan

Law360 Canada (February 25, 2025, 4:51 PM EST) -- Ottawa has entered into a multi-year agreement with the Northwest Territories that will see the latter work with local Indigenous governments in a bid to protect nature in the territory.

On Feb. 24, various government officials announced the signing of the Canada-Northwest Territories Nature Agreement — an initiative “to advance nature-related priorities, in collaboration with Indigenous governments, across the territory.”

“The 10-year Agreement reflects the governments’ shared commitment to long-term environmental sustainability and addresses the critical challenge of biodiversity loss,” states a news release. “This is done by providing support for Indigenous-led Protected and Conserved Areas, improving outcomes for key species at risk, supporting Indigenous leadership in conservation and stewardship, and facilitating data exchange.”

It goes on to state that the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) will work with Indigenous governments and organizations “toward the protection and conservation of 6 [per cent] of the territory by 2028.”

This, it states, creates the potential to “protect and conserve” up to 9.6 per cent of the territory by 2035.

“This represents a significant contribution to Canada’s goal of conserving 30 [per cent] of land and water in Canada by 2030, ensuring future generations of Canadians can continue to access and connect with nature.”

Ottawa and the GNWT have agreed to an initial investment of $7 million for the fiscal year of 2025-2026.

“The Agreement will be supported by up to $20 million in federal funding, subject to government appropriations,” states the release. “Periodic renewal of federal funding will also be sought over the life of the Agreement.”

Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault said “[p]rotecting nature is one of the best ways to fight biodiversity loss and climate change.”

“That’s why it’s so important to work closely with the Government of Northwest Territories and Indigenous partners to protect biodiversity, uphold cultural traditions, and meet Canada’s global commitments,” said Guilbeault.

“Activities” of the agreement include developing wildlife conservation plans, identifying and tackling potential threats to wildlife and “advancing work with Indigenous governments and other co-management partners on the recovery of barren-ground caribou, wood bison, and other priority species.”

The release notes that the Northwest Territories has already conserved almost 16 per cent of land and water in the territory.

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