Mont-Saint-Hilaire – Canadians know that strong actions are needed to protect endangered species and combat climate change. That is why the Government of Canada is currently engaged in the greatest conservation campaign in Canada’s history to meet its ambitious goals of reversing biodiversity loss and protecting 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030.
Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced that, from 2023 to 2026, the Government of Canada will invest over $11.7 million in funding for the Canadian Biosphere Regions Association and the 19 UNESCO biosphere regions of Canada. It will help the biosphere regions continue their conservation work, which could include biodiversity research, documentation, land management practices, and stakeholder engagement. At its core, the biosphere region program embeds people with nature, in balance.
From this funding, $2 million will support the four biosphere regions in Quebec: Charlevoix, Lac Saint-Pierre, Manicouagan-Uapishka and Mont Saint-Hilaire. This investment will fund conservation activities in collaboration with local stakeholders such as restoration, stewardship of habitat, and the protection of habitat through land acquisition. For instance, for the biosphere region of Mont Saint-Hilaire, which will be receiving over $650,000 in additional funds, the money will provide for the legal protection of a further 90 hectares and the restoration of 9 hectares in the next two years.
Today’s $11.7 million in funding is in addition to the $11.3 million allocated since 2021 to biosphere regions across the country. Since 2021, 71,374 hectares have been protected or are in the process of being designated as biosphere regions in Quebec, an area almost three times the size of the city of Laval. Previously funded projects have benefitted biodiversity and contribute to Canada’s target of conserving 30 percent of lands, freshwaters and ocean by 2030.
“Biosphere regions are balancing environment conservation with economic development, while considering local social and cultural needs. They are an excellent example of how communities can help tackle global issues like biodiversity loss and climate change and help advance Canada’s goal of conserving 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030.” – Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change