Conserving land is crucial to maintaining biodiversity and preserving habitats that support diverse species and ecological processes. By working together to protect natural areas, we will better connect networks of conserved areas, while contributing to the sustainability of local communities so they can adapt to environmental changes.
Today, Julie Dabrusin, Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada and to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Canada along with Tony Van Bynen, Member of Parliament for Newmarket-Aurora, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced that the Government of Canada has invested over $12.5 million in Canada Nature Fund and Enhanced Nature Legacy funding (through the Target 1 Challenge program) with Conservation Ontario to support the acquisition of land primarily in southern Ontario.
This funding has resulted in the conservation of over 1,600 hectares of land, a crucial step toward increasing habitat for species at risk; helping to tackle climate change; and supporting conservation, restoration, and protection of our natural environment. These conserved areas are vital for enhancing biodiversity, safeguarding floodplains, and expanding Canada's conservation network.
This Government of Canada funding was matched with conservation authorities, municipal and private funding, and some landowner donations. The ongoing partnership with Conservation Ontario represents the effort needed to advance Canada's goal of conserving 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030 and help fight against the triple crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. The Government of Canada remains committed to working closely with conservation partners, other levels of government, and all Canadians. The future depends on everyone taking action now.
