Safeguarding nature against climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution requires collective efforts and a shared commitment to environmental conservation and stewardship. Through partnerships with Indigenous peoples, all levels of government, and the private sector, we can protect the ecosystems on which we all depend.
Today, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, alongside 22 Indigenous Governments and organizations in the Northwest Territories, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and private donors, celebrated the signing of the Northwest Territories Our Land for the Future Agreement, based on the Project Finance for Permanence model.
This historic agreement, known as NWT: Our Land for the Future, is the next step in large-scale, long-term conservation and stewardship of land and water in the Northwest Territories and is one of the largest Indigenous-led land conservation initiatives in the world. Over time, Indigenous partners plan to contribute over two percent of land and inland water in Canada toward the national goal of conserving 30 percent by 2030. This will greatly contribute to protecting biodiversity and carbon storage in important northern ecosystems.
NWT: Our Land for the Future recognizes Indigenous leadership in conservation and stewardship to protect land and inland water, preserve biodiversity, support thriving cultures, build community capacity, and contribute to healthy and equitable economies. Key activities include greater support for Indigenous Guardians initiatives, the establishment of new protected and conserved areas, culturally meaningful economic development opportunities, and more.
Indigenous-led stewardship helps land, water, and communities thrive and is a cornerstone of Canada's plan to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and fight climate change. The Government of Canada is committed to meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples and will continue to seek feedback and perspectives from Indigenous governments and organizations on the NWT: Our Land for the Future.
