Nature is fundamental to capturing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, since plants pull carbon dioxide out of the air. That is why it's important to conserve and restore nature as well as safeguard the places and species that are part of our communities. The Government of Canada has launched the largest conservation campaign in the country's history in order to meet its emissions reduction targets and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business, along with Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and to the Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced over $8.5 million in funding for two projects that will help advance conservation efforts and protect ecosystems in Peterborough.
The projects being funded under the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund are:
- $7 million for the Kawartha Land Trust to support its work to advance conservation efforts under way by securing an additional 566 hectares of intact temperate forest and freshwater coastal habitat to support 28 species at risk
- $1.586 million for the Association of Conservation Authorities of Ontario to protect vital ecosystems from destruction and fund activities that protect at-risk species, including Snapping Turtle, False Hop Sedge and Chimney Swift
The Government of Canada supports a range of nature-based climate solutions, including planting 2 billion trees, restoring degraded ecosystems, improving land management practices (including on agricultural lands) and conserving land at risk of conversion to other uses. Activities supported by the Government of Canada help mitigate climate change, build resilience, improve water quality and provide critical habitat for Canada's wildlife.
