Canada - Support for Indigenous-Led Conservation Initiatives

Enriched International · Found: 2026-03-10 22:14

Canadian government funding for indigenous-led conservation including marine protected areas and fisheries

Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/nature-legacy/about/project-finance-for-permanence.html

Funding Details

Funder

Government of Canada (Environment and Climate Change Canada)

Funding Goal

Support for large-scale, long-term Indigenous-led conservation initiatives across Canada through the Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) model, which leverages government and private funding to protect biodiversity, establish protected areas, and support sustainable economic development in Indigenous communities.

Funding Amount

CAD $800 million total announced in December 2022 for up to 4 Indigenous-led conservation initiatives

Deadline

Unknown (Unknown)

How to Apply

Not publicly open for application; PFP initiatives are established through partnership negotiations between Indigenous governments, federal/provincial governments, and philanthropic partners. Related links include Enduring Earth (enduringearth.org) and Coast Funds (coastfunds.ca).

Target Region

Canada (Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Arctic/Qikiqtani, Northern Ontario)

Contact

Environment and Climate Change Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/contact.html

Last Checked

2026-03-15 12:39

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Must be an Indigenous government or community organization leading conservation
• Requires partnership with at least one level of government (federal or provincial/territorial)
• Geographic focus is Canada only; international organizations not eligible

Project Scope

• Conservation initiative must be large-scale with long-term sustainability goals
• Must align with Canada's 30x30 biodiversity targets and Kunming-Montreal Framework

Constraints

• Program does not have an open application process; PFP initiatives are negotiated partnerships
• Philanthropic participation is required as part of the blended finance model

Summary

The Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) model is a Canadian government-led initiative under Environment and Climate Change Canada, providing an innovative blended finance framework that supports large-scale, long-term Indigenous-led conservation. In December 2022, Prime Minister Trudeau announced CAD $800 million to support up to four Indigenous-led conservation initiatives, building on the model proven by the Great Bear Rainforest initiative. The programme's thematic scope encompasses Indigenous leadership in conservation, biodiversity protection targeting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's 30x30 goals, sustainable resource development, shared decision-making between Indigenous and government partners, and long-term sustainable financing mechanisms. It explicitly aligns with international biodiversity commitments, including protecting 30% of lands and oceans by 2030. Eligible activities include establishing and sustainably funding protected and conserved areas, supporting Indigenous stewardship capacity, enabling sustainable economic and community development through conservation endowment funds and economic development funds, and facilitating knowledge-sharing between Indigenous governments, philanthropy, and government partners. Geographically, the programme is Canada-specific, with current initiatives located in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia's northern coast (Great Bear Sea), the Arctic (SINAA/Qikiqtani in Nunavut and Baffin Island area), and Northern Ontario (Omushkego Wahkohtowin). Together, these areas could protect up to an additional one million square kilometres. Eligible applicants are Indigenous governments and communities leading conservation in key Canadian regions. The model explicitly requires partnerships with other levels of government (federal, provincial/territorial) and philanthropic organizations. All partners are engaged from the beginning and contribute unique expertise, experience, or funding. The budget structure combines government funding (federal and provincial contributions), private philanthropy donations, and conservation endowment fund management. The Great Bear Rainforest example shows a 2007 deal with $120M, growing to $404M over 15 years, including both a Conservation Endowment Fund and an Economic Development Fund.

Historical Context

First PFP in the world was Great Bear Rainforest (2007) with $120M initial funding, growing to $404M total. In December 2022 at COP15, Canada announced $800M for up to 4 new PFP initiatives. Four active initiatives: Northwest Territories Our Land for the Future, Great Bear Sea (Northern Shelf Bioregion), SINAA/Qikiqtani, and Omushkego Wahkohtowin.

Sources

• https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/nature-legacy/about/project-finance-for-permanence.html

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