5 Breakthroughs in Conserving the World’s Largest Forest in 2023
December 21, 2023
The Boreal Forest in Canada is one of the biggest land-based solutions for responding to climate change and sustaining biodiversity on the planet. While recording-breaking fires burned large swaths of northern forests in 2023, the boreal continues to hold about 12 percent of the world’s land-based carbon reserves. And this year, Indigenous Nations who call the boreal home continued to lead in ensuring boreal lands and waters are sustained into the future.
Here are some highlights in boreal conservation from 2023.
Breakthrough NWT Framework Agreement Could Sustain Vast Boreal Lands
This fall, 26 partners signed a visionary agreement to fund Indigenous-led conservation of boreal landscapes on a sweeping scale. On October 11, representatives from Indigenous Governments, the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and private philanthropies announced the terms and expected outcomes of a major new initiative—known as the NWT Project Finance for Permanence (PFP)—that will invest in land protection, support thriving cultures, and foster economic diversification across the Northwest Territories.
In the coming months, partners will confirm the scale of resource commitments required to deliver the intended benefits for communities, lands, and the region. Once finalized, the project will become one of the largest Indigenous-led land conservation initiatives in the world.
Indigenous Nations Prepare to Respond to Increased Fire Risk
As climate change intensifies the risk of wildfires, many Indigenous Nations are stepping forward with effective solutions for managing fire. Yukon First Nations Wildfire, for instance, incorporates Indigenous knowledge into wildland firefighting and emergency response. This fall the group hosted a training for the K’ahsho Got’ine Foundation sharing skills to face the new reality of wildfire in the boreal of the NWT.
When the NWT PFP is finalized, it could help communities conduct climate monitoring and prepare for increased fire risk. And several Indigenous Guardians programs—from the Innu Nation in Labrador to Prince Albert Grand Council in Saskatchewan—are training in cultural burns and prevention strategies like restoring fire-resistant plants. These projects are helping create a network of fire management teams right where they are needed the most: on the ground in the boreal.
First Nations, BC, and Funders Offer Models for Conservation Financing
This fall, a series of innovative approaches to financing Indigenous-led conservation were announced in British Columbia. The Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation between the Government of Canada, the Province of BC, and First Nations governments commits $1 billion to support conservation and affirm Indigenous rights and authority. The Conservation Financing Mechanism provides $300 million in matching funds from the Province of BC and BC Parks Foundation to invest in Indigenous-led conservation and Guardians programs.
And on December 5, the Province of BC announced $60 million for the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence (PFP). This initiative, like the NWT PFP, will combine public and private investment and support Indigenous-led conservation, Guardians programs, and sustainable economic development. And like the NWT PFP, these new announcements coming from BC offer models for financing visionary conservation, climate, and economic initiatives that center Indigenous leadership.
International Boreal Conservation Campaign Shifts to Indigenous Leadership
Launched more than 20 years ago, the International Boreal Conservation Campaign (IBCC) has operated as a coalition of environmental groups, foundations, scientists, and Indigenous leaders working toward the shared vision of conserving the Boreal Forest in Canada. Almost all this land encompasses the traditional territory of Indigenous Peoples, and IBCC increasingly focused on direct investments in and relationships with Indigenous Nations.
This year, IBCC took the next step in the process of making conservation more equitable and effective: IBCC shifted leadership of the campaign to the Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI), with ILI assuming control of IBCCs assets, staff, and philanthropic relationships. This marks one of the first times a successful environmental campaign has stepped back to support Indigenous leadership. On June 13, ILI and IBCC celebrated this transition with a ceremony and feast in Mashteuiatsh, Quebec.
Over 160 First Nations Guardians Caring for Lands and Waters
More Indigenous Guardians programs are helping sustain boreal forest lands than ever before. Guardians are trained experts who restore animals and plants, manage protected areas, and conduct research on climate impacts. On September 29, Environment and Climate Change Canada Minister Steven Guilbeault announced federal funding for 41 new Guardians programs and 49 existing programs.
Six years ago, there were about 30 Guardians programs. Now more than 160 First Nations Guardians programs operate across the country. That means over one quarter of First Nations in Canada have a Guardians program. Canadians welcome this stewardship. A recent national poll found that the vast majority of Canadians view Guardians’ work as a cost-effective solution for climate change, reconciliation, and conservation.