Unprecedented Public Support for Nature Stewardship & Indigenous-led Conservation

 

July 8, 2020 I IBCC

When asked recently what Canadians think the federal government should focus on, it’s not surprising many named the economy and health care as their top concerns. But they didn’t stop there. Over two-thirds said they consider protecting nature and wildlife as a priority for the government, according to a new survey conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights for the International Boreal Conservation Campaign and the Indigenous Leadership Initiative.

This enduring support for conservation is unprecedented.

“During previous national crises like recessions, support for environmental actions fell, even plummeted,” said Craig Worden, president of Pollara Strategic Insights. “Yet despite seismic disruptions caused by the pandemic, most Canadians remain unwavering in their view that protecting nature and investing in Indigenous-led conservation should remain a priority for the federal government.”

“Canadians are not saying: we should set conservation aside while we get the economy sorted out,” Worden continued. “Instead, they see conservation as part of building a better economy.”

The poll shows Canadians are ready for innovation. Only 16% said they want to return to a pre-COVID economy. Seven-in-ten want to rebuild while introducing change—either through new approaches or fundamental change.

The Indigenous-led conservation movement sweeping the country offers a transformational model—one rooted in responsibility and sustainable prosperity.

“When I saw the poll results saying people want economic change, I wasn’t surprised. That’s what Indigenous Peoples have been working on for years,” said Valérie Courtois, the director of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative. “Many Indigenous Nations are building conservation-based economies that transcend the boom and bust cycle.  We are generating jobs and honouring our responsibility to the land at the same time.”

About 60 Indigenous Guardians programs operate across the country, and over 25 Indigenous Nations are developing Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas with support from the Canada Nature Fund. These measures have been proven to generate good-paying jobs, spur major investment in regional economies, and provide certainty for industry.

The poll confirms that most Canadians view Indigenous-led conservation as good for the economy: 72% believe the government should invest in Indigenous stewardship as part of economic recovery efforts. Support deepens when Canadians learn about the returns on investment, cost-effectiveness, and cultural benefits of Indigenous Guardians and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. 

Canadians also recognize that Indigenous stewardship is helping the country meet national and international goals to conserve nature. A full 84% of survey participants said they want the federal government to invest in commitments to protect 30% of lands by 2030.

Most Canadians say they have spent more time interacting with nature since the pandemic began. Correspondingly, 97% of Canadians have either maintained (80%) or increased (17%) their support for nature conservation since COVID-10.

“Conservation unites Canadians. It transcends issues that divide us along political, regional and demographic lines,” said Worden. “The public views the post-pandemic recovery as an opportunity for positive change, and they clearly want nature protection and Indigenous-led conservation be a part of our rebuilding of a better Canada."

 Photo credit: Peter Mather