2026-Apr-07
Canada Launches "A Force of Nature" to Protect Lands and Waters
Canada is taking a definitive step toward environmental resilience. On March 31, 2026, the federal government unveiled “A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature,” a $3.8 billion roadmap designed to safeguard the nation’s natural heritage while building a more sustainable, nature-positive economy.
With the world’s longest coastline and 20% of the Earth’s freshwater, Canada is uniquely positioned to lead. This strategy isn’t just about preservation—it is about integrating the health of our environment into the very fabric of how we build and grow the country.
Protecting 30% by 2030: Our Blue and Green Ambitions
Canada is accelerating its commitment to protect 30% of our lands and waters by 2030. This ambitious “30×30” goal includes funding for 14 new marine protected areas, 10 new national parks, and 15 national urban parks. However, the strategy moves beyond traditional parks by focusing on three transformative pillars:
1. Securing Canada’s Water Future
Water is being elevated to a pillar of national stability. Through the development of Canada’s first National Water Security Strategy, the new Canada Water Agency will partner with Indigenous, provincial, and territorial governments to protect freshwater ecosystems.
2. Building Canada Well: Nature-First Development
With “A Force of Nature” the government is mandating a “nature-positive” lens for new infrastructure and development.
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Mitigation Hierarchy: The strategy mandates a framework that prioritizes avoiding and minimizing environmental impacts before any development begins.
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Smart Data & AI: By implementing advanced mapping and AI tools to identify Key Biodiversity Areas, the government aims to speed up permitting while ensuring smarter, science-based decision-making.
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Working Landscapes: The strategy recognizes OECMs (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures)—”working landscapes” that achieve conservation results while allowing for sustainable human use.
3. Support for Species at Risk & Biodiversity
The strategy addresses a sobering reality: a 188% increase in federally listed species at risk since 2003. To combat this, $283 million is being dedicated to species recovery. This funding will flow into habitat restoration and protection in biodiversity “hotspots” to protect iconic and endangered species in their natural habitats.
Indigenous Leadership at the Forefront
The strategy explicitly states there is “no path to 30×30 without Indigenous leadership.” The federal government is expanding Indigenous Guardians Programs. This ensures that those who have stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial remain central to their ongoing protection.
Valuing Natural Capital
For the first time, Canada will treat nature as a measurable economic asset. In Spring 2026, a new Expert Taskforce on Natural Capital Accounting and Nature Financing will launch to bridge the gap between the private sector and conservation, encouraging businesses to invest directly in the ecosystems they rely on.
📊 Quick Look: Canada’s Natural Wealth
| Feature | Global Share |
| Freshwater | 20% of the world’s total |
| Lakes | 37% of the world’s lakes |
| Wetlands | 25% of the world’s wetlands |
| Boreal Forest | 24% of the world’s boreal forest |
| Biodiversity | Home to approx. 80,000 species |
“The beauty of Canada’s nature… is central to our history, our identity, and our way of life. With the power of modern technology and the wisdom of Indigenous traditions, our new nature strategy will protect what matters most.” — The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
“A Force of Nature” is more than a policy shift; it is a promise that Canada’s economic growth will no longer come at the expense of its ecological health. By valuing our natural capital today, we are securing a resilient, nature-positive legacy for Canada’s tomorrow. Read more about the plan here.