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The federal and NWT governments have signed a 10-year agreement that they say will advance environmental protection in the territory.
The governments announced the signing of the Canada-Northwest Territories Nature Agreement in a Monday press release.
After this article was first published, the NWT government said the agreement will provide funding that allows it to work with Indigenous governments and organizations toward targets agreed in the giant $375-million public-private Project Finance for Permanence agreement signed in November.
A portion of the agreement will also support other initiatives.
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“This agreement reaffirms our commitment to protecting the Northwest Territories’ natural heritage while ensuring Indigenous leadership is at the forefront of conservation efforts,” stated Jay Macdonald, the NWT’s environment minister.
“Through our partnership with Canada, Indigenous governments and wildlife co-management partners, we are taking decisive action to safeguard biodiversity, strengthen environmental stewardship, and create new opportunities for northerners and for communities across the territory.”
The federal government said the agreement will contribute to its goal to conserve 30 percent of Canada’s land and water by 2030.
The governments have agreed to jointly invest $7 million during the first fiscal year of the agreement, which is 2025-26.
In total, the federal government has committed to invest up to $20 million in the agreement.
Canada has already signed similar nature agreements with other jurisdictions such as Nova Scotia and the Yukon.
