When nature thrives, so do we all. Protecting and conserving our natural world ensures the well-being of our planet and all forms of life on it, while also providing important defences against the growing impacts of climate and helping preserve the environment through sequestering carbon.
Across Canada, we are proud to support organizations that are working alongside communities and stewards of the land to lead initiatives that protect, better manage, and restore nature to benefit the, planet, people, and climate.
On Earth Day, we share four great reads from grantees advancing nature-based climate solutions for a healthier planet:
1. Lessons Learned from the Great Bear Sea PFP
Large-scale conservation provides many benefits – supporting stable ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and building community resilience. In 2024, 17 First Nations, the Province of British Columbia, and the Government of Canada, with support from philanthropy and Nature United, came together to build a unique conservation model aimed at improving management of 10 million hectares of marine area in the Great Bear Sea. The Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) initiative benefits from the leadership and traditional knowledge of Indigenous communities, who have stewarded land and waters for centuries, and the latest science to power conservation while also helping coastal communities thrive.
As this ambitious effort rolls out, stakeholders share early lessons and insights on the decisions and dynamics of designing the initiative:
Read here: https://coastfunds.ca/news/great-bear-sea-pfp-lessons/
2. Indigenous Cultural Fire: Myths & Facts
Indigenous peoples across Canada have used cultural fire for generations to rejuvenate and restore forest lands and reduce the risks of out-of-control wildfires. The Indigenous Leadership Initiative is working with Indigenous Nations to revive traditional knowledge about fire and to build their capacity and agency to bring good fire back to their lands.
Read some myth-breaking facts on the use of cultural fire and how it can help fight intensifying wildfires across Canada: https://www.ilinationhood.ca/blog/indigenous-cultural-fire-myths-facts
3. What Does It Really Mean to Be a “Resilient Supplier” in Canada’s Food System?
Sustainable farming practices are not just good for the environment but also help farmers build resiliency in their soils and against fluctuating input costs. Despite the benefits, several considerable challenges hinder progress on their uptake. FoodBridge works collaboratively with a wide range of partners along the supply chain to increase the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
In January, FoodBridge brought together some of the major players across the value chain in Quebec and Ontario to discuss how to build long-term resilience within Canadian agri-food systems.
Read key insights and watch the full webinar here: https://www.foodbridge.ca/what-does-it-really-mean-to-be-a-resilient-supplier-in-canadas-food-system/
4. With the Right Support, Sustainable Agriculture Can Take Root
For the large-scale adoption of sustainable agriculture practices, farmers need support with tools, knowledge, and financial capacity to take risks and effectively implement new practices.
Nature United’s Model Farm Network helps demonstrate the approaches and benefits of sustainable farming through farm practice implementation, knowledge support, and financial incentives. Through this initiative, farmers will be able to test practices and share learnings within their communities to encourage adoption.
Read why this is important: https://www.natureunited.ca/what-we-do/insights/thought-leadership-perspectives/advancing-canadian-sustainable-farming/
Learn more about our work in nature-based climate solutions here.