The project, “Restoring Ecological Connectivity within the Frontenac Arch Region through Ethical Space and Co-governance,” is one of nine ecological connectivity initiatives receiving partial funding from Parks Canada nationwide.

KINGSTON, ON, Nov. 22, 2024 – The Canadian government is committed to protecting biodiversity by conserving 30% of land, inland waters, and marine areas by 2030. Connecting these areas is vital for healthy ecosystems, enabling species to move freely, adapt to climate change, and find suitable habitats.

Today, Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced $369,528 in funding for the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network to advance conservation planning and collaboration in the Algonquin to Adirondack (A2A) transboundary corridor. With an additional $144,016 in matching funds, the total investment of $513,544 will strengthen ecological connectivity and biodiversity conservation in this crucial area.

The $369,528 from Parks Canada’s National Program for Ecological Corridors for this project are part of nearly $6 million in funding announced today for nine corridor projects to improve ecological connectivity in key Canadian areas.

This initiative focuses on building relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners, collaborative stewardship, corridor mapping, and road ecology research. It also seeks to develop co-management strategies using Two-Eyed Seeing and Ethical Space principles, integrating Indigenous Knowledge systems and western science.

The A2A corridor is a vital link between protected areas in southeastern Ontario and upstate New York, crucial for biodiversity and species movement. The funding will enhance conservation planning and address challenges like habitat fragmentation and wildlife road mortality.

By restoring ecological connectivity, this project will contribute to a well-connected network of natural areas, supporting the Canadian government’s commitment to halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030.

Quote

“Ecological corridors are essential to addressing biodiversity loss and improving climate resilience. By strategically connecting protected areas, these corridors ensure species can thrive, adapt, and interact within healthy ecosystems. Through initiatives like Parks Canada’s National Program for Ecological Corridors, we are making crucial investments to restore nature and work towards our goal of protecting 30 per cent of land and waters in Canada by 2030.”

Mark Gerretsen
Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands

Quick Facts

• Guided by western and Indigenous science and local perspectives, Canada aims to conserve 30 per cent of lands, freshwater, and oceans by 2030.
• Ecological corridors offer many benefits beyond biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation. They contribute to sustainable local livelihoods, increase opportunities for nature connection, and promote human-wildlife coexistence.
• Parks Canada’s National Program for Ecological Corridors prioritizes Indigenous leadership and stewardship values. The program also supports Indigenous-led pilot projects and collaborations with local Indigenous communities.
• Ethical Space and Two-Eyed Seeing approaches encourage collaboration by equally valuing Indigenous and western perspectives.

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SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)