Canada has a number of other recent funding programs designed to meet the goal of reconciliation and environmental protection in addition to Guardian projects and IPCAs. This includes protection of old growth forests that are home to many different species.
The Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF) aims to support the diverse communities and stakeholders who play a fundamental role in protecting old-growth forests. The goals of the NSCSF include supporting land acquisition efforts to protect old growth on private lands, helping First Nation communities establish new Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), supporting small woodlot owners and tenure holders to protect old-growth forests, and funding the development of more sustainable and prosperous local economies.
The NSCSF will support projects that conserve critical carbon sinks, enhance important habitat for migratory birds, species at risk and species of cultural importance to local communities. These projects are streamlined for Nations who’ve already embarked on guardian programs or IPCAs but they can also provide a good entry level project for Nations who are new to federal conservation funding and who have species at risk and migratory birds. A high proportion of Vancouver Island Nations would be in this group.
The NSCSF will distribute approximately $631 million over 10 years.