This article discusses how Indigenous Peoples, historically excluded from conservation decisions in Canada, are now leading efforts in conservation through Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs). Despite Canada’s vast biocultural diversity and Indigenous population, less than 1 percent of the land is designated as Indigenous-led protected areas as of 2022. However, more than 50 Indigenous communities are currently funded to establish IPCAs. This movement and momentum positions Canada as a potential global leader in Indigenous-led conservation as the country aims to meet ambitious conservation targets by embedding Indigenous rights, knowledge, and values in the national conservation strategy.

Indigenous protected and conserved areas (IPCAs): Canada’s new path forward for biological and cultural conservation and Indigenous well-being

Author: Nicolas Mansuy, Diana Staley, Sharlene Alook, Brenda Parlee Alexandra Thomson, Danika Billie Littlechild, Matthew Munson, and Fred Didzena

Year: 2023

Media Type: Report