Ottawa signs $270-million agreement for Inuit-led conservation efforts in Nunavut
On Thursday, Ottawa co-signed a $270-million agreement for Inuit-led conservation efforts in Canada’s Arctic, aimed at boosting jobs and opportunities in the region.
Over 15 years, officials estimate the initiative will generate $318 million in economic activity.
“The Canadian Arctic has been home to vibrant ecosystems and Indigenous communities for generations,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement.
“With today’s announcement, we are strengthening our commitment to protecting lands, waters, and wildlife, honouring Inuit-led conservation efforts, and walking forward on the shared path of reconciliation.”
The SINAA Project Finance for Permanence Agreement is between the Government of Canada, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA)—which represents communities in the Qikiqtani region of Nunavut—The Pew Charitable Trusts, and the Aajuraq Conservation Fund Society.
Of the funding, $200 million will come from the Government of Canada, and $70 million has been pledged by philanthropic donors.
Fishing agreement also signed
QIA said the agreement aims to protect lands and waters in Nunavut’s Qikiqtani region.
“We are reaching a historic milestone in Canadian history,” said Olayuk Akesuk, president of the QIA. “The agreement signed today sets the foundations for Inuit-led and governed conservation efforts to protect our culture, lands, waters, and wildlife.”
The government said the initiative is set to expand marine protection, pushing Canada closer to its goal of conserving 30 percent of its oceans by 2030.
Additionally, Fisheries and Oceans Canada signed an additional agreement with QIA, pledging a decade of funding to help Inuit communities secure entry to offshore commercial fisheries, fleets, and equipment, and hands-on training.
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Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Conservation an important path forward for Nunavut’s economy, says report, Eye on the Arctic
Finland: Conservationists find more critically endangered Arctic fox cubs in Finnish Lapland, Yle News
Norway: Climate change hits back at Svalbard, coal mine flooded by melting glacier in Norway, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: Oral histories unlock impact of climate change on nomadic life in Arctic Russia, says study, Eye on the Arctic
Sweden: Extra billions to SAS – but with stricter climate requirements, Radio Sweden
United States: Conservation groups sue government over Alaska mining road, The Associated Press
