Canada–Nova Scotia Nature Agreement

The Canada–Nova Scotia Nature Agreement, signed by both parties on October 10, 2023, sets out target outcomes and early commitments in six key areas:

• Increase the amount of protected and conserved areas in the province by 82,500 ha, by March 2026, which will result in protection for close to 15% of the province’s land mass
• Creating a pathway to the provincial goal of 20% by 2030, and the federal goal of 30% by 2030, by supporting and accelerating processes that enhance land use planning
• Supporting the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia in conservation leadership and care of nature
• Species at Risk protection and recovery
• Foundational knowledge and information sharing
• Support Canada’s domestic and international biodiversity commitments including through the implementation of the GBF.

Canada and Nova Scotia will work together to deliver on the priorities and commitments in this agreement. The Government of Canada will invest a total of $28.5 million to implement the Agreement and support nature protection and conservation in the province. Both parties will work collaboratively with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia to implement the Agreement in a way that recognizes the unique rights and relationship the Mi’kmaq have to the land.

Canada–Nova Scotia Nature Agreement (Full agreement)