The North American Partnership for Environment Community Action (NAPECA) is a two-year $1.2 million grant program that supports innovative, community-based activities to address North America’s environmental challenges. Consistent with the priorities established in the Commission for Environmental Cooperation’s (CEC) 2010-2015 Strategic Plan, this grant program seeks to promote healthy communities and ecosystems, encourage activities that address climate change, and advance projects that assist in greening the economies in North America.
Between June and September 2013, members of the public were invited to submit project proposals that addressed one of these three priorities. More than 500 preliminary applications were received and assessed by the CEC Secretariat, and each country selected the projects within its jurisdiction to participate in the program.
In total, 18 projects from across the three countries were selected. Canada is pleased to support four projects that will advance action on climate change, water quality management, and biodiversity conservation. Each initiative will have a positive local impact while complimenting the environmental priorities of the Government of Canada. In total, these four Canadian projects will receive $398,322, representing approximately one-third of the $1.2 million funding available under NAPECA. The funded projects will begin implementation as early as March 2014 and will conclude in 2016.
The K'omoks and Squamish Estuaries – A Blue Carbon Project ($230,000)
Eelgrass and salt marsh habitats are recognized for their ability to sequester carbon in marine sediments. This project will develop a protocol to support the identification, mapping, land protection and establishment of a blue carbon strategy around the K’omoks and Squamish Estuaries. It will examine how the estuaries, shorelines, and wetlands can continue to function as buffers against rising sea levels, climate change and changing urban and development pressures. This protocol will seek to improve public awareness and appreciation of the environmental and economic benefits of estuarine habitat restoration, and could be extended across coastal British Columbia, and in Mexico and the U.S.
Youth Water Education and Monitoring Project ($86,322)
This project seeks to teach local community members in Prince Edward Island how to implement water and fish habitat monitoring protocols to improve the quality of drinking water and the water in aquatic ecosystems. Through educational workshops and biological field sampling, this project will increase understanding of the importance of PEI’s aquatic ecosystems and encourage community members to actively participate in aquatic ecosystem monitoring activities to protect natural habitats.
Stakeholder Engagement, Public Awareness and Indigenous Perspectives for Lake Winnipeg ($74,000)
Lake Winnipeg is the world’s tenth largest lake, with a watershed that spans two countries, four provinces, four states, and over 100 indigenous nations. This project aims to facilitate capacity-building among Lake Winnipeg’s indigenous communities through engagement activities that help to understand and address the impact of human activities on Lake Winnipeg. This resulting Lake Winnipeg Health Plan (LWHP) will incorporate scientific consensus, public awareness, and indigenous capacity to increase the success of large-scale phosphorus reduction initiatives and the health of Lake Winnipeg.
Adopt a Rancher ($8,000)
This project aims to create environmental public education awareness on natural grassland ecosystems that is directly linked and supportive of Saskatchewan’s Grade 10 Science curriculum. Through interactive program activities and a site visit, students are introduced to a rancher who will provide practical insight on prairie management, enabling students to connect concepts and theories explored in the classroom to a real-life, practical working ranch ecosystem. Students will be able to learn how ranching can protect Saskatchewan’s native grasslands while providing economic benefits for its people.
Additional information on the 2013-2015 North American Partnership for Environment Community Action (NAPECA) Grant Program is available in the news release from the Commission for Environmental Cooperation.
