A person walks by the COP15 logo in front of Palais des congrès de Montréal on Dec. 17.ANDREJ IVANOV/AFP/Getty Images
The federal government, the Northwest Territories and the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę government are planning to create an Indigenous protected area around Great Bear Lake.
The three governments signed agreement today at the COP15 biodiversity conference in Montreal.
It is a major development for the First Nation that has fought to have the lake declared an Indigenous protected and conserved area.
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Great Bear Lake is the world’s eighth largest freshwater lake and is considered one of the most intact ecosystems in the world with cultural significance to the Dene people.
It was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2016, and is surrounded by boreal forest which provides an important habitat for muskox, caribou and moose.
Chief Danny Gaudet of the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę says it’s a historic day for community members who have spent generations protecting the area.
Shane Thompson, N.W.T.’s environment and natural resources minister, said establishing and funding a conservation area will mean active Indigenous stewardship of a critical habitat.
“Great Bear spans over 31,000 square kilometres or 0.3 per cent of the area of Canada,” said Thompson. “Put in perspective, this is an area larger than Belgium.”
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said the Indigenous leadership in nature conservation is crucial as they bring a unique perspective about knowledge, rights and responsibilities to their lands, waters and ice.
The announcement Saturday bookends several commitments and funding announcements with provinces and communities during the COP15 conference, including an $800-million investment to support Indigenous-led conservation projects.
All of it brings Canada closer to a target of protecting 25 per cent of its lands and oceans by 2025. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was unequivocal that Canada would meet that target.
As of December 2021, Canada had conserved 13.5 per cent of land and almost 14 per cent of marine territory. To hit “25 by 25,” Canada must further protect more than 1.2 million square kilometres of land, or approximately the size of Manitoba and Saskatchewan added together.
Guilbeault said the types of announcements made in Montreal over the past few weeks is an example of how to achieve the goal. He also remains confident the COP15 agreement will include a commitment to 30 per cent by 2030 – the target Canada and some other countries are pushing for.
“We are very close, in fact, to be able to to show how we get to 25 by 25, we’re getting there,” Guilbeault said. “And Canada can only meet this target through strong partnerships with provinces, territories as well as with indigenous peoples.”