2 Billion Trees Program

The 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program is a robust initiative by the Canadian government aiming to plant two billion trees across the country over a decade, thereby contributing to climate action, biodiversity, and socio-economic well-being. With up to $3.2 billion allocated for this mission, the program seeks proposals for tree planting from various stakeholders including provincial, territorial, Indigenous, non-profit, and for-profit organizations.

The 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program is one of Canada’s most ambitious environmental initiatives, designed to plant two billion trees from now until 2031. This significant effort is part of Canada’s broader commitment to nature-based climate solutions. The initiative falls under the larger umbrella of the Natural Climate Solutions Fund and aligns with Canada’s Paris Agreement targets for greenhouse gas reduction, aiming to set the foundation for eventual net-zero emissions by 2050. Beyond climate action, the program is also designed to restore forest habitats, increase biodiversity, clean air and water, create jobs, and improve community resilience against natural disasters.

Administered by the federal government, the 2 Billion Trees program has a budget of up to $3.2 billion. This funding is available to a broad range of applicants including provincial and territorial governments, third-party organizations (both for-profit and non-profit), and Indigenous governments, communities, and organizations. Local governments and urban project applicants can also seek funding through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Growing Canada’s Community Canopies (GCCC) initiative. Importantly, proposals are reviewed continuously, with specific decision dates announced at intervals.

The program aims to ensure the strategic planting of trees in appropriate areas to maximize environmental, social, and economic benefits. Trees can be planted on both public and private lands, in remote, rural, suburban, and urban locations. The program supports both afforestation—the creation of new forests in areas currently devoid of tree cover, such as abandoned lands—and reforestation, which involves regenerating forests that have temporarily lost their tree cover due to natural disturbances like wildfires or commercial activities like mining and forestry roads. Moreover, tree planting efforts must comply with provincial, territorial, and federal laws governing forest land management.

Conversely, the program explicitly prohibits tree planting in ecosystems where other types of vegetation provide unique and essential habitats for species, such as native grasslands. Additionally, the program will not fund projects that help organizations meet their legal obligations for regenerating forests post-harvest, replace or displace already secured funding sources, or regenerate forests on private lands as part of standard commercial forestry activities.

Planting trees is fundamental for a multitude of reasons. Not only do trees act as carbon sinks, drastically reducing greenhouse gases, but they also contribute to the restoration of habitats, promotion of biodiversity, and improvement of air and water quality. Tree planting under the 2 Billion Trees program will help Canada exceed its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target and contribute to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Furthermore, tree planting will generate long-term socio-economic benefits. It will create green jobs, reduce community risks from natural disasters, cool urban areas, and enhance the overall well-being of Canadians for generations to come. This holistic approach ensures that tree planting efforts yield maximum benefits across multiple sectors.

The 2 Billion Trees program has an ongoing call for proposals, welcoming applications at any time. Proposals are processed based on submission dates with decisions provided at specified intervals. These intervals are designed to give applicants sufficient time to develop comprehensive, thoughtful proposals that can make impactful contributions to the program’s objectives.

The upcoming decision dates are as follows:

For urban-project applicants interested in planting trees in and around their communities, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Growing Canada’s Community Canopies (GCCC) initiative provides an additional avenue for funding. This collaboration ensures that the 2BT program’s objectives are met within urban settings, contributing to broader environmental and social benefits.

To ensure the success and sustainability of the tree planting projects, compliance with provincial, territorial, and federal laws is mandatory. This compliance is crucial as it adheres to established standards for forest management and environmental preservation. Furthermore, planted trees must be monitored to ensure their survival and long-term contribution to the program's aims.

Monitoring efforts are integral to the program’s success. They provide data on tree survival rates, growth patterns, and overall forest health. This information allows for adaptive management, ensuring that the planted trees fulfill their purpose in mitigating climate change, enhancing biodiversity, and providing socio-economic benefits.

The 2 Billion Trees program is a monumental step toward a more sustainable and environmentally resilient Canada. By encouraging diverse stakeholders to participate in large-scale tree planting efforts, the program aims to deliver significant climate action, restore critical habitats, and provide lasting benefits to Canadian communities. Whether through afforestation, reforestation, or urban greening projects, the initiative seeks to plant the right trees in the right places, ensuring that this ambitious goal translates into tangible, long-term benefits for the environment and society.

For more information on how to apply, assess eligibility, or to seek assistance, the 2BT program team is available to support prospective applicants through the process. This collaborative approach helps ensure that the program's objectives are met effectively, fostering a greener and more resilient Canada for future generations.