Closed
Source verified June 12, 2026
Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation
Funding for Indigenous-led conservation area creation
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation supports Indigenous Peoples to lead or co-lead the establishment and recognition of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures across Canada. Eligible support covers community engagement, land definition, environmental studies, land acquisition, management planning, infrastructure, legal protection, and maintenance tied to establishing new conservation areas.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Establishing new Indigenous-led conservation areas
- Recognizing protected areas or other effective area-based conservation measures
- Work toward Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, Métis Protected and Conserved Areas, and Inuit Conserved Areas
Documents Needed
- Expression of Interest form
- Guidance document
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous nations
- Indigenous governments
- Indigenous communities
- Indigenous councils
- Indigenous organizations and not-for-profit organizations
Eligible expenses
- Community and stakeholder engagement costs
- Land definition and legal boundary work
- Environmental assessments, baseline studies, and monitoring
- Land acquisition, leases, or easements
- Infrastructure, equipment, and related maintenance
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Ongoing management of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Indigenous leadership and support for the project
- Likelihood of protection or conservation by 2025 or 2030
- Support from the relevant provincial or territorial government
- Positive environmental and cultural impacts on the community
How to apply
- Step 1: Request application materials
- Email the program contact to receive the expression of interest form and guidance document.
- Step 2: Attend information sessions
- Register for available information sessions if needed.
- Step 3: Complete the expression of interest
- Fill out the form and prepare the required submission.
- Step 4: Submit by email
- Send the completed form to the program email address before the closing date and time.
Processing and Agreement
- Expressions of Interest were reviewed during the open call period.
- Applicants could request forms and guidance by email.
- Completed forms had to be submitted by email before the closing deadline to be considered.
- Eligible applicants were invited to information sessions during the application period.
Additional information
- Information sessions were offered during the expression-of-interest period.
- The program supports Indigenous-led conservation areas that will count toward Canada’s conservation targets.
- Projects must be submitted to the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database to count toward those targets.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation Program
What is the Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation?
Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation supports Indigenous Peoples to lead or co-lead the establishment and recognition of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures across Canada. Eligible support covers community engagement, land definition, environmental studies, land acquisition, management planning, infrastructure, legal protection, and maintenance tied to establishing new conservation areas.
Who is eligible for the Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation program?
To be eligible for the Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation program, you must:
Project must be Indigenous-led.
Project area must be eligible for protection or conservation.
Applicant must be an Indigenous organization.
What expenses are eligible under Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation?
Establishing new Indigenous-led conservation areas
Recognizing protected areas or other effective area-based conservation measures
Work toward Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, Métis Protected and Conserved Areas, and Inuit Conserved Areas
Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation?
You can contact Government of Canada by email at CZMA-ILABC@ec.gc.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation available?
The Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation program is available across Canada.
Is the Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation?
Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation is funded by Government of Canada