Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund
Canada
Funding for conserving and restoring nature
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 01, 2021
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Submit a proposal to carry out nature-based solutions to conserve, sustainably manage, and restore ecosystems.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible projects for the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF) focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving biodiversity through natural climate solutions. These include conserving, managing, and restoring ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, peatlands, and grasslands.
- Avoiding GHG emissions by preventing the conversion of carbon-rich ecosystems to less carbon-rich ones
- Restoring carbon storage and biodiversity in degraded ecosystems
- Implementing new forest harvesting management practices to reduce GHG emissions
- Developing and implementing policies, programs, or tools to reduce GHG emissions and improve biodiversity
- Measuring and reporting on GHG outcomes from natural climate solutions
- Providing biodiversity and human well-being benefits
- Advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through supported projects
- Advancing science and knowledge on natural climate solutions
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$100,000
Conservation of peatlands to prevent carbon loss
$125,000
Restoring degraded wetlands to enhance biodiversity
$125,000
Advancing scientific research on peatland restoration
$110,000
Implementing sustainable forest management practices
$120,000
Developing policy tools for natural climate solutions
$95,000
Creating a biodiversity monitoring program
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To apply for the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, projects must be focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through natural climate solutions and provide benefits for biodiversity and human well-being.
- Projects must reduce the loss, restore, or improve the management of ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, peatlands, and grasslands.
- Projects required by law, regulation, or policy (e.g., mitigation requirements of a development/project approval) are not eligible.
- Projects must avoid GHG emissions by halting or reducing the conversion of carbon-rich ecosystems.
- Projects should restore carbon storage and biodiversity in converted or degraded ecosystems.
- Projects must reduce GHG emissions caused by natural resource use, including by implementing new forest harvesting management practices.
- Development of policies, programs, or tools with key actors in priority sectors and their implementation to reduce GHG emissions and improve biodiversity is eligible.
- Projects must measure and report on GHG outcomes from natural climate solutions.
- Projects should provide biodiversity and human well-being co-benefits.
- Projects must advance the federal commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous people.
- Projects should advance science and knowledge on natural climate solutions in Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Companies involved in projects that reduce the loss, restore, or improve the management of ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, peatlands, and grasslands
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
- Projects that are required by law, regulation or policy (e.g., mitigation requirement of a development/project approval)
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
- Costs associated with projects that reduce the loss, restore, or improve the management of ecosystems
- Expenses related to halting or reducing the conversion of carbon-rich ecosystems to less carbon-rich ecosystems
- Costs for restoring carbon storage and biodiversity in converted or degraded ecosystems
- Expenses for reducing GHG emissions caused by natural resource use through implementing new forest harvesting management practices
- Costs related to developing policies, programs, or tools with key actors in priority sectors to reduce GHG emissions and improve biodiversity
- Costs for measuring and reporting on GHG outcomes from natural climate solutions
- Expenses associated with providing biodiversity and human well-being co-benefits
- Costs related to advancing science and knowledge on natural climate solutions in Canada
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant is applicable throughout Canada. Projects can take place in various ecosystems within the country.
- Forests
- Wetlands
- Peatlands
- Grasslands
grant_single_labels|criteria
The Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund evaluates applications based on their anticipated contributions to the program's desired outcomes and results. Projects will be assessed for their potential to reduce GHG emissions, enhance biodiversity, and provide socio-economic benefits, among other criteria.
- Annual GHG emission reductions in 2030 (Mt CO2e)
- Projected long-term (2050) greenhouse gas emission reductions (Mt CO2e)
- Net change in policies driving ecosystem conversion relative to the land-base
- Total area (hectares) conserved, managed, or restored for greenhouse gas mitigation
- Number of direct jobs created
- Number of methodological improvements for the land sector implemented in each annual edition of Canada’s National Inventory Report on Greenhouse Gases
- Number of Indigenous-led projects supported
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The grant focuses primarily on reducing Canada's GHG emissions, benefitting biodiversity, and human well-being through natural climate solutions. It is important to note that the application period is currently closed, with future updates to be provided on the webpage.
- Projects required by law, regulation, or policy are not eligible for funding.
- Primary objectives include halting or reducing ecosystem conversion, restoring carbon storage, and developing new resource management practices.
- Applications evaluated on anticipated contributions to emission reductions and biodiversity.
- Tracking results include GHG reductions, conserved land area, and Indigenous-led project support.
- Application period updates will be posted on the provided webpage.
grant_single_labels|contact
ec.fscan-nscsf.ec@ec.gc.ca
Apply to this program
Summary of the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund
The Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF) is a $1.4 billion ten-year initiative led by Environment and Climate Change Canada aimed at reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by 5-7 megatonnes by 2030 through the conservation, restoration, and improved management of ecosystems. This fund supports projects that tackle climate change while offering benefits for biodiversity, human well-being, and Indigenous reconciliation.
Detailed Overview of the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund
Climate change and biodiversity loss represent two of the most pressing challenges of our time, and they are deeply interconnected. The Government of Canada has recognized this and established the Natural Climate Solutions Fund to invest over $5 billion from 2021 to 2031. A component of this larger initiative, the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF), administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), has dedicated $1.4 billion over a decade to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance biodiversity and human well-being.
Objectives of the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund
The primary objective of the NSCSF is to assist Canada in meeting its 2030 and 2050 climate change mitigation targets. It aims to achieve this by employing natural climate solutions that not only reduce GHG emissions but also benefit biodiversity and enhance human well-being. Specifically, the fund focuses on the following objectives:
- Avoid GHG Emissions: This involves halting or reducing the conversion of carbon-rich ecosystems, such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands, into less carbon-rich ecosystems, like cropland or urban developments.
- Restore Carbon Storage: The fund aims to restore carbon storage and biodiversity in ecosystems that have been converted or degraded.
- Improve Resource Management: By implementing new management practices in forest harvesting and other areas of natural resource use, the fund seeks to reduce GHG emissions.
- Policy and Program Development: Creating and implementing policies, programs, or tools with key actors in priority sectors is essential for reducing GHG emissions and improving biodiversity.
- Measure and Report GHG Outcomes: An important aspect of the fund is to measure and report the GHG outcomes resulting from the natural climate solutions it supports.
- Co-Benefits for Biodiversity and Human Well-being: Projects supported by the fund are expected to provide co-benefits for biodiversity and human well-being.
- Advance Indigenous Reconciliation: The fund aims to support the federal commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples by advancing Indigenous-led projects.
- Advance Science and Knowledge: Part of the fund's mandate is to further scientific understanding and knowledge of natural climate solutions in Canada.
Expected Results
The NSCSF aims to achieve significant and measurable results by 2030, continuing through to 2050. These expected outcomes include:
- Annual GHG Emission Reductions: The fund aims to achieve annual GHG emission reductions of 5-7 megatonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030.
- Long-Term GHG Reductions: Continued reductions in GHG emissions are expected through to 2050, with ecosystems sequestering carbon for many years after the initial investments.
- Policy Impact: The fund seeks a net change in policies that drive ecosystem conversion relative to the land-base.
- Conservation, Management, and Restoration: The fund targets a total area of hectares conserved, managed, or restored for GHG mitigation.
- Job Creation: Direct jobs created as a result of the funded projects are an important metric.
- Methodological Improvements: The fund aims to implement methodological improvements for the land sector in each annual edition of Canada’s National Inventory Report on Greenhouse Gases.
- Indigenous-Led Projects: Supporting Indigenous-led projects is a key indicator of the fund's success.
Eligibility Criteria and Funding
To qualify for the NSCSF, projects must not be mandated by law, regulation, or policy, such as a mitigation requirement of a development/project approval. Instead, the fund focuses on voluntary initiatives that align with its broad objectives of reducing GHG emissions, conserving and restoring ecosystems, and enhancing biodiversity and human well-being.
Funding is allocated to projects based on their anticipated contribution to achieving the fund's objectives and expected results. Projects are evaluated on a variety of criteria, including but not limited to their potential GHG emission reductions, biodiversity impacts, and benefits to human well-being. Not all projects are expected to contribute to every one of these criteria, but each project must demonstrate a significant positive impact in at least one area.
Application Process
As of now, the application period for the NSCSF is currently closed. The Government of Canada advises potential applicants to regularly check the official webpage for updates on future application periods. The application process typically involves submitting a detailed project proposal that outlines the project's objectives, methodologies, anticipated outcomes, and how it aligns with the NSCSF's goals and objectives.
If potential applicants have any questions or require further information, they are encouraged to reach out to the provided contact email: ec.fscan-nscsf.ec@ec.gc.ca. This contact avenue can provide additional guidance and clarification on the application process and eligibility criteria.
Implications for Ecosystem Restoration and Management
The Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund embodies a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change and biodiversity loss by leveraging the intrinsic power of nature. By focusing on the conservation, restoration, and improved management of ecosystems, the fund aims to create a sustainable and resilient environment. This approach not only tackles GHG emissions but also provides ancillary benefits such as improved water quality, enhanced habitat for wildlife, and stronger resilience against the impacts of climate change.
Conclusion
The Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund represents a significant step forward in Canada's efforts to combat climate change through natural climate solutions. By providing substantial funding for projects that conserve, restore, and better manage ecosystems, the fund aims to reduce GHG emissions, enhance biodiversity, and improve human well-being. While the application period is currently closed, future opportunities will provide a chance for organizations and communities to contribute to this critical initiative. Keeping abreast of updates on the official webpage and utilizing available resources for guidance will be crucial for those interested in participating.
