A new report by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society shows that protecting nature is not only beneficial for the environment but also a major driver of Canada’s economy. One month after the report’s release, Canada unveiled A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature, which outlines how the federal government will deliver its 2030 Nature Strategy.

Nature’s contribution to Canada’s economy

In the 2023-24 fiscal year, parks and conservation areas supported approximately 150,000 jobs, and contributed $10.9 billion to Canada’s GDP — far exceeding the $1.8 billion invested by the federal government. These findings from a new report by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society demonstrate the significant return on conservation investment, finding further that these protected areas also generated $6.6 billion in wages and $1.4 billion in tax revenue. Especially in rural economies, conservation plays a critical role and contributes to biodiversity protection and the establishment of long-term green infrastructure. For instance, Indigenous-led tourism, such as Point Grondine Park in Ontario operated by the Wiikwemkoong First Nation, not only creates jobs and supports local tourism, but also offers opportunities for cultural storytelling while preserving ecosystems and protecting traditional lands and practices.

Canada is considered one of the most nature-rich countries around the world. The country holds roughly 20% of the world’s freshwater, 25% of global wetlands, vast boreal forests, and habitat for around 80,000 species. Nature-based sectors (e.g., agriculture, forestry, mining, and fisheries) contribute about 7% of Canada’s GDP, and demonstrates how deeply the economy is tied to the natural environment. And as the world’s second-largest country with the longest coastline, it’s clear that Canada’s environmental decisions have global implications. Recognizing this global responsibility, Canada made a significant commitment in 2022 to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030 – a target under the international signing of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

A new national strategy for nature protection

But how will Canada get there? Last week, the federal government announced A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature. This plan outlines how Canada will deliver its 2030 Nature Strategy, providing a roadmap for conservation efforts. Built around three core pillars, the strategy commits more than $3.8 billion in investments to protect nature, with a strong emphasis on measurable outcomes and reinforcing collaboration between governments, Indigenous Peoples, and key actors to scale up conservation efforts and meet Canada’s 30×30 targets. Together, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society report and this new strategy signal a growing recognition that conservation is not only an environmental responsibility, but also a long-term economic and social investment for sustainable, resilient communities.

Competing priorities in conservation investment

While this new plan represents a major conservation win, it comes at a time when many provincial-led environmental protections, conservation funding, and green infrastructure policies — especially in Ontario — are being debated and reduced. Yet, conservation safeguards the ecosystem services that underpin a prosperous economy and healthy communities. From supporting jobs and strengthening rural economies to enhancing food security, human health and well-being, and global competitiveness, the benefits are clear and well documented.

The world is becoming increasingly divided; but Canada has a unique opportunity and responsibility to lead. Biodiversity does not recognize borders, and neither do the risks of inaction. Now it’s up to us to hold decision makers accountable to listen to the science and follow through and operationalize these commitments. Policy protections and investment in nature are critical and directly support economic prosperity, environmental health, and resilient communities for generations.

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