Ontario Invests $8 Million in Caribou Conservation Projects
Toronto — The Ontario government has announced the opening of applications for the 2024-2025 Caribou Conservation Stewardship Program, with an allocation of up to $8 million to fund critical conservation initiatives. This investment aims to support projects focused on habitat restoration, monitoring, and research to ensure the survival and recovery of the Boreal Caribou population.
Andrea Khanjin, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, expressed enthusiasm for the renewed funding cycle. “I am pleased to announce that after successfully supporting 19 projects, we are once again inviting non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, and other groups to bring forward proposals to continue supporting caribou conservation efforts. These grants support projects that help improve conditions for Boreal Caribou – work that is critical to achieving Ontario’s goals for recovering and protecting this iconic species,” Khanjin said.
Focus Areas for Conservation Funding
The program will fund a variety of activities, including:
- Habitat Restoration: Restoring areas previously disturbed by forest fires and other environmental threats.
- Research and Monitoring: Conducting studies to track caribou movements and identify crucial habitat features.
- Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge: Utilizing local and Indigenous traditional knowledge in conservation planning and activities.
This year’s Caribou Conservation Stewardship Program is providing up to $8M to fund conservation actions such as:
✅ Habitat restoration and protection
✅ Monitoring
✅ Science and researchYou can now apply for project funding until July 18, 2024: https://t.co/QsglmVzNm3 pic.twitter.com/J30LSdMAHP
— Andrea Khanjin (@Andrea_Khanjin) June 12, 2024
Significant Investment in Caribou Conservation
Ontario has pledged nearly $35 million over five years to caribou conservation, the largest investment of its kind in the province’s history. A notable example of the impactful projects funded by this initiative is the work led by the Friends of Wabakimi (FOW). With a grant exceeding $300,000, FOW has been conducting extensive field research, including canoe and aerial surveys, to monitor caribou habitats in the Wabakimi Area north of Thunder Bay. This project collaborates with local Indigenous communities to integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
Vern Fish, President of Friends of Wabakimi, highlighted the program’s impact. “Ontario’s Caribou Conservation Stewardship Program funding has made it possible for teams of volunteer community scientists recruited and trained by our organization to look for evidence of caribou calving in the Wabakimi Area north of Thunder Bay. The data gathered will be used by scientists and resource managers to shape future caribou conservation strategies,” Fish stated.
Application Process and Long-term Commitment
The application period for the Caribou Conservation Stewardship Program is open until July 24, 2024, with successful projects to be announced in the fall. This funding initiative is part of Ontario’s broader strategy under a five-year conservation agreement with the federal government. The agreement provides a framework for collaborative habitat management and restoration efforts to protect and recover caribou populations.
Ontario has made significant progress on all 13 conservation measures outlined in the agreement, demonstrating the province’s commitment to caribou conservation as a continuous and long-term effort.
Conclusion
This substantial investment in caribou conservation underscores Ontario’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage and ensuring the survival of the Boreal Caribou. Through collaborative efforts and innovative projects, the province aims to create a sustainable future for this iconic species.
For more information and to apply for funding, interested parties can visit the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks website.
