Snow-kissed mountains plunge into the sea along a dramatic fjord west of Bella Coola on British Columbia’s remote central coast. Photo Credit: Kiliii Yüyan
Environment CanadaIndigenous Partnership Expands Protection for One of the World’s Richest Seas
In Canada, First Nations are leading a major partnership to protect a vast marine ecosystem along the Great Bear Sea, strengthening biodiversity conservation and supporting coastal communities for generations.
“This agreement is a recognition that Indigenous communities have stewarded their territories for thousands of years and are the best caretakers of their land,” said Christine Smith-Martin, chief executive of Coastal First Nations.
Seventeen First Nations joined federal and provincial partners to secure about 335 million Canadian dollars for long-term stewardship, aiming to conserve roughly 25 million acres of ocean, around 30% of the region, while supporting sustainable fisheries, cultural traditions and new local jobs through Indigenous-led governance and ecosystem protection.
