News release

Province and Nature Conservancy Announce Joint Initiative

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

NATURAL RESOURCES--Province and Nature Conservancy Announce Joint Initiative


The provincial government and the Nature Conservancy of Canada have formed a partnership to protect ecologically significant lands in Nova Scotia, Premier John Hamm announced today in Halifax. The premier was joined by John Lounds, Executive Director of the Conservancy; Ernest Fage, Minister of Natural Resources; and Angus MacIsaac, acting Minister of Environment and Labour.

Campaign for Conservation is a three-year initiative of the Department of Natural Resources and the Nature Conservancy that will see the government contribute $300,000 and, in return, receive important natural areas valued at $1 million.

"This is a guaranteed return of two-to-one on our investment," the premier said. "It will result in the acquisition and preservation of lands for the benefit of all Nova Scotians."

Nova Scotia boasts a rich and diverse landscape, but the government owns only about a quarter of the land. For that reason, purchasing and protecting ecologically significant areas is important to all Nova Scotians.

"We have had a very successful relationship with the Nature Conservancy over the years," said Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage. "Today's announcement builds on that relationship and on our common goal of preserving ecological and natural areas."

The Nature Conservancy has been protecting natural areas in Nova Scotia since 1970. The provincial government and the Nature Conservancy have worked together over the years on several projects, including acquiring Munroe's Island in Pictou County and working with Kimberly-Clark to protect sensitive lands at Abraham Lake. More recently, they've co-operated to acquire Francis Nose Island in Halifax County and worked with the Kingsburg Coastal Conservancy to preserve Gaff Point in Lunenburg County.

Future land purchases under this partnership will be done in consultation with the departments of Natural Resources and Environment and Labour, the Nature Conservancy and local conservation organizations such as the Nova Scotia Nature Trust.

"This is an opportunity for the province to fulfill our commitment under the Protected Areas Strategy through the acquisition of private lands that have outstanding ecological values," said acting Environment and Labour Minister Angus MacIsaac.

Campaign for Conservation is the first step in ensuring that ecologically significant lands are protected for all Nova Scotians to enjoy. The agreement also ensures that management plans are put in place for these properties.