On 20 December 2023, the Minister of Environment announced new and expanded protected areas and released the Collaborative Protected Areas Strategy.

Parks and protected areas play an important role in conserving and protecting the diversity and complexity of life (biodiversity). This includes wildlife, along with natural features and processes. Our protected lands lessen the effects of climate change by capturing and storing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. They maintain clean air and water, including drinking-water supply watersheds.

Identifying and protecting the best and most suitable lands now will help ensure that Nova Scotia's parks and protected areas become even more relevant in coming years.

Collaborative Protected Areas Strategy (PDF)

Collaborative Protected Areas Strategy: French (PDF)

Sites proposed for protection: public input

The Government of Nova Scotia is seeking public input on sites proposed for protection as wilderness areas or nature reserves. The Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act sets a goal to protect at least 20% of Nova Scotia's land and water by 2030. An interim target of 15% by December 2026 was set in the Collaborative Protected Areas Strategy (PDF).

Learn more about the areas proposed for protection by viewing this map and site descriptions.

Provide your feedback by 28 July 2026. Feedback can be submitted by completing the online form for a proposed site.