The Fund will support the protection of biological and ecological diversity in BC and advancement of the goal of protecting 30% of BC by 2030 (30x30) in a manner that considers climate change, is consistent with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, and promotes First Nations leadership and governance or co-governance, including First Nation-led conservation.

The 30x30 goal will be measured through protected area designations or designations that are Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs) and meet standards such as those established by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN standards).

The Fund is guided by a strategic plan including a vision, goals, and targets to protect biodiverse areas throughout BC in collaboration with First Nations.

The World Economic Forum has identified biodiversity loss and climate change as two of the most significant risks facing humanity today. That’s because wildlife populations around the world have declined an estimated 69% since 1970. Less than 23% of the world's landmass can now be considered wilderness, with the rest, excluding Antarctica, lost to the direct effects of human activities. Only a fraction of remaining wild areas are larger than 100 square kilometres.

British Columbia has some of the highest biodiversity in the world’s temperate zone. From the depths of the Pacific Ocean to the height of the Rockies, over 50,000 species call BC home. While BC is fortunate to have relatively healthy biodiversity because of its rugged nature and existing protected area system, we can’t take it for granted.

Even in BC we are losing biodiversity at an alarming rate, with high rates of species at risk and fewer and fewer areas of intact habitat left. There is a direct correlation between large unroaded wild areas and maintaining species diversity.

30x30 is a global initiative supported by almost every country in the world. It aims to protect 30% of the world’s land and water by 2030 to restore biodiversity loss and fight climate change. Canada, the Province of BC and the First Nations Leadership Council have jointly committed to this target in BC.

Biodiversity loss and climate change are urgent threats affecting our security, stability and health. Scientists estimate that 30% is the minimum level of protection needed to prevent species extinctions.

BC has more biodiversity than anywhere in North America, but it also has the highest number of species at risk. If we want to keep BC beautiful and avoid losing what we love, we have to act now to protect and restore 30% of our original lands, waters and wildlife.

By creating an interconnected landscape of new parks, conservation areas,Indigenous protected areas and other effective conservation measures we can work together to maintain and restore biodiversity.

Yes. A model called Project Finance for Permanence is now used for large-scale conservation projects around the world. Financing is secured up front and released to projects as conditions are met.

The majority of financing is activated in long term endowments when conservation designations occur, maximizing impact and ensuring durable results. This reduces risk for funders, fosters effective strategy and planning to reach targets, and enables and incentivizes project partners to reach and implement agreements.

A “Conservation Financing Mechanism” is a structure that leads the pursuit of conservation financing, including holding, investing, administering, leveraging, and disbursing funding to support conservation initiatives in BC. The new Fund is the official “conservation finance mechanism” in BC. BC Parks Foundation is responsible for overseeing and administering the Fund.

• Conservation financing does not result in changes to the land status but brings in the financing necessary to allow for conservation, restoration, and planning activities to be undertaken and implemented.
  ‍
• Conservation financing strengthens partnerships to identify and designate areas to be protected for nature conservation purposes.
  ‍

The Foundation has a recognized track record of success with raising and administering large amounts of funding from many sources for conservation in BC.

• >50 land conservation projects protecting over 41,500 hectares across BC.
• National award-winning health program with doctors and medical associations across Canada.
• Promoting community science observations in partnership with others, accelerating BC past 26m observations, doubling number of observers past 50,000, and boosting species count to almost 20,000 species.
• Nature-based learning in parks, educating more than 200,000 visitors each year.

These programs are supported by tens of thousands of everyday British Columbians, companies large and small, community leaders, philanthropists, governments, and volunteers. In addition to smaller donations, the Foundation has secured and managed the largest gifts in BC and Canadian conservation history for its private land conservation program from BC business leaders.

The Foundation’s success and innovation has been featured in 566 news outlets worldwide, including the New York Times, CNN, BBC, Washington Post, Fox News, Bloomberg, and Forbes, generating over 30 Billion media impressions.

The Foundations’s board includes experienced and skilled British Columbians who are passionate about keeping BC beautiful, for all to enjoy, forever.

You can find out more about the Foundation by clicking on the About Us link above, or here.

Yes, we fund multi-year projects. The general limit is two years for phases 1 and 2, and two to three years for Phase 3 area-based conservation initiatives. In the case of investment in endowment funds for long-term stewardship in Phase 3, annual disbursements are ongoing.

Formal conservation designations have to have occurred after April 1, 2024, and cannot have already been officially counted towards 30x30 targets.

Yes, unless the Nation(s) has designated an administrative lead. All projects require a lead applicant. While we prefer First Nation leadership for area-based conservation projects, we also welcome other qualified donees to lead if they can demonstrate First Nation involvement and support. For projects under the funding priority of "biodiverse area identification," First Nation leadership or support is not required; applicants just need to be qualified donees.

In cases where multiple First Nations are working together, one First Nation or a designated First Nation organization should act as the lead applicant on the Expression of Interest. If the project moves to full application stage, we will prefer one administrative lead in each group but will discuss with the group if this presents a major barrier.

With your help! Every dollar that British Columbians, businesses, philanthropists and foundations contribute will be doubled.

Matching occurs every time money leaves the Fund for a project, or every time money enters the Fund. There is no deadline on the Fund and the intention is for it to be sustained, reliable, long-term funding through investment and other measures.

The Conservation Fund is designed to meet you where you are at in your journey. For example, if you have a project that has recently been designated for conservation, you may apply for Phase 3 if you are ready to steward and restore over the long-term. This includes sustainable economic opportunities in line with conservation.

Download our Guide to BC Conservation Funding for Stream 1 – Area-Based Conservation Initiatives to get started.

The match requirement is 1:1. However, projects with higher match ratios are preferred.

We recognize some First Nations have limited capacity and sources of funding and we don't want that to be a barrier. First Nation applicants without a secured 1:1 match are still invited to apply, and we will work with them to find partners willing to provide funding matches.

The Foundation uses a ‘Project Finance for Permanence Model’, where long term funding models are negotiated in Phase 2 of area-based conservation initiatives and established upon successful permanent designations (Phase 3). For any endowment elements of long-term funding, we will establish separate endowment accounts within the Foundation’s investment portfolio and accounting structure, distributing a steady, dependable stream of annual income based on multi-year stewardship plans and annual reporting on outcomes.

No. The Province is not eligible for funding due to terms in the Agreement signed between the Province and BC Parks Foundation.

Grant applicants must be a qualified donee. Phases 1-3 explicitly prioritize submissions from First Nations and their delegate organizations, but applications will be accepted from non-Indigenous organizations that can demonstrate First Nation support.

Despite potentially meeting the criteria around qualified donee and demonstrated First Nation support, government teams may not directly apply for funding to support their initiatives or studies. The grant to BC Parks Foundation is not meant to fund government core functions because that would mean the grant is pre-paying future expenditures of government, which is contrary to accounting rules. Area-based Conservation Projects advanced by First Nations or their delegated organizations, or non-government organizations with demonstrated First Nation support must align with a government-to-government agreement related to land use to guide the investment and may link to or benefit government initiatives.

Yes, the Fund will support First Nations involvement and leadership in conservation.

We are all neighbours in BC and we need to work together to conserve our lands, waters and wildlife.

First Nations have been here for thousands of years. They have deep cultural connections to the land. Many Indigenous people want to continue their way of life and use traditional knowledge to help restore biodiversity and fight global warming.

Indigenous people and local communities often have critical intimate knowledge of climate change impacts and adaptation options, including mitigating forest fire risk, floods and drought.

Studies in Canada and around the world show that conservation that empowers and supports environmental stewardship by Indigenous peoples and local communities is the best pathway to effective long-term conservation of biodiversity, particularly when upheld in wider law and policy.

Most of BC does not have treaties, so First Nations have a shared interest in the land along with the Province of BC. Nations are often involved in reviewing development proposals and seeing cumulative threats to the land, water and wildlife. Indigenous Peoples have an inherent and human right to self-determination recognized and respected internationally, nationally and provincially.

Anyone qualified by Canada Revenue Agency to accept charitable grants can propose projects. Proposals will be screened and financing will go to high impact projects and people making a measurable difference to conservation of priority areas in BC.

The Fund will be looking for projects and partners that have track records of success, good governance, and the ability to advance outcomes.

The Project Finance for Permanence approach works because it creates security and incentives for project partners while providing built-in control points and durability for funders.
‍

• Financing for purchases/relinquishments/transfers, or long-term stewardship, restoration and conservation-based economies, is provided (and pledges called) when the conservation designation is formalized.
• The long-term endowment model allows interest to flow as long as conservation outcomes are achieved.
• All projects over $1m are pre-approved by funders.
• Accountability standards are applied to projects.

To be eligible for the BC Conservation Fund, organizations must meet the definition of a "qualified donee" as set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This status allows organizations to issue official tax receipts for donations and receive grants from Canadian charities, such as the BC Parks Foundation. Below is a summary of who qualifies.

• Registered Canadian Charities
  
  ‍These are the most common qualified donees. A registered charity has been officially recognized by the CRA and complies with the Income Tax Act.
  ‍
• Other Canadian Organizations
  
  Canadian Municipalities:
  Cities and towns across Canada automatically qualify.
  
  ‍Canadian Universities: Institutions that grant degrees are eligible, as well as some foreign universities that have Canadian students enrolled and are listed by the CRA.
  
  ‍Government Bodies: This includes federal, provincial, and territorial governments.
• First Nations
  
  ‍First Nations governments, bands, and tribal councils can qualify as donees by performing governmental functions. This status, recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency, allows them to issue donation receipts and receive grants.
  
  However, First Nations that do not yet have qualified donee status must apply for it. Once registered, they can access funds, such as the BC Conservation Fund, for stewardship and land management projects.  To apply for registration as a qualified donee, please visit this page. For more details on the advantages and obligations of becoming a qualified donee, please visit this page.
  
• First Nations
  
  ‍First Nations governments, bands, tribal councils, or Indigenous Communities can also be qualified donees. They are recognized as public bodies performing a function of government, which automatically makes them eligible. This allows First Nations to apply for the BC Conservation Fund and receive funding for projects that align with their stewardship and land management goals.‍
• International Organizations
  ‍
  Although non-Canadian organizations generally don’t qualify, some foreign universities and foreign charities may qualify if: The foreign university has Canadian students enrolled (as recognized by the CRA). The foreign organization has received gifts directly from the Government of Canada, which can result in the organization being added to a CRA-approved list of prescribed donees.

The Foundation will make it possible for all British Columbians, other Canadians, and people from around the world to contribute to projects supported by the Fund.

Individuals, businesses, family foundations, philanthropists, and others interested in making a difference can either add to the Fund as a whole or choose and contribute to individual projects that they want to support.

Funding will be invested in projects to:

1. Identify priority areas for conservation.
2. Achieve mandates, plans and agreements that formally protect new conservation areas.
3. Secure durable long-term stewardship, restoration and sustainable economic opportunities in newly conserved areas.
4. Increase public awareness, education and support for conserving and sustainably using BC’s original lands, waters and wildlife.

Example of eligible activities include:

• Data gathering and analysis.
• Achieving land, forest and water use plans and agreements that include conservation designations meeting international standards.
• Conserving private lands and tenures on a voluntary basis.
• Restoration and rewilding of newly conserved areas.
• Science and research in newly conserved areas.
• Helping fight poaching and other illegal activity.
• First Nations cultural activities related to conservation.
• New technologies and innovations advancing conservation.
• Outdoor learning centers and programs in schools.

When submitting Expressions of Interest (EOIs), project proponents are asked to allow the Foundation to share project details with other potential partners and/or funders. Currently, we do not share project details on our website for public viewing.

Typically, the applicant would retain all rights of ownership of any intellectual property (IP) developed as a result of the grant. However, in most cases, BC Parks Foundation would seek a license to use such IP so that the benefit could be extended to the broader community. Full details about the scope of the license would be discussed beforehand and included as part of the grant agreement.

In addition to the benefits for millions of plants, insects and animals, there are few Funds that benefit as many people throughout British Columbia. Consider the following statistics.

• >90% of British Columbians visit parks each year, from every demographic and region.
• There are over 100 million visits to parks and protected areas in BC annually. For comparison, the entire National Hockey League season and Disneyland each have between 5 to 6 million visits a year.
• BC’s provincial parks are the single largest accommodation provider in BC, with over 3 million campers annually.

The Fund will create new places where people can practice cultural activities and enjoy the outdoors – hiking, climbing, kayaking, biking, horse riding, skiing and snowshoeing, birdwatching, camping, picnics, and walks – something for everyone to enjoy. These outdoor activities are a source of lifelong memories, personal growth and inspiration, language and culture, and bonding between friends and family.

First Nations communities, who have long hoped to protect their way of life and traditions while finding a balance with modern life, will benefit significantly. There are many tangible ways—including new businesses and jobs in remote areas-- that individuals and communities can benefit from the Fund.

The Fund also uplifts British Columbians’ pride and identity. Our Supernatural BC and Beautiful BC identities are what we are known for around the world, attracting millions of tourists. But they are also core to who we are. Our lands, waters and wildlife are close to our hearts, and adding conservation areas and showing global leadership will be an enduring source of pride and unity in BC.
‍
As we learned during COVID, outdoor activities are also sources of physical and mental well-being. An international study found that parks and protected areas world-wide saved over $6 trillion in health care costs due to their evidence-based health effects. This in turn increases workforce productivity. Adding more conservation areas enhances our healthcare infrastructure, reducing pressure on provincial budgets and boosting economic performance.

BC’s natural wealth is also central to our economy, producing goods and services enjoyed by many communities and industries. For example, conservation areas mitigate flooding and drought, filter water, clean air, reduce erosion, boost agricultural production, and provide other natural infrastructure.

A recent study estimated the value of services stemming from BC’s current provincial parks and protected areas to be approximately $132 billion per year. Ecosystem services are so tangible and well defined that the District of West Vancouver and other municipalities now factor those benefits into their finances and planning.

Creating more predictability and certainty on the landscape by addressing biodiversity loss, building climate resilience, working with First Nations and addressing social pressures is also important to businesses. Many resource businesses face significant challenges associated with uncertainty. Working in a constructive and voluntary way where businesses can be part of solutions rather than viewed as ‘part of the problem’ is a key benefit of the Fund.

As part of our commitment to work with communities and businesses, awareness and education is a pillar of this project. It’s important that young people understand conservation and see sustainable resource use as responsible, exciting and part of conservation, so they want to become part of the nature economy. Knowledge is central to healthier communities, environment and economy.

Rural communities and First Nations will similarly benefit from the Fund. Many communities impacted by cyclical resource industry dynamics have diversified their economies, with conservation areas playing a key role in attracting residents, businesses and tourists. As communities become impacted by downturns in some resource industries, it’s important that they see and can create a pathway forward for themselves.

The Fund also uplifts British Columbians’ pride and identity. Our Supernatural BC and Beautiful BC identities are what we are known for around the world, attracting millions of tourists. But they are also core to who we are. Our lands, waters and wildlife are close to our hearts, and adding conservation areas and showing global leadership will be an enduring source of pride and unity in BC.

Yes, one of the world’s leading examples is right here in BC.

When First Nations, industry, environmental groups and government agreed on a land use plan for the Great Bear Rainforest area, philanthropy and government agreed to supply financing for sustainable community economies and stewardship in perpetuity. Upon Conservation designations being secured, they established a Coast Fund with $60m from philanthropy for long-term stewardship of new protected areas, and $60m from governments for transition to a sustainable economy for communities.

The outcomes include:

• The economic development fund has been leveraged and invested, resulting in $126,093,738 into new or improved infrastructure including technology, equipment, and the construction of new facilities in ecotourism, food production and processing, alternative energy, and other products and services. 123 indigenous owned businesses have been created.
• Since 2008, the Fund has:
  · Invested $107.4 million and attracted an additional $296.8 million of investments in their projects, for a total of $404m invested to date.
  · Created 1,253 new permanent jobs, employing 962 community members.
  · Trained 1535 people and supported 256 in attaining higher education.
• The $60m stewardship fund has grown to $96m while funding almost 400 restoration projects, land guardian programs creating over 100 full time jobs in remote communities, and other tangible outcomes for biodiversity and people.

94% of British Columbia is provincial crown land (11% of which is municipal), 1% is federal, and 5% is private. The Constitution recognizes that aboriginal title exists in Canada, and is mainly unresolved in BC as few treaties have been signed. The majority of the public land base also has a variety of tenures for resource use. In total only 19.6% of BC is conserved in one form or another.

New conserved areas will be added by 1) purchasing private lands and 2) working with governments, First Nations, industry and stakeholders to conserve public lands.

Achieving 30x30 will include a focus on public lands with some strategic private land purchases. Conservation areas on public land will be developed and finalized through discussions with and between First Nations, businesses, governments, and stakeholders.

Economists estimate the benefits of protecting 30% of the earth’s land and ocean outweigh the costs by a factor of at least 5 to 1. Conserving areas does not need to come at the expense of communities and the economy.

A recent study estimated the value of services stemming from BC’s current provincial parks and protected areas to be approximately $132 billion per year. Ecosystem services are so tangible and well defined that many municipalities now factor those benefits into their finances and planning.

By working with businesses and communities, conservation agreements can produce increased certainty and stability as well as long term sustainable jobs and wealth.