The Canadian government recently announced C$69.5 million (~US$51.4 million/~€48.4 million) in funding for climate finance to protect and restore ocean ecosystems in developing countries.
The money will support four nature-based solutions projects that will help marginalized communities adapt to climate change, strengthen biodiversity and reduce poverty.
Three of these projects are part of Canada’s Partnering for Climate initiative, announced in February 2022, to support projects implemented by civil society organizations in Canada and abroad, other organizations in Canada and Indigenous peoples that will support climate change adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world.
The three projects are Regenerative Seascapes for People, Climate and Nature in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Comoros and Madagascar; Natur’ELLES in Senegal; and Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems in Kenya.
The fourth project is the Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation: Monitoring and Impact project, which supports partners of Canada’s nature-positive climate finance programming in developing countries.
Harjit Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, made the announcement at the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) in Vancouver, British Columbia, during a panel discussion on marine nature-based solutions and climate, hosted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Sajjan said:
“Healthy oceans mean healthy communities and a strong future for generations to come. Canada is a leader in climate finance and is using nature-based solutions to secure both climate and biodiversity benefits while addressing gender inequalities and recognizing the knowledge and leadership of Indigenous peoples.”
