$32 million in funding, land donated  in Atlantic Region for conservation

NOVA SCOTIA – The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has announced the successful completion of its five-year Force for Nature fundraising campaign.

Contributions from private citizens, foundations, corporations and government agencies in the four Atlantic Provinces topped the $32 million mark.  These funds were invested directly into the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s land conservation work in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.  

As a result, NCC has now helped protect more than 64,000 acres of ecologically significant wetlands, forests and coastal areas for species across the region. 

The Nature Conservancy of Canada recognizes and thanks the leadership of our Force for Nature campaign volunteers in Atlantic Canada, led by Chair James D. (Jim) Irving.  Joining Mr. Irving were John C. Risley, Frank C. Sobey, Tim Banks, Rex Anthony, Leo Power, Rob Crosbie and Aldéa Landry.  Their contributions of time, talent, treasure and a shared vision of an Atlantic Canada that includes natural landscapes and diverse wildlife were invaluable.  

Quotes 

“I want to thank everyone for their generous support and the significant impact it made.  Here in Atlantic Canada, where the pace of development has been slower, it is sometimes easy to take our natural areas for granted,” said Linda Stephenson, Atlantic Regional Vice President for the Nature Conservancy of Canada. However, as we learn more about the impacts of forest fragmentation and coastal development, it becomes clear that our work is far from done.  We must continue to protect special areas in communities across our region where people live, work and play”.

“Atlantic Canadians have clearly been a Force for Nature – contributing $32 million for conservation efforts in the region’s wetlands, forests and coastal shorelines,” said Jim Irving.  “Thank you to everyone who participated!  I am very proud to be associated with the science-based work of the Nature Conservancy of Canada that safeguards biodiversity.  Our company has a long-standing partnership in working to study and protect areas of ecological significance in the region.”

Learn More:

For the fourth year in a row, in their rating of Canada’s top 100 charities, MoneySense Magazine ranked NCC the top environmental charity in the country.  The Grade of A+ was the highest in the conservation sector, based on financial accountability, transparency and effectiveness. Eighty-four percent of all the funds NCC raised are spent on our conservation program. 

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is the nation's leading land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962 NCC and its partners have helped to protect more than 2.6 million acres (over 1 million hectares), coast to coast. 

Media Contacts:

Andrew Holland
Communications and Government Relations Director
Nature Conservancy of Canada
1-877-231-4400
andrew.holland@natureconservancy.ca