Government partnerships
We work with federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to conserve nature and deliver lasting benefits for communities. Together, we combine public investment, conservation expertise, and private and philanthropic support to turn shared priorities into action.
How we work with governments
Governments partner with us because we bring together the people, expertise and investment needed to deliver conservation at scale. We identify priority landscapes, develop shovel-ready projects and coordinate partnerships across governments, Indigenous Nations and communities, landowners, industries and local communities.
Federal government
We help advance national conservation priorities through projects across Canada. We bring conservation expertise, additional investment and the capacity to care for conserved lands and waters over the long term to these projects.
Provincial and territorial governments
We work with provinces and territories to advance conservation, land-use and climate resilience priorities. This includes conserving public and private lands, protecting watersheds and coordinating complex projects involving multiple partners and funding sources.
Municipal governments
We help municipalities harness the power of nature to address local priorities such as drinking water; flood, wildfire and extreme heat prevention and mitigation; and access to natural spaces. Our support includes planning, project development, funding strategies, land conservation, stewardship and reporting.
NCC helps governments deliver lasting conservation by turning public investment into measurable outcomes for communities and nature.
What we bring to the partnership
Conservation planning
We use science, mapping and local knowledge to identify places where conservation can deliver meaningful benefits for nature and communities.
Project development and delivery
We work with willing partners to turn conservation opportunities into practical, ready-to-deliver projects.
Greater investment
We help combine government funding with private, philanthropic and other public support so investments can achieve more.
Lasting care and accountability
We monitor results, report on progress and plan for the long-term stewardship of conserved lands and waters.
Natural Heritage Conservation Program
The Natural Heritage Conservation Program is a long-standing partnership between the Government of Canada, NCC and other conservation organizations. It brings together public, private and philanthropic support for conservation projects across the country.
Since 2007, the program has helped conserve nearly 966,000 hectares across all 10 provinces. NCC, Ducks Unlimited Canada and Canada’s land trust community have raised more than $1.1 billion in matching funds.
Through this partnership, federal investment supports conservation at scale and the long-term care of conserved lands and waters.
Indigenous partnerships
We are committed to building meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities that are grounded in mutual respect and the desire to achieve significant and lasting conservation outcomes together.
Partner with us
Government partnerships begin with shared priorities. Contact our team to discuss a conservation opportunity, explore potential funding or connect with the appropriate national or regional representative.
Featured stories
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Wild news, straight from the field
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Boreal forest and peatlands secured to support climate resilience
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AB Alberta
Kropinak family’s century of stewardship helps secure a critical Rocky Mountain wildlife corridor
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MB Manitoba
Manitoba community leads the way in conserving nature and supporting local livelihoods
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NL Newfoundland and Labrador
New conservation area protects vital Newfoundland watershed
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ON Ontario
New boreal conservation area strengthens communities and protects iconic northern landscapes
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QC Quebec
Where agriculture meets conservation: an unprecedented approach in Montréal
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QC Quebec
Tamaracouta: an iconic site protected and accessible to the community
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MB Manitoba
Family legacy helps secure carbon-storing powerhouse
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ON Ontario
Key link protected in Great Lakes biodiversity hotspot, strengthening conservation network
March 31, 2026
SK Saskatchewan
Plains bison welcomed back to the Kahkewistahaw First Nation in Saskatchewan
March 30, 2026