Several seagulls rest on the rocky coastline near a red and white striped lighthouse.

Nova Scotia

Active projects

Species-at-risk protected

Hectares conserved

20,100

Nova Scotia at a Glance

Since 1971, we have been protecting the landscapes that make Nova Scotia special, from rare Wabanaki (Acadian) forests to the 13,000 kilometres of coastline that shape the province. Together, we can protect the natural places that define Nova Scotia and create a healthier future for wildlife and communities.

Working together: We collaborate with partners to care for Nova Scotia’s natural areas. From co-managing existing trails to sharing the land, these partnerships bring together Indigenous Knowledge, local community insights and conservation expertise to protect, restore and steward these special places.
Scale of protection: We protect more than 20,000 hectares across the province, ensuring the plants and animals that live there can thrive while sustaining the natural systems that surrounding communities depend on.
Species at risk: We protect habitat for species at risk, including the endangered Nova Scotia mainland moose, eastern mountain avens and olive-sided flycatchers.
Critical ecosystems: From Wabanaki (Acadian) forests to freshwater wetlands and saltwater coastlines, Nova Scotia is home to a diverse array of ecosystems that sustain wildlife and communities. By focusing our work on priority areas such as Kespukwitk (Southwest Nova Scotia), which is home to the majority of species at risk in Nova Scotia, we are protecting local biodiversity and building a more resilient future for the province.

Creating lasting impact in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s diverse landscapes are home to an incredible variety of wildlife and hold deep ecological and cultural significance. As these ecosystems face growing pressures, so does our collective need to protect them. That’s why we work with partners to protect, restore and connect habitats across the province.

Protecting the endangered Wabanaki (Acadian) forest

The Wabanaki (Acadian) forest is a defining part of Nova Scotia’s landscape, covering more than 80% of the province. But this diverse ecosystem is increasingly under threat. Climate change and growing development pressures are putting these forests at risk of fragmentation and loss. That’s why we work with diverse partners to protect and restore these endangered forests, creating connected areas where species can move, thrive and adapt to a changing landscape

Connecting natural landscapes

We work with partners to connect natural areas across the province. The Chignecto Isthmus, for example, is a critical land bridge connecting Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and provides an important corridor for species like endangered mainland moose. By connecting landscapes, we support biodiversity, wildlife movement and more resilient ecosystems across the province and beyond.

Building climate-resilient landscapes

Climate change is altering Nova Scotia’s natural landscapes. Rising sea levels are contributing to coastal erosion, while extreme weather is increasing the risk of flooding and wildfires. Natural landscapes, including forests, wetlands and coastal habitats, can store water and buffer communities from storms and extreme weather events. By protecting these areas and keeping them healthy, we’re building climate resilience and supporting wildlife and communities as they adapt to a changing future.

1 projects

Port Joli/Port L’Hebert Coastal Area

For generations, the Port Joli/Port L’Hebert Coastal Area has been a place of connection, memory and belonging on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Part of Kespukwitk (southwest Nova Scotia), this culturally and ecologically important landscape is one of the province’s most important conservation areas. Its Wabanaki (Acadian) forests, wetlands and coastal habitats provide a home for rare lichens, migratory birds and many other species. By conserving these lands and connecting them with nearby protected areas, we can ensure this special place and its natural heritage remain protected for generations to come.

NS Nova Scotia

A person stands on a rocky coastline looking out at a boat on the ocean.

Working together for nature

Protecting Nova Scotia’s nature is a shared effort. By working with Indigenous Nations and communities, governments, conservation organizations and landowners, we bring together diverse knowledge and expertise to achieve lasting conservation impact. Partnerships such as the Kespukwitk Conservation Collaborative and the Chignecto/Sikniktewaq Partnership advance conservation in priority areas across the province.

Explore collaborations and partnerships

Featured partners

We’re grateful to the partners who share our vision. Their commitment and collaboration make it possible to protect the places that matter most for people and nature, now and for generations to come.