Biodiversity Conservation: $7,172,500 for First Nations Projects

Biodiversity Conservation: $7,172,500 for First Nations Projects

First call for projects of the Indigenous Leadership Fund for Biodiversity Conservation

Wendake, July 28, 2026 – We are proud to announce the results of the first call for projects of the Indigenous Leadership Fund for Biodiversity Conservation. Sixteen projects led by 11 communities and 5 First Nations organizations have been selected, for a total amount of $7,172,500 spread over three years. See the list of selected projects below.

This Fund, made possible through the financial support of the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP), reflects a shared commitment to recognizing and supporting the central role of First Nations in protecting biodiversity in Quebec.

Indigenous leadership at the heart of conservation

First Nations have been stewards of the land since time immemorial. Their deep knowledge of ecosystems, passed down from generation to generation, is an essential pillar of any sustainable conservation effort. The projects supported by this Fund are concrete proof of this: led by the communities themselves, they reflect a vision of conservation rooted in the realities, knowledge, and priorities of First Nations.

Projects contributing to the Nature 2030 Plan

The 16 selected projects contribute to the targets of the Quebec government’s Nature 2030 Plan, notably Target 3, which aims to protect 30% of Quebec’s territory by 2030, and Target 13, which recognizes the contribution of Indigenous leadership and initiatives to biodiversity conservation. With individual funding ranging from $347,500 to $455,000, the projects span a wide range of territories and approaches, reflecting the richness and diversity of the First Nations involved.

FNQLSDI : Tailored support

Beyond redistributing funds, our team supports communities and organizations throughout their projects, from preparing applications to on-the-ground follow-up and reporting. This support, adapted to the realities of First Nations, is at the heart of our organization’s mission.

About the Fund

The Indigenous Leadership Fund for Biodiversity Conservation is administered by FNQLSDO and funded by the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP). The Fund draws on sums set aside for Indigenous peoples under the implementation of the Nature 2030 Plan. A second call for projects, launched in 2025, has also led to the selection of 13 additional projects, which will be announced soon upon the conclusion of the funding agreements.

About FNQLSDI

Founded in 2000 by the Chiefs of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute works with First Nations to bring their vision of sustainable development to life. Through its expertise, consulting services, and spaces for sharing, the FNQLSDI supports promising initiatives for healthy lands and resources, sustainable communities, the exercise of rights, responsibilities, and jurisdictions, as well as the promotion of cultures and languages.

– 30 –

Informations :

Isabelle Courchesne
Communications Advisor
First Nations of Québec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute
418 843-9999
communication@iddpnql.ca