Thank you for the question.
COP15, which led to the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework, is referred to by many journalists, scientists and activists as “the Paris moment for nature”.
The first time the conference of nations committed to protecting at least 30% of lands and waters by 2030, 30% was not a number that came out of a hat: It was based on the equivalent of the IPCC research, but for biodiversity. Obviously it's not a ceiling; it's a floor. It's at least 30% of lands and waters.
When we came into power in 2015, Canada was not even protecting 1% of its oceans and coastlines. We're now at almost 15% and on our way to meeting our 2030 target of 30%. We're a little below 14% for terrestrial, and we've invested massively since 2021, with $4 billion for nature protection, including $2.3 billion over five years for Canada's enhanced nature legacy, under which we have signed an agreement with a number of provinces and territories, including Nova Scotia, Yukon and B.C.. We have made an historic announcement regarding our commitment to work together to achieve 30% by 2030, and we are working with a number of other jurisdictions on these bilateral agreements.
We are investing historic amounts, but it's not just about investment. We have to work with partners. I was talking with MP Chatel earlier about indigenous-led conservation, which is a cornerstore, but we also need to, and want to, work with our provincial and territorial colleagues on that.