Federal Funding for Canadian Nature Conservation Set to Expire in 2026

Federal funding that supports Canada’s 2030 biodiversity commitments is scheduled to end in March 2026, raising concerns among conservation organizations about the country’s ability to meet its protection goals.

The Enhanced Nature Legacy fund, which totals $2.3 billion, is among the key federal initiatives due to expire at the end of March 2026. Conservation groups have stated that this timeline puts at risk the objective of protecting 30 percent of Canada’s land and water by 2030.

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society stated that funding for nature conservation is set to run out in March 2026. The organization also noted that the 2025 federal budget did not allocate new resources for nature protection efforts.

More than 100 environmental organizations have previously called for renewed federal investment in Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy. Their requests included a $500 million renewal of the Enhanced Nature Legacy fund and $200 million dedicated to marine conservation targets.

What the numbers show

• The Enhanced Nature Legacy fund amounts to $2.3 billion
• Federal support for conservation is scheduled to end in March 2026
• Canada’s target is to protect 30% of land and water by 2030

WWF-Canada has called for a long-term investment of $1.5 billion to address what it describes as a biodiversity funding gap. The organization has emphasized the importance of sustained financial support to achieve conservation objectives.

According to statements from conservation groups, the absence of renewed funding could affect progress toward national and international biodiversity commitments. These groups have highlighted the need for continued government investment to maintain momentum in conservation initiatives.

Industry reaction

WWF-Canada stated that closing the biodiversity funding gap will require additional long-term investment beyond current commitments. The organization has advocated for government action to ensure ongoing support for nature conservation.

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society stated that the lack of new funding in the 2025 federal budget presents challenges for meeting Canada’s 2030 protection targets. The group has called attention to the approaching expiration of existing federal programs.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.