New Law Sets 15% Nature Protection

Summary#

The Protecting Nature Act sets firm targets for how much of Nova Scotia’s land and water must be protected. It aims to reach at least 15% by March 31, 2026 and set up a path to reach 20% by 2030. It also adds public reporting if the 2026 goal is missed.

• Requires the province to reach at least 15% protected land and water by March 31, 2026, combining current and new protected areas.
• Orders a public list of candidate areas by January 1, 2026 for the 2026 goal, and another list by March 31, 2027 to plan for the 20% by 2030 goal.
• The 2027 list must identify enough areas to reach 20% when combined with existing protected areas.
• Candidate areas must consider wetlands, mixed forests, corridors that connect protected areas, places with species at risk, and areas that help with wildfire resilience and biodiversity.
• If the 2026 goal is missed, the Minister must notify the federal environment minister within 30 days, explain why, account for $28.5 million in federal funds tied to the agreement, table the notice in the House, and share it with the press.
• Takes effect December 31, 2025 and applies to the provincial government.

What it means for you#

• Residents and communities

  • More land and water set aside for nature could help protect wildlife, wetlands, forests, and streams.
  • Focusing on wildfire resilience may lower risks in some regions over time.
  • You will be able to see proposed areas on public lists before decisions are made.

• Property owners and resource users

  • If your land or nearby land appears on a candidate list, you will have advance notice it is under consideration.
  • The candidate lists themselves do not change land-use rules. Limits would apply only if an area is formally designated under existing laws.
  • Areas that become protected typically face limits on new development or resource extraction. This could shift where activities like logging, mining, or new builds can happen.

• Outdoor users

  • New protected areas may offer more places for hiking and nature viewing. Some activities could be limited depending on the type of designation set under other laws.

• Transparency and accountability

  • If the 2026 target is missed, the public will see a written explanation and how federal conservation funds were used.

• Government

  • The province must move quickly to publish candidate areas and complete designations to meet the 2026 target, and plan ahead for 2030.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Sets clear, near-term action to meet existing conservation promises rather than open-ended goals.
• Protects wetlands, forests, wildlife corridors, and species at risk, which supports biodiversity and cleaner water.
• Considering wildfire resilience when choosing areas can help communities and reduce future disaster costs.
• Public candidate lists improve transparency and give communities time to weigh in.
• The reporting requirement adds accountability if targets are not met, including clarity on use of federal funds.

Opponents' View#

• Tight deadlines could lead to rushed choices or limited consultation on which areas are protected.
• New protected designations may limit where resource and development projects can proceed, affecting some local jobs or plans.
• The Act does not explain how land will be acquired or managed, leaving uncertainty for landowners until other laws or policies are applied.
• Publishing candidate lists could create uncertainty for businesses and property owners in those areas until final decisions are made.