Nature‑Based Solutions (NbS) harness the power of natural ecosystems—wetlands, grasslands, forests—to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and human health. By integrating ecological processes with engineered tools, NbS create sustainable, resilient outcomes.

In Canada, NbS are increasingly deployed to protect biodiversity and combat climate change. Classic initiatives include provincial and federal protected parks and large‑scale reforestation projects.

Indigenous communities hold deep, place‑based knowledge of local ecosystems. Recent collaborations have expanded NbS under Indigenous stewardship, featuring post‑wildfire restoration of forests and grasslands, urban native planting, and coastal eelgrass and clam‑garden renewal.

Researchers from York University and Concordia University evaluated the effectiveness of these Indigenous‑led NbS compared to traditional protected areas. Their findings, published in Earth’s Future, shed new light on the role of Indigenous knowledge in conservation.

The study revealed that Indigenous‑led NbS performed on par with provincial and federal parks in wildlife protection and carbon sequestration, and in some cases produced lower carbon emissions.

These results underscore the value of Indigenous leadership, land practices, and the knowledge systems that have sustained Canada’s biodiversity for generations.

Authors argue that strong, respectful relationships between people and nature are essential for positive environmental outcomes. They call on the Canadian government to continue supporting Indigenous‑led NbS alongside traditional parks, while ensuring stable funding and formal recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

Moving forward, Canada’s environmental policy should prioritize Indigenous partnerships, secure long‑term resources, and uphold Indigenous rights—ensuring that nature‑based solutions continue to thrive and deliver lasting benefits for ecosystems and communities alike.