Conservation Exchange Pilot

The Conservation Exchange Pilot is encouraging businesses to invest in biodiversity conservation. Through the three-year pilot (ending March 2024), businesses that fund conservation projects will receive a certificate from the Government of Canada which recognizes the value of the conservation work they are funding.

The lifecycle of a Conservation Exchange Pilot conservation project:

• A business and a conservation organization jointly submit a project proposal that would help species at risk and other wildlife.
• The Government of Canada decides whether to include the project in the Pilot, further to advice provided by an external working group.
• If it is accepted into the Pilot, the Government of Canada assesses the biodiversity benefits of the conservation project.
• An Indigenous partner may lead an assessment to determine the bio-cultural benefits of the project.
• The business pays for the project and the conservation organization implements it.
• The Government of Canada issues a certificate, which describes the value of the project, to the business that funded it.

Biodiversity indicator

Environment and Climate Change Canada is developing and testing a science-based tool to assess the benefits of conservation projects for species at risk and other wildlife. This tool will assess the value of each conservation project, which will be reflected on the corresponding certificate. Businesses can use the certificate to demonstrate their positive environmental impact with clients, customers, and other stakeholders, including in their annual reporting.

Participation

Participation in the Conservation Exchange Pilot is voluntary, and there is limited space available in the Pilot.

Any business can submit a project proposal for consideration, ideally in collaboration with a conservation organization.

Eligible conservation organizations identify biodiversity conservation as a key part of their mission and have a proven track record of successfully delivering biodiversity conservation projects. This can include provincial, territorial, and Indigenous government organizations.

Interested organizations are encouraged to visit Canada.ca and email the Conservation Exchange Pilot team for more information or to request an application form.