The Nature Conservancy of Canada is building a powerful network of supporters who are ensuring the permanent protection of the country's most vulnerable landscapes through strategic legacy donations. These forward-thinking individuals are joining the Nature Legacy Society, a growing community that is changing the future for critical habitats and wildlife species across the nation.
Building Conservation Momentum Through Legacy Giving
Supporters who include NCC in their estate plans through wills, life insurance policies, or retirement assets become members of the Nature Legacy Society. This dedicated group provides the essential resources needed to continue bold conservation initiatives for years to come.
These acts of generosity have already produced remarkable results throughout NCC's six decades of operation, creating a solid foundation for future environmental protection efforts.
Catherine Grenier, President and CEO of NCC, emphasizes the critical role these donors play. "Members of the Nature Legacy Society, together with donors and partners, make it possible for the Nature Conservancy of Canada to accelerate the pace of conservation and significantly expand our impact," she states.
Grenier highlights the urgency of their mission, noting that "amplifying our results – ensuring that conservation happens faster and endures for generations – is essential as we work to address the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss."
Nature-Based Solutions for Long-Term Resilience
NCC leverages decades of experience and ongoing research in conservation science to deliver proven nature-based solutions. Their approach focuses on three key strategies: protecting vital habitats, restoring damaged ecosystems, and connecting fragmented landscapes.
"Every forest, wetland and grassland we protect today becomes a sanctuary for tomorrow," explains Ms. Grenier. "And our legacy donors are helping us to think beyond the immediate and invest in the long term."
While nature faces unprecedented pressures, NCC recognizes that natural systems represent not just what we're fighting to save, but our most powerful ally in combating environmental challenges. By strengthening nature's resilience, the organization supports ecosystem recovery while reducing biodiversity loss.
Contributing to National and International Conservation Targets
Canada has committed to ambitious conservation goals as part of global efforts to address rapid biodiversity decline and climate change impacts. The federal government has established the target of conserving 30 percent of Canada's lands and waters by 2030, fulfilling the nation's commitment made at the historic Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework during COP15.
This 30x30 initiative requires collaboration across Canadian society, and NCC serves as a crucial partner in achieving this national objective. The organization works collaboratively with all levels of government, conservation groups, Indigenous Nations and communities, corporations, foundations, and individual supporters to deliver nature-based solutions at an unprecedented scale.
NCC's impressive track record demonstrates their capacity for large-scale impact:
- 60+ years of uniting Canadians behind conservation
- 20 million hectares of critically important landscapes protected since 1962
- 550+ species at risk benefiting from protected and restored habitats
- 30+ collaborative conservation projects with Indigenous partners since 2019
The organization's strategic commitments leading to 2030 include mobilizing Canadians to accelerate conservation efforts and doubling their impact. Specific goals include delivering $1.5-billion of new conservation outcomes, unlocking solutions to support Canada's 30x30 targets, supporting Reconciliation through allyship with Indigenous-led conservation, and growing a community of one million supporters.
Flexible Legacy Giving Options
While many legacy gifts to NCC are made through wills, contributions of life insurance or retirement assets (RRSPs/RRIFs) are becoming increasingly popular among Nature Legacy Society members. Supporters also have the option to donate land directly to the organization.
Jackie Mersereau, Director of Planned Giving at NCC, observes that "many Canadians have made the decision to translate their values into a lasting gift for conservation. By investing in nature through a legacy gift, these donors join a community that believes in protecting Canada's natural habitats forever."
This growing movement of legacy donors represents a powerful force for permanent environmental protection, ensuring that Canada's most precious natural spaces remain intact for future generations to experience and enjoy.
