Canada is enhancing its commitment to combating climate change and biodiversity loss with a $20 million investment aimed at advancing sustainable forest management worldwide. The funding, announced Friday by Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, supports global initiatives focused on sustainable forest policy and stewardship, strengthening Canada’s role in fostering healthy ecosystems globally.
Through the Global Forest Leadership Program and the International Model Forest Network (IMFN), the investment will aid regions in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, enabling local communities to transition toward low-carbon, climate-resilient, and inclusive development models. These funds will also expand international forestry collaborations and share Canadian expertise, continuing Canada’s long-standing support for global climate and biodiversity goals.
According to Minister Wilkinson, Canada’s practices, including traditional Indigenous knowledge, are being leveraged to assist partners worldwide in addressing climate change and habitat loss. He emphasized the importance of training future forest leaders to address these challenges.
Founded in 1992, the IMFN has expanded to over 60 model forests across 30 countries, covering 70 million hectares. This global network continues to advance sustainable forest management and landscape restoration efforts.
