Backgrounder

Government of Canada's Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk

As part of Canada's National Strategy for the Protection of Species at Risk, the Government of Canada established the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk. The Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) is administered by Environment Canada and managed co-operatively with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Parks Canada Agency. It provides funding to successful applicants who conserve and protect species at risk and their habitats and help to preserve biodiversity.

In 2010-11, the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk will provide $12.4 million for 228 projects. This investment will leverage an additional $29.8 million from other partners towards these projects, ensuring a total investment of $42.2 million.

The program's objective is to achieve two-to-one supplement on funds that it invests, so that, for every $1 provided by the Habitat Stewardship Program, $2 is raised by project recipients. This supplement can include either financial contributions or in-kind resources such as volunteered labour, products or services.

A variety of recipients are eligible for HSP funding including not-for-profit organizations, Aboriginal organizations, educational institutions, community associations and local groups, private individuals and companies, and provincial, municipal and local governments. Partner funding and other support broaden the scope of projects, improve on-the-ground results, and strengthen public and private collaboration by involving Canadians in stewardship activities for species at risk. The program directs funds where they are needed most - into the hands of those who work to enhance Canada's lands and waters and who care about this country's natural legacy.

Projects funded under the program address both habitat conservation and threat mitigation. To date, they have benefited more than 300 species listed under the Species at Risk Act. The program has established more than 200 partnerships with successful recipients and overall, community involvement and partnerships are the strengths of this Program.

A listing of projects funded is available at http://www.ec.gc.ca/hsp-pih/default.asp?lang=En&n=59BF488F-1 as is more information about this program.