Policy and Practice
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- Email: questions@natureunited.ca
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We are solutions-oriented and advance policies that work for people and nature at all levels of government.
Nature United is known for our innovative and practical approaches to supporting Indigenous-led conservation and natural resource management, and for our peer-reviewed scientific work on Natural Climate Solutions in Canada. Working with governments is a means to translate that knowledge into policy, to scale and accelerate our impact, to drive progress towards Nature United’s dual climate and conservation goals, and to advance policy solutions that work for people and nature. Grounding our approach in science, we learn from our work across multiple jurisdictions and apply best practices to advance conservation in Canada.
Explore our latest work advancing policies that support nature and people.
Principles for Government Relations
Urgent, but non-confrontational
Nature United’s government relations work is centered on building strategic relationships with actors across the political spectrum to advance critical—and often shared--priorities. We will applaud when plaudits are due, and highlight policy shortcomings when necessary—all on the assumption that actors are all seeking the best possible outcomes for Canadians and the environment. We never publicly support or oppose partisan positions.
Integrated and Collaborative
Nature United’s government relations work integrates organizational priorities and expertise in science, communications, programming, corporate engagement, and fundraising. We collaborate with diverse partners where priorities align, and respect the positions, constraints, and strengths they hold.
Science-based, but approachable
Nature United’s government relations work is rooted in science, including conservation science, economics, and social science. We strive to make the science as understandable as possible, pledge to never share information that is not verifiable, and to being transparent about our methodologies, sources, and assumptions.
Indigenous-allied
Where invited, Nature United’s government relations work seeks to support the priorities of Indigenous partners and help to amplify the work of Indigenous Nations and organizations as they influence policy spaces.
Why We Work With Companies
Companies and company foundations are critical actors in the complex issues at the heart of our conservation mission. They affect the lands and waters we are working to protect, manage, and conserve.
As an organization, we believe companies can be effective drivers of change. We know that to develop successful solutions for climate change and biodiversity loss we cannot work in silos. As they tackle the business risks posed by climate change, companies are recognizing that they need collaborators, like Nature United, who are solutions-focused and can work at scale.
We're helping companies navigate the complex world of responsible environmental practices, find credible partners and tailor their efforts to the unique challenges of the Canadian landscape, all while staying connected to global sustainability goals.
How We Work With Companies
How we work with companies is grounded in our solutions-focused, evidence-based approach. We work with companies on transforming their business practices, building their understanding of their impacts and dependence on natural resources. In the food and agriculture sector, for example, we provide guidance to increase the adoption of Natural Climate Solutions.
We also engage with companies to help advance conservation policy at all levels of government because companies are important allies in designing policy that is good for nature. Advancing the rapid and large-scale implementation of Natural Climate Solutions in Canada, particularly on forest and agricultural lands, cannot be achieved without working in partnership with companies.
Balancing Business and Sustainability —
Our Corporate Engagement Director, Jane Church, about how businesses can build resilience through nature-based solutions.
Who We Work With
Bain & Company
Since 2020, Bain & Company has collaborated with Nature United by providing pro bono support to our team to advance Natural Climate Solutions and Indigenous-led conservation in Canada. Experts from Bain have helped Nature United analyse transformation pathways for Natural Climate Solutions in Canada, including in forestry in British Columbia and regenerative agriculture across Canada.
BHP Foundation*
BHP Foundation has contributed more than $12 million CAD (approx. $9.276 million USD) since 2017 to support Nature United’s work in Boreal Manitoba through its Environmental Resilience program. This support advances Indigenous-led conservation and engagement in forest management planning, including: Indigenous Nation land use planning, establishment of Indigenous Guardians programs, and support for youth-on-the-land programs. It also supports Nature United’s collaboration with Indigenous communities to support regional collective action and learning exchanges with Indigenous-led conservation programs across the world.
Enterprise Mobility Foundation*
Since 2017, the Enterprise Mobility Foundation has supported Indigenous-led conservation focused on freshwater in the Canadian Boreal (Manitoba and the Northwest Territories) and British Columbia. This support is part of the foundation’s global, 10-year commitment of more than $80 million CAD ($60 million USD) to our global affiliate to help protect and restore rivers and freshwater ecosystems and foster resilient communities.
P&G
P&G Company supports Nature United’s work to improve forestry practices in British Columbia through a gift of more than $13.5 million CAD ($10 million USD) over 5 years starting in 2024. Their gift will support Nature United and our partnerships with Indigenous Nations that are advancing their visions for the conservation and sustainable management of forests in British Columbia. An outcome of this work will be to shift forest management toward ecosystem health, conservation and community prosperity.
Walmart Foundation*
Walmart Foundation is contributing more than $2 million CAD over three years ($1.635 million USD) to support Nature United and our partnerships with Indigenous Nations. This work is advancing Indigenous-led visions for the conservation and sustainable management of forests in Manitoba and British Columbia.
*Gifts made to our global affiliate, The Nature Conservancy, to support work in Canada.
Our corporate engagement work is guided by our Principles of Corporate Engagement.
Our People
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Policy & Practice
The Halifax Statement is an Opportunity to Build a More Sustainable Agricultural Future in Canada
Governments have an opportunity to ensure that sustainability is embedded at the centre of the Next Agricultural Policy Framework, strengthening competitiveness, resilience and long-term prosperity.
Canada’s Nature Action Plan Is an Investment in Our Future
Nature is one of Canada’s greatest advantages. Our forests, farmlands and waters are understood by Canadians to be a foundation for self-reliance, resilience and long-term prosperity.
Balancing Business and Sustainability: A Blueprint for the Future
A conversation with our Corporate Engagement Director, Jane Church, about how businesses can build resilience through nature-based solutions.
Our Priorities
United as Nature and People
Our vision is for a sustainable Canada where nature is the foundation of human well-being, prosperity and opportunity for future generations.
