WHAT IS AN IPCA?

In 2018, the Indigenous Circle of Experts released the 'We Rise Together - Achieving Pathway to Canada Target 1 through the creation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas' report.

This report highlights that Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas across Turtle Island are different, as are each First Nation, Inuit, and Métis community, and the goals and objectives of protected areas are for the communities to develop.

Although each IPCA is unique, they have some similarities outlined below:

1) IPCAs are Indigenous-led. Indigenous communities will set their own priorities for conservation and development.

2) There is a close and deep connection between a territory or area and its custodian Indigenous people or local community;

3) The custodian people or community makes and enforces decisions and rules about the territory or area;

4) The governance decisions, rules and the management of efforts of the concerned people or community overall positively contribute to the conservation of nature.