Deadline: 07-Jul-2026
Environment and Climate Change Canada has launched a funding opportunity to support environmental science projects focused on climate change, biodiversity, species at risk, and coastal ecosystem protection in Canada. The programme funds research under three themes: nature-based climate solutions, species at risk conservation, and coastal ecosystem science. Eligible organizations can receive up to CAD 100,000 per year for up to three years depending on the theme.
Overview of the Funding Programme
The funding initiative by Environment and Climate Change Canada supports scientific research and applied environmental projects that address major ecological and climate-related challenges in Canada.
The programme focuses on generating evidence-based solutions for:
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration
- Protection of species at risk
- Coastal and Arctic ecosystem resilience
- Indigenous knowledge integration and collaboration
Funding Themes
The programme is structured around three core thematic areas, each targeting a specific environmental priority.
Theme 2A: Nature-Based Climate Solutions
This theme supports projects that use natural ecosystems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental resilience.
Key focus areas include:
- Protecting carbon-rich ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and peatlands
- Restoring degraded ecosystems to increase carbon storage and biodiversity
- Reducing emissions from land use and natural resource management practices
- Developing policies, tools, and frameworks to support low-emission ecosystem management
- Measuring greenhouse gas outcomes from nature-based climate solutions
- Enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem co-benefits alongside climate action
- Supporting reconciliation and collaboration with Indigenous peoples
- Strengthening scientific understanding of natural climate solutions in Canada
Expected outcomes include reduced emissions, improved ecosystem health, and stronger integration of biodiversity and climate policies.
Theme 2B: Species at Risk
This theme supports scientific research and conservation actions focused on protecting endangered and threatened species in Canada.
Key focus areas include:
- Research supporting assessment of COSEWIC candidate species
- Recovery planning for threatened and endangered species
- Implementation of recovery plan activities
- Conservation and stewardship initiatives for species at risk
- Cross-jurisdictional collaboration on species protection strategies
The goal is to improve scientific evidence that guides conservation decisions and strengthens species recovery efforts.
Theme 2C: Coastal Ecosystems and Arctic Marine Science
This theme focuses on protecting coastal and Arctic marine ecosystems through scientific research and capacity building.
Key focus areas include:
- Research on environmental stressors affecting marine birds and wildlife
- Studies on Arctic marine ecosystem health and biodiversity
- Development of species distribution models for Arctic marine species
- Community-based scientific training and capacity-building initiatives
- Strengthening local expertise in marine ecosystem monitoring and research
The theme emphasizes resilience of coastal ecosystems, especially in vulnerable Arctic regions.
Funding Amount and Duration
Each theme offers similar funding conditions:
- Maximum funding: up to CAD 100,000 per year
- Project duration: up to 3 years
- Total potential funding per project: up to CAD 300,000
Funding is intended to support multi-year scientific and applied research projects with measurable environmental outcomes.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants vary slightly across themes but generally include:
- Canadian post-secondary academic institutions
- Canadian non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Indigenous organizations, governments, boards, commissions, associations, and authorities
- Not-for-profit organizations (especially for Theme 2B)
Key eligibility conditions:
- Applicants must be based in Canada
- Projects should align with environmental science and conservation priorities
- Indigenous participation and collaboration are strongly encouraged
- Projects must demonstrate scientific relevance and environmental impact
Why This Funding Matters
This funding programme by Environment and Climate Change Canada supports Canada’s long-term environmental strategy by linking science with policy and conservation action.
It is important because it:
- Supports measurable greenhouse gas reduction through natural climate solutions
- Strengthens protection of endangered species across Canada
- Improves scientific understanding of Arctic and coastal ecosystems
- Integrates Indigenous knowledge into environmental decision-making
- Builds long-term ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change
How It Works / What Applicants Must Do
Applicants must prepare research-based proposals aligned with one of the three funding themes.
Step 1: Select the Appropriate Theme
Applicants must choose between:
- Nature-based climate solutions (2A)
- Species at risk (2B)
- Coastal ecosystem science (2C)
Step 2: Define Research Objectives
Projects must clearly define:
- Environmental problem being addressed
- Scientific methodology
- Expected ecological or climate outcomes
- Relevance to Canadian environmental priorities
Step 3: Build Project Partnerships
Strong applications often include:
- Academic institutions
- Indigenous organizations
- Environmental NGOs
- Government or research partners
Step 4: Demonstrate Impact and Feasibility
Proposals must include:
- Clear measurable outcomes
- Data collection and analysis methods
- Environmental or biodiversity benefits
- Long-term relevance and scalability
Step 5: Submit Application
Applications must be submitted through the official funding process outlined by Environment and Climate Change Canada within the stated deadlines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lack of clear scientific methodology or research design
- Weak alignment with theme-specific objectives
- Insufficient Indigenous engagement where relevant
- Vague or non-measurable environmental outcomes
- Poor explanation of climate or biodiversity impact pathways
- Overly broad project scope without focus
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly align research with one funding theme
- Include measurable environmental and scientific indicators
- Demonstrate strong collaboration with Indigenous communities
- Provide robust data collection and analysis frameworks
- Highlight policy relevance and real-world application
- Show how the project contributes to long-term ecosystem resilience
Conclusion
The funding opportunity from Environment and Climate Change Canada supports high-impact environmental science research across climate change, biodiversity conservation, species protection, and Arctic coastal ecosystem resilience.
By funding nature-based solutions, species recovery science, and marine ecosystem research, the programme strengthens Canada’s ability to respond to environmental challenges while supporting Indigenous knowledge, scientific innovation, and long-term ecological sustainability.
For more information, visit Government of Canada.
