Deadline: 27 February 2020
The Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) provides funding for projects submitted by Canadians that contribute directly to the recovery objectives and population goals of species at risk listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and prevent others from becoming a conservation concern.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) administers HSP funds that support terrestrial stewardship projects while Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is responsible for administering the HSP for aquatic stewardship projects.
Objectives
The objectives of this program are to:
- Support habitat projects that benefit species at risk and prevent others from becoming a conservation concern enable Canadians to become actively involved in stewardship projects for species at risk which will result in tangible and measurable conservation benefits; and
- Improve the scientific, sociological and economic understanding of stewardship as a conservation tool.
Funding Information
The minimum funding request suggested for new and multi-year projects is $25,000 and project funding usually ranges from $25,000 to $100,000 per project. Projects may extend over more than 1 year to a maximum of 3 years.
Expected Results
The expected results of the HSP are:
- Canada’s wildlife and habitat is conserved and protected;
- Canada’s species at risk are recovered; and
- Indigenous Peoples are engaged in conservation.
Geographic Location
Project activities must take place on:
- Private land;
- Provincial Crown land;
- Lands under the administration and control of the Commissioner of Yukon, the Northwest Territories or Nunavut, or Indigenous land across Canada.
Activities
Activities eligible for funding include:
- Habitat protection and securement;
- Habitat improvement;
- Species and habitat threat abatement;
- Conservation planning;
- Surveys, inventories and monitoring;
- Project evaluation;
- Outreach and education;
Activities other than those listed above may be considered subject to approval.
Eligibility Criteria
- Canadian non-governmental organizations;
- Community groups;
- Indigenous organizations and communities;
- Individuals;
- Private corporations and businesses;
- Educational institutions;
- Provincial, territorial and municipal governments;
- Provincial Crown corporations.
Federal departments, federal agencies and federal Crown corporations are not eligible to receive HSP funds.
Eligible Projects
In order to be eligible, proposed projects must target the following species:
- Species listed on Schedule 1 of SARA (except those listed as extirpated), and/or;
- Species that have been assessed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) as endangered, threatened, or of special concern but have not yet been listed on Schedule 1 of SARA.
Up to 20% of the available funds will be directed towards projects targeting species that are not listed on Schedule 1 of SARA but assessed by COSEWIC as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern. The majority of program funds (i.e., at least 80%) will be directed to projects targeting species listed on Schedule 1 of SARA.
Selection Criteria
Projects will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Whether they meet all eligibility requirements (applicants, species and activities);
- The extent to which they address HSP program priorities and ability to leverage a minimum of 1:1 on funds for non-Indigenous applicants ($1 confirmed match for $1 HSP funding) and a minimum of 0.20:1 on funds for Indigenous applicants ($0.20 confirmed match for $1 HSP funding).
Evaluation Process
Each proposal undergoes a technical evaluation by the regional HSP coordinator to confirm that it meets eligibility requirements. Proposals meeting the eligibility requirements are then prioritized for funding based on alignment with program objectives, including program priorities, and program and project administration criteria. ECCC will aim to have HSP funding decisions available by summer 2020.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are required to complete the HSP on-line application form via given website.
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/37BubEA
