Canada is investing $1.3-billion in nature conservation — the largest federal investment of its kind in Canadian history.

The money will help the government meet its commitments to biodiversity, sustainable development and combatting climate change, said a government press release.

Of the investment, $500 million will be used to establish a $1-billion nature fund which will be used to purchase land to help support species protection efforts across the country.

The investment is part of Canada’s New Tourism Vision, which includes distinguishing Canada as a premier tourism destination through its national parks as well as increasing tourism by 30 per cent by 2021, doubling Chinese visits and positioning the country to compete for a top ten destination ranking by 2025.

“This investment will not only contribute to growing a healthy and sustainable clean economy but also help preserve and protect Canada’s majestic forests and landscapes, lakes and rivers, and ecosystems and biodiversity, including species at risk,” said the release.

“Canadians understand a clean environment and a strong economy go hand in hand. Our quality of life and economic success rest on our commitments to protecting our natural legacy and preserving a clean environment for future generations.”

Minister of Small Business and Tourism Bardish Chagger said Canada set a new record for international tourism in 2017, welcoming nearly 21 million visitors from abroad.

“Our country’s clear lakes, majestic forests and big open skies are a tremendous draw for tourists and played a major role in that incredibly successful year. Our government is proud to commit to one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history because we know that by protecting our environment today, we will leave a true legacy for our children, for our grandchildren and for generations to come.”

Beth Gilhespy, chief executive of Bruce Trail Conservancy, said “preservation of nature benefits all of us, not just the plants and animals that need it to survive. Interacting with nature—even a simple walk in the woods—brings physical and emotional health and wellness to our citizens and our communities. With the support of the Nature Fund, we can ensure that more natural land is preserved and that the positive benefits of natural spaces—ecological, health and societal—will continue to enrich our communities.”

More information about endangered species can be found at, ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/species-risk-type/.