Nova Scotia’s environment minister announced that the province has reached 14.55 per cent protected land, approaching the 15 per cent target by year-end. However, the method used—other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs)—has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists and the interim Liberal leader.
Minister Highlights OECM Approach
Tim Halman, Nova Scotia’s environment minister, explained during question period that the recent increase from 13.8 per cent relies on OECMs. These measures cover land unsuitable for forestry, such as steep slopes and buffer zones near watercourses.
“That is a new shift that has never been seen in this province before,” stated Iain Rankin, the interim Liberal leader.
Halman noted that OECMs align with the province’s 2023 collaborative protected areas strategy, where they previously accounted for 1.2 per cent of protected land. Wilderness areas comprised about 70 per cent, with national parks and wildlife areas at 20 per cent.
“In a time of responsible resource development, we know it’s important to continue to conserve and preserve land,” Halman said. “But it’s also very important to build up the economy for future generations.”
Background on Protection Goals
When the Progressive Conservatives assumed power in 2021, over 12 per cent of the province’s land and water was protected. The government legislated a commitment to reach 20 per cent by 2030. Last fall, officials reevaluated this amid efforts to boost natural resource development.
Environmentalists Raise Alarms
Ange Whiteway, manager of operations for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society-Nova Scotia, called the inclusion of OECMs in protected land totals “horrible news for conservation.”
She emphasized that true protected areas must prioritize high conservation value, including intact forest ecosystems, habitats for rare and at-risk species, culturally significant sites, and irreplaceable landscapes.
“These would be areas that protect intact forest ecosystems, areas that are housing rare and at-risk species and ecosystems,” Whiteway said. “These are places important to Nova Scotians on a cultural level and places that are irreplaceable if lost.”
Whiteway argued that OECMs fail to meet these standards.
Federal Funding at Risk
The shift could jeopardize millions in federal funding. The Canada-Nova Scotia Nature Agreement, a three-year pact ending March 31, provided $25 million to expand protected areas by 82,500 hectares. As of last October, $12.5 million remained unspent.
Halman declined to confirm whether the full amount would be used or returned to Ottawa.
Whiteway expressed worry over about 100 proposed protection sites pending for over a decade. These include coastal areas, old-growth forests, key waterways, species-at-risk habitats, and recreation spots for hunting, camping, fishing, and hiking.
“If those areas that are so important aren’t the priority for protection in our province, then the future of protected areas is very dark,” she said.
