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MONTREAL — The Yukon and federal governments have signed a new agreement to advance nature conservation and protection across the territory.

The governments announced the Canada-Yukon Nature Agreement on Wednesday at the COP15 global biodiversity talks in Montreal. 

They say it's the first of its kind in Canada. 

The agreement aims to support Indigenous leadership in conservation and support recovery of at-risk species like the north mountain caribou and grizzly bears. 

It has set a target to protect or conserve an additional six per cent of Yukon's wilderness to reach 25 per cent by 2025. 

The Canadian government has pledged to invest $20.6 million to implement the agreement.

"The Yukon is on the front lines of climate change and nature conservation. Our northern way of life depends on the land, and protection of the land is in our hands," Yukon Liberal member of Parliament Brendan Hanley said in a statement. "The Canada-Yukon Nature Agreement marks a new chapter in the protection and conservation of the North and all the abundant life it supports."

The territory says it has already conserved about 19 per cent of its area.

The federal government has committed to conserve 25 per cent of land and water across Canada by 2025, and 30 per cent by 2030. 

"The Government of Canada is taking bold action to protect the natural environment that is our best ally in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss," federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said in a statement. "Together with the Government of Yukon, we’re protecting more sensitive habitats, supporting the recovery of species at risk, and restoring ecosystems across the territory."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 14, 2022. 

The Canadian Press