Domtar Corporation has announced an investment of $135,000 in the First 30×30 Canada program, which supports indigenous-led conservation projects in the country. The initiative is aligned with the global goal of protecting 30% of lands and waters by 2030, as established by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Domtar is among the first companies to financially support the program. According to Sabrina de Branco, Domtar’s global chief sustainability officer, “Domtar has long been a leader in sustainability, and we, alongside our owner Jackson Wijaya, are committed to forging partnerships that explore nature-based solutions to address climate challenges while delivering social benefits, particularly for Indigenous Nations.”
The first 30×30 Canada projects will focus on Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), which are territories identified by Indigenous Nations for conservation. Currently, more than 100 IPCAs have been proposed across the country, including forest areas.
Lana Wilhelm, Domtar’s director of Indigenous Relations, stressed that these initiatives “are vital to protecting culturally and ecologically significant lands within Indigenous territories, as they recognize Indigenous Nations’ rights to lead the establishment of protected areas”.
Steven Nitah, managing director of Nature for Justice Canada, also praised Domtar’s participation: “We are grateful for Domtar’s leadership in the forest products sector and its support for our program as an avenue to invest in Indigenous Nations and the landscapes that our Nations protect and manage.”
The investment reinforces Domtar’s commitment to sustainable and collaborative resource management, promoting environmental and social benefits through conservation led by indigenous communities.
