Community Proposed Protected Areas

Protecting Nova Scotia's Most Important Natural Places

Protected areas are at the heart of a healthy, resilient Nova Scotia.

From old-growth Wabanaki forests and wetlands to rivers, marshes, and coastal landscapes, these places safeguard biodiversity, protect clean water, store carbon, and provide spaces for recreation, learning, and connection with nature.

Across Nova Scotia, communities, Indigenous Peoples, conservation organizations, scientists, and local advocates are working to protect the landscapes that matter most. Together, they are helping build a network of protected areas that will benefit wildlife and people for generations to come.

explore nova scotia's proposed protected areas

Every protected area is unique.

Some protect old-growth forests that have stood for centuries. Others safeguard important watersheds, wildlife corridors, rare ecosystems, or places deeply valued by local communities.

Explore our Protected Area Trading Cards to learn about the remarkable places people across Nova Scotia are working to conserve.

Click on each image to discover more!

Protected Area Trading Cards designed by Allyssa Gomez

what is a protected area

A protected area is land or water that is legally conserved to protect its natural, cultural, and ecological values.

These areas allow forests to grow naturally, wildlife to thrive, waterways to remain healthy, and ecosystems to continue functioning with minimal disturbance. Protected areas also create opportunities for people to experience nature through hiking, paddling, camping, hunting, fishing, education, and scientific research.

When we protect nature, we protect the services healthy ecosystems provide every day.

community lead conservation

Many of Nova Scotia's proposed protected areas began with local people.

Across the province, residents, community organizations, Indigenous Nations, naturalists, and conservation groups have identified forests, watersheds, wetlands, and wild landscapes they believe deserve permanent protection.

Together, more than 50 organizations have supported proposals for over 30 community-nominated protected areas on public land. Collectively, these landscapes represent more than 127,000 hectares of forests, rivers, lakes, and wildlife habitat that could help Nova Scotia move closer to its 20% protection commitment.