Creating an Inuit protected area/national marine conservation area in northern Labrador

Parks Canada's report on conservation from 2018 to 2023

Conservation priority

Establishment of protected areas

Location

Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Nunatsiavut Government and the Government of Canada are working together to establish an Inuit protected area (IPA)/national marine conservation area (NMCA) in northern Labrador adjacent to Torngat Mountains National Park.

The creation of an IPA/NMCA in the Torngat Area of Interest (Torngat-AOI) would contribute up to approximately 16,800 km² or 0.29% to the Government of Canada’s goal to protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change through the conservation of 30% of marine and coastal areas by 2030.

Context

The large and spectacular natural and cultural seascape nestled next to Torngat Mountains National Park has been an area of continuous human use and settlement for over 10,000 years. It is critical habitat to the many species that thrive in the region, including polar bears, whales and dolphins, seals, breeding and migrating seabirds, waterfowl, and a variety of fish species.

The feasibility assessment

In March 2024, the Nunatsiavut Government and the Government of Canada announced the successful completion of a feasibility assessment for the proposed new IPA/NMCA in northern Labrador. The assessment examined the natural marine elements of the Torngat-AOI and their importance to Labrador and Nunavik Inuit. It also assessed the support of rightsholders, federal and provincial departments with an interest in the area, key stakeholders including industry (fishing, shipping, and marine transportation) and affected local Labrador and Nunavik communities to establish the area as an IPA/NMCA.

In combining Inuit Knowledge, community feedback, and scientific study and review, the partners determined that protecting the Torngat-AOI as an IPA/NMCA is feasible and desirable, and recommended to their respective leadership that they advance to the next step of the establishment process. This includes negotiating a legally binding establishment agreement and other necessary agreements to reach this goal.

Protecting ecological and cultural integrity

The Labrador Inuit, who have been stewards of this region since time immemorial, have extensive knowledge of the land, water, and sea ice in the area. To this day, they are sustained by its wildlife. The protection of these ecosystems in northern Labrador will contribute to the vitality of Inuit culture and traditions, and the well-being of Labrador and Nunavik Inuit. At the same time, this work will help to mitigate the effects of climate change by protecting marine plants and plankton that sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Creating an IPA/NMCA in the Torngat-AOI will protect the ecological and cultural integrity of the Labrador Shelf Marine Region in a manner that respects Inuit knowledge, values, livelihoods, and communities.

“Labrador Inuit culture, knowledge, livelihood, and health are directly connected to the ocean. We are proud to be taking steps forward towards establishing an Inuit protected area/national marine conservation area in northern Labrador, and in safeguarding our culture, traditions, and Inuit identity, as well as the fish and animals that we rely on for food, and ensuring our true Labrador Inuit way of life is maintained for future generations.”

—Johannes Lampe, President of Nunatsiavut

Learn more

• Proposed Inuit Protected Area/national marine conservation area adjacent to Torngat Mountains National Park
• Creating new national marine conservation areas in Canada
• More national marine conservation areas for healthier environments, communities, and livelihoods