Joining Forces for Living and Protected Land
Since 2025, this initiative has taken the form of a partnership with associations of public land managers in Quebec: Réseau ZEC, Fédération des pourvoiries du Québec (FPQ), Parcs régionaux du Québec (Parq) and Sépaq (Québec wildlife reserves). These associations have chosen to join forces to conserve natural areas of interest throughout the province.
Through the Plein aire initiative, members of these associations develop proposals for protected areas or projects aimed at securing recognition for other effective conservation measures (OECM) on portions of the territories they manage, with support from their respective association and SNAP Québec.
A Few Words About the Project
- SNAP Québec is an important partner of the Government of Québec and has collaborated with the MELCCFP, particularly in mobilizing the public and regional stakeholders as part of the call for projects on protected areas in southern public terrestrial and marine territories launched in 2024.
- The Plein aire initiative is linked to Target 3 of Axis 1 of the Nature Plan 2030. This target aims to conserve 30% of Québec’s terrestrial habitats and 30% of its marine habitats, focusing on effective management, representativeness, and ecological connectivity of conserved sites, while improving access to nature.
- SNAP Québec supports the initiatives partner organizations in developing proposals for protected areas and other effective conservation measures (OECM) with the objective of their eventual creation or recognition by the Government of Quebec.
- OECMs aim to recognize areas that are not protected areas but contribute sustainably to the preservation of biodiversity. This conservation tool encourages a wider range of stakeholders to participate in establishing a rich and diverse conservation network. The first edition of the OECM guidelines is now available.
Outdoor Recreation: A Tool for Enhancing Quebec’s Landscape
While protected areas are primarily intended to preserve the richness of natural habitats, they are by no means “glass bells”. In fact, many outdoor recreation, adventure, and exploration activities are compatible with conserving biodiversity.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Expanding the network of protected and conserved areas also contributes to the economic diversification of communities, in addition to making nature more accessible to local residents. This is not only essential to the health and quality of life of Quebec’s citizens, but also ensures the long-term sustainability of ecological services that are indispensable to human life.
Plein aire Support for Land Managers
Support from SNAP Québec through the Plein aire initiative:
- Develop or refine the territorial planning of land managers: desired land uses, areas of interest, conservation issues and objectives, etc.;
- Determine the best conservation approach trough personalized support;
- Develop a comprehensive conservation proposal that will subsequently be analysed by the MELCCFP;
- Collaborate, as needed, with other managers of surrounding areas to optimize and expand conservation cores and increase connectivity for wildlife;
- Develop concise, accessible and informative resources on protected areas and AMCE, particularly regarding the regulatory framework.
Thanks to SNAP’s support, land managers can:
- Receive guidance to carry out conservation initiatives on their lands;
- Benefit from networking with other managers engaged in conservation efforts;
- Work to ensure the long-term socioeconomic benefits of activities on wildlife and designated lands;
- Foster a sense of belonging and vitality within local communities by protecting natural environments essential to the regions’ territorial identity;
- Gain recognition for their expertise and knowledge of the land they operate on while involving local stakeholders in the protection and conservation of natural environments.
2021 - 2025 · Phase 1
The “Plein aire” Support Program
for stakeholders committed to land conservation
