Canada celebrates Inuit leadership as new marine protected areas safeguard Arctic waters in Nunavut

On March 28, 2026, a major milestone in Arctic conservation was celebrated in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

The Government of Canada and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association officially established the Qikiqtait and Sarvarjuaq Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), strengthening Canada’s commitment to safeguard 30 per cent of its oceans by 2030.

Alongside this, a new Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA) was signed, covering these marine zones as well as terrestrial areas in the Belcher Islands, which will soon become designated Inuit Protected and Conserved Areas.

Protecting Biodiversity and Inuit Culture

The Qikiqtait and Sarvarjuaq MPAs are located in ecologically and culturally significant regions of Nunavut.

Qikiqtait surrounds the Belcher Islands in Hudson Bay, while Sarvarjuaq sits in northern Baffin Bay near the Pikialasorsuaq, also known as the North Water Polynya.

These waters are teeming with marine life, including seals, polar bears, whales, and migratory birds.

Beyond wildlife, these areas are deeply tied to Inuit traditions.

They provide critical spaces for harvesting, cultural practices, and Inuit stewardship, ensuring that conservation efforts respect both ecology and Indigenous rights.

The Sikulia Agreement: A Model for Inuit-Led Stewardship

The newly signed Sikulia Agreement—named after the thin new ice that forms in the fall—guides the protection and management of both marine and terrestrial zones.

This agreement ensures Inuit communities are actively involved in governance, decision-making, and benefit-sharing.

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By recognizing Inuit leadership, the Sikulia Agreement represents a milestone in co-management, blending traditional knowledge with modern conservation science.

Milestones Under the SINAA Framework

These two MPAs are the first protected areas established under the SINAA Agreement, formerly called the Qikiqtani Project Finance for Permanence.

Together, they add roughly two per cent to Canada’s marine conservation goals, pushing the total protected marine area beyond 17 per cent.

The initiative reflects a growing trend of Inuit-led conservation projects that prioritize ecological health and community involvement.

On land, the Belcher Islands will become part of the Qikiqtani Nunangit Inuit Protected and Conserved Area, safeguarding 2,180 km² of terrestrial habitat.

This marks the first Inuit Protected and Conserved Area in Nunavut, highlighting a holistic approach to preserving both marine and land ecosystems.

Impact and Consequences

The establishment of these MPAs and terrestrial protections sets a precedent for Indigenous-led environmental management.

It strengthens Canada’s position in global conservation efforts, helps protect Arctic biodiversity, and secures spaces crucial for traditional Inuit activities.

Furthermore, the collaborative approach may inspire other regions to adopt co-management frameworks that respect Indigenous knowledge and rights.

However, with climate change rapidly altering Arctic ecosystems, ongoing monitoring and adaptive management will be essential.

The success of these protected areas depends on both effective governance and continued community engagement.

What’s Next

Moving forward, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and government partners will focus on implementing management plans, monitoring wildlife, and ensuring local communities benefit from sustainable stewardship.

The creation of the Belcher Islands terrestrial protection will require careful planning, and additional Inuit Protected and Conserved Areas are expected as part of Canada’s 2030 ocean conservation goals.

Summary

The Qikiqtait and Sarvarjuaq MPAs, alongside the Belcher Islands terrestrial protections, are a landmark achievement in Inuit-led Arctic conservation.

They safeguard vital habitats, honor Inuit culture, and contribute meaningfully to Canada’s national conservation targets.

This initiative exemplifies how collaboration between governments and Indigenous communities can produce lasting environmental and social benefits.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Canada and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association established Qikiqtait and Sarvarjuaq MPAs in Nunavut on March 28, 2026.
• The MPAs aim to protect rich Arctic biodiversity and support Inuit cultural practices.
• The Sikulia Agreement ensures Inuit leadership, rights, and benefit-sharing in managing these areas.
• The Belcher Islands will become Nunavut’s first Inuit Protected and Conserved Area, covering 2,180 km².
• These MPAs contribute 2% toward Canada’s 2030 marine conservation goal, bringing the total protected marine area to over 17%.
• Inuit-led conservation represents a model for integrating traditional knowledge with modern environmental management.
• Ongoing monitoring and climate adaptation will be critical for long-term success in the Arctic.