The Government of Canada, in collaboration with the Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) Cape Breton, has announced a joint investment of more than $1.2 million to plant over 208,000 trees in eastern Cape Breton. The reforestation project, part of the 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program, will span four years and aims to restore deforested ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and support local workforce development.
Over the next four years, 208,000 trees will be planted, alongside native shrubs and plants, to restore natural habitats in Nova Scotia. The initiative will help mitigate climate change and improve environmental resilience by supporting diverse wildlife, sequestering carbon emissions, and reducing the impacts of extreme weather events. Local capacity for tree planting and maintenance will also be strengthened through workforce training, mentorship, and partnerships with students.
The 2BT program, launched by the Canadian government, focuses on cleaning the air, creating jobs, and combating climate change by partnering with local communities, provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, and other organizations.
Jaime Battiste, Member of Parliament for Sydney–Victoria, emphasized the importance of collaboration in managing forests and addressing climate change, stating that the program would create cleaner air and a healthier environment for future generations. Dr. Kathleen Aikens, Executive Director of ACAP Cape Breton, highlighted the long-term benefits of the reforestation effort, which will provide habitats, shade, and improve water filtration in the region’s watersheds.
Since its launch in 2021, the 2BT program has been actively working with partners to ensure proper site preparation, species selection, and long-term monitoring. To date, the Canadian government has secured agreements to plant over 553 million trees as part of its commitment to planting two billion trees over a decade.
