Protected area statuses covered by the call for projects

Each protected area status offers varying degrees of flexibility in terms of the activities that can be carried out in these areas.

Ecological reserve (RE)

Ecological reserve (French) is the most restrictive status in Québec. It applies to an area conserved entirely in its natural state and with distinctive ecological features. Access is not possible unless authorization is obtained for scientific, educational or sound land management projects.

Biodiversity reserve (BR)

Biodiversity reserves are created to help maintain biodiversity and ensure that the biodiversity of Québec’s various natural regions is represented. Without exception, access is unrestricted, as are hunting, fishing and trapping activities.

Marine reserve (MR)

The aim of a marine reserve is to protect an environment composed mainly of salt or brackish water because of its interesting biophysical characteristics, and to ensure that it is representative of marine biodiversity.

Protected area with sustainable use (PASU)

A protected area with sustainable use (French) is characterized by the presence of natural conditions over most of its territory and by the sustainable use of natural resources. Its territory is developed for the benefit of the local and Indigenous communities. This status is still at the design stage, and guidelines are currently being drawn up. Two pilot projects are currently underway in Québec: Île d’Anticosti and Lac-à-Moïse.

Aboriginal-led protected area (ALPA)

The objective of an Aboriginal-led protected area is to conserve biodiversity features and the associated Indigenous cultural values. This status is still under development. A guide to creating, managing and developing ALPAs will be jointly drafted with Indigenous communities and nations. For more information on Aboriginal-led protected areas, please contact the ALPA team: apia@environnement.gouv.qc.ca.

An interim process is planned for the application of section 4.3 of the Natural Heritage Conservation Act between now and the adoption of the guide. As a result, any protected area project submitted by an Indigenous community or nation can be sent directly to the Minister in accordance with the interim guidelines.

Man-made landscape (ML)

A man-made landscape (French) is an inhabited area whose landscape and natural components have been shaped over time by human activities in harmony with nature. This landscape and its components have distinctive features the conservation of which depends to a large extent on the continuation of the practices that originally shaped them. This status applies mainly to private land, but may include a certain proportion of public land. It generally features a mix of natural environments and environments transformed by human activity.

Other protection statuses

Several other Québec protection statuses on public land exist under other laws, such as the Parks Act, the Sustainable Forest Development Act or the Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife. As needed, these statuses can be proposed as part of a project submission. However, the Québec protected area statutes presented above are the main targets for the development of the protected area network.

Please note that there will be no planning for national parks in the coming years. However, there are other protection tools for you to consider. Ask about them!