Ambitious North American wildlife corridor named Earthshot Prize finalist

The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, which stretches across nearly 2,000 kilometres of North American wilderness, has emerged as a leading model for large-scale habitat protection and animal migration management. The project has enabled 204 documented wildlife crossings while safeguarding 59 million acres of interconnected ecosystems, creating safe passages for animals navigating increasingly fragmented landscapes.

The initiative brings together government agencies, conservation organisations, and local communities to construct and maintain wildlife corridors across highways and developed areas. By removing physical barriers and establishing protected passage routes, the project allows species to move freely between habitats—a critical factor for genetic diversity and population resilience in an era of rapid environmental change.

Indigenous communities play a significant role in the project's success, managing approximately one-quarter of the protected land within the conservation corridor. This partnership underscores the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation practices in large-scale environmental initiatives.

The project's recognition as a finalist for Prince William's Earthshot Prize reflects growing international interest in ambitious, scalable conservation solutions. Organisers have set an expanded target of protecting an additional 50 million acres by 2030, potentially creating one of the world's most extensive wildlife protection networks.