ECA Approach

The ECA Approach

The Escarpment Corridor Alliance is a regional conservation charity dedicated to protecting the Niagara Escarpment of Southern Georgian Bay. By creating a connected ecological corridor, we ensure a legacy of biodiversity, recreation & wellness, and sustainability for generations to come. Together, we can balance nature, economy, agriculture, and community while safeguarding the heart of our region.

Our Approach To Connection

Connection drives everything we do. Through conservation efforts, we’re creating protected ecological corridors that benefit both nature and human well-being. By collaborating with local environmental advocates and organizations, we take a unified approach, to ensure lasting conservation.

What Makes Us Unique

Our approach is primarily about the alliances we make, whether that be through science, Indigenous guidance, government relationships or the numerous other conservation organizations and local businesses. And the second is by intertwining the need for human health, understanding that the land we seek to safeguard is not only good for nature, but for human health and economy as well. With all of this in mind, we choose to band together for one hopeful outcome – to help safeguard the Niagara Escarpment of South Georgian Bay for people for nature and for good.

Science First

The ECA is using a science-backed approach to identify, protect and prioritize key areas for conservation and sustainable use on the Niagara Escarpment of South Georgian Bay. For the past two years, we have united communities, public and private stakeholders, and environmental groups in an effort to connect fragmented landscapes and prevent further disruption of the land and watersheds.

With a data-driven approach, we are working with scientists to map and prioritize key lands for conservation on the Niagara Escarpment. This powerful tool will identify areas with the greatest impact for biodiversity and engage landowners already committed to land advocacy.

Indigenous Relationship & Guidance

The ECA is committed to a two-eyed seeing approach that honors both Western scientific knowledge and Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Indigenous communities. In protecting the Niagara Escarpment of South Georgian Bay, we recognize the long-standing relationship Indigenous peoples have with this region since time immemorial. We seek to actively engage with local communities and knowledge holders in a respectful, collaborative way.

We aim to foster ethical space where we seek to understand and act accordingly with respect. This inclusive approach strengthens biodiversity, supports thriving ecosystems, and ensures the long-term protection of this vital landscape.

Government Relations and Policy Work

The ECA collaborates with all levels of government to secure policy support, legal protections, and funding for an ecological corridor along the Niagara Escarpment of South Georgian Bay. By advocating for conservation-focused land-use policies, providing science-backed recommendations, and securing grants, we ensure lasting protection for this vital landscape. Partnering with Indigenous governments, municipalities, and environmental agencies, we integrate diverse knowledge systems into conservation planning. Through strategic, data-driven action, we are accelerating efforts to safeguard biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and create a permanently protected corridor that benefits both nature and communities.

Land Advocates

The ECA Bedrock Group, donors, and supporters like you are the driving force behind the protection of the Niagara Escarpment of South Georgian Bay. By investing in conservation—whether through donations, advocacy, or simply staying informed—you become a steward of the land, helping to safeguard biodiversity, and help create a lasting environmental legacy by way of a natural corridor. Your support drives action. Donate, stay engaged, and be part of the movement for nature, for people and for good. Start helping now!