Prévost, June 25, 2026 — The 1% for the Planet Outdoor Fund, coordinated by Aventure Écotourisme Québec (AEQ), announces a total investment of $477,482 in 2026 to support Quebec initiatives focused on protecting natural environments, preserving biodiversity, and combating climate change.
Thanks to the voluntary commitment of participating businesses, the Fund will be supporting concrete projects this year with environmental benefits across several regions of Quebec, while also promoting a sustainable shift in the tourism sector.
Flagship projects for natural environments and biodiversity
Focus area 1 – Protecting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
Projects supported under this priority will help preserve natural areas, restore riparian habitats, and expand protected areas:
- Batiscan River Park — Acquisition and conservation of 146 hectares of forest in the Batiscan River buffer zone: $35,000
- Enrêko! — Restoration of riparian zones in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region: $30,000
- Fondation Rivières — Exploratory study on dam removal in Quebec, with a focus on Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard: $25,000
- Appalachian Corridor — Creation of protected areas and outreach to private landowners to develop conservation projects: $30,000
- Nature Québec — Support for Nature Québec advocacy efforts to consolidate and expand the network of protected areas in Quebec: $30,000
- Wendat Nation Council — Support for conservation on private lands on the Onyionhwentsïio’: $15,000
Focus area 2 – Wildlife Species Protection
The Fund also supports research and conservation initiatives targeting vulnerable species and habitats of high ecological value:
- Marine Mammal Research and Education Group (GREMM) — Reducing acoustic and physical disturbances caused by shipping in the beluga habitat: $30,000
- Manicouagan-Uapishka Biosphere Region (RBMU) — Conducting a wildlife inventory of species representative of the alpine tundra of the Uapishka Mountains: $30,000
Focus area 3 – Climate change mitigation and adaptation
Two projects seeking to promote awareness and ecological restoration will be receiving financial support:
- Coop FA — Implementation of an environmental education program in Quebec elementary schools: $30,000
- Arbre-Évolution Coopérative — As part of the Carbone Riverain™ program, implementation of an ecological restoration project in an agricultural setting in St-Ubalde:
$30,000
As part of a collective effort to diminish the climate impact of companies participating in the Fund, Gold Standard-certified carbon credits were also retired from the market by our partner Planetair to offset 5,770 metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Focus area 4 – Socioecological transition of adventure tourism and ecotourism businesses
A $60,000 budget will be allocated to support AEQ member businesses in order to:
- Develop sustainable development action plans;
- Conduct carbon audits and plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
- Adapt businesses to climate change impacts; and
- Incorporate best practices in ecotourism.
Concrete action by the tourism sector
According to Stéphane Jeannerot, Director of Development at AEQ, “By the very nature of their operations, adventure tourism and ecotourism businesses are already helping to create a strong bond between visitors, natural environments, and the communities that welcome them. Many are already actively giving back to their communities and regions. Through the 1% for the Planet Outdoor Fund, they demonstrate that by rallying around a shared commitment, they can significantly amplify their positive impact. Thanks to this collective effort, the projects supported in 2026 will have tangible benefits in several regions of Quebec and will help build a more responsible, committed, and resilient tourism economy.”
Impact report
With this new investment, the Fund has distributed more than $1.6 million since 2020 to support over 40 projects across Quebec. The 2025 Fund Impact Report is also available on the AEQ website.
Join the movement!
The Fonds plein air 1% for the Planet is a turnkey tool that helps businesses take philanthropic action for the environment, while ensuring they support impactful projects carried out right here in Québec and certified by 1% for the Planet. The funds raised generate tangible benefits in our own communities.
Thank you to the 30 committed businesses of 2025:
Alpha Premium, Authentik Canada Aventures, Aventure Rose des Vents Inc., Aventures Archipel, Camping au jardin de mon père, Cime Aventure, Contact Nature Rivière-à-Mars, Coop de solidarité du Cap Jaseux, Ex Situ Expérience, Karavaniers, KSF, La Liberté Nord-Sud, Le monde à Vélo Ékilib_Chinook Aventure_Détour Nature, Logiciel Sentinel, Matapédia Nature Aventure, Noryak Aventures, Passion Escalade, POP Spirit, Progression Kite, Quatre Natures, Rafting Momentum, Rafting Montréal, Rafting Nouveau Monde, Rivière Concept, Saguenay Aventures, Tyroparc, Vallée Bras-du-Nord – Coop de Solidarité, Voile Mercator – Coopérative, Voile Sancoucy – Club Nautique.
Businesses that would like to learn more are invited to contact AEQ.
