Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Canada’s salmon runs are world-famous. But in recent decades, numbers of wild salmon have been dwindling. In a pioneering effort, scientists, communities, and First Nation People now succeeded in boosting salmon numbers in six out of seven sites. Learn how they did it.
‘Respectful Returns’ has been recognized as a World Restoration Flagship under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. These initiatives represent Earth’s frontiers of hope. Watch the RESTORE documentary series to learn about winning solutions. Explore how you can join #GenerationRestoration
decadeonestoration.org
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Many salmon populations are in peril in Canada, with significant economic and cultural consequences – salmon hold profound spiritual value in the country, particularly for Indigenous communities. Since 2010, Parks Canada has collaborated with Indigenous Peoples and local communities on the Respectful Returns initiative, which focuses on restoring damaged rivers and streams in seven national parks along Canada’s Pacific and Atlantic coasts.
“Canada is honoured that Parks Canada’s salmon restoration initiative has been named a World Restoration Flagship by the United Nations Environment Programme. This global recognition shows what’s possible when we act boldly and work together,” said the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature. “Guided by Indigenous knowledge and science, Respectful Returns demonstrates the power of collaboration to restore ecosystems and renew relationships with Indigenous communities whose cultures and livelihoods are tied to salmon. More than a project, it is a blueprint for restoration worldwide – where reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through shared stewardship and conservation go hand in hand to protect biodiversity and strengthen communities.”
By using new tools, sharing knowledge, and working together, the project has helped restore over 65,000 hectares of land and 228 kilometers of waterways. Respectful Returns has also created more than 100 jobs, supported research at three universities, and built strong partnerships with 32 organizations and communities. The goal is to protect salmon and their habitats while strengthening the connection between people and nature. This work is helping both the environment and communities heal and grow together. In six out of the seven sites, salmon numbers have already increased.
Canada’s salmon runs are world-famous. But in recent decades, numbers of wild salmon have been dwindling. In a pioneering effort, scientists, communities, and First Nation People now succeeded in boosting salmon numbers in six out of seven sites. Learn how they did it.
‘Respectful Returns’ has been recognized as a World Restoration Flagship under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. These initiatives represent Earth’s frontiers of hope. Watch the RESTORE documentary series to learn about winning solutions. Explore how you can join #GenerationRestoration
decadeonestoration.org
--------------------------------------------------
Many salmon populations are in peril in Canada, with significant economic and cultural consequences – salmon hold profound spiritual value in the country, particularly for Indigenous communities. Since 2010, Parks Canada has collaborated with Indigenous Peoples and local communities on the Respectful Returns initiative, which focuses on restoring damaged rivers and streams in seven national parks along Canada’s Pacific and Atlantic coasts.
“Canada is honoured that Parks Canada’s salmon restoration initiative has been named a World Restoration Flagship by the United Nations Environment Programme. This global recognition shows what’s possible when we act boldly and work together,” said the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature. “Guided by Indigenous knowledge and science, Respectful Returns demonstrates the power of collaboration to restore ecosystems and renew relationships with Indigenous communities whose cultures and livelihoods are tied to salmon. More than a project, it is a blueprint for restoration worldwide – where reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through shared stewardship and conservation go hand in hand to protect biodiversity and strengthen communities.”
By using new tools, sharing knowledge, and working together, the project has helped restore over 65,000 hectares of land and 228 kilometers of waterways. Respectful Returns has also created more than 100 jobs, supported research at three universities, and built strong partnerships with 32 organizations and communities. The goal is to protect salmon and their habitats while strengthening the connection between people and nature. This work is helping both the environment and communities heal and grow together. In six out of the seven sites, salmon numbers have already increased.
