Conservation Initiative Named Earthshot Prize Finalist
The Yellowstone to Yukon project is one of 15 finalists for the prestigious 2026 Earthshot Prize.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Wildlife
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The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative has been named a finalist for the 2026 Earthshot Prize. The group is recognized for its work maintaining a 3,400-kilometre ecological corridor through the Rocky Mountains.
Why it matters
Wildlife populations require vast, connected areas to remain healthy and thrive, as animals do not recognize human-made borders. This project integrates land management with infrastructure to safely assist animal movement across the region.
The initiative currently protects 24 million hectares of land and has established 204 wildlife crossings across 1.3 million square kilometres. In Banff, these crossings have resulted in a 96% reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions.
The players
Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
This group works to preserve and maintain a connected ecological corridor spanning from Yellowstone National Park to the Yukon.
Prince William
He is the founder of the Earthshot Prize, which recognizes environmental innovations aimed at repairing the planet.
The details
The project relies on a network of overpasses, underpasses, and fences to facilitate animal migration across the Rocky Mountains. The initiative coordinates efforts between scientists, governments, and private landowners, with Indigenous Nations managing or co-managing one-quarter of the protected land.
Timeline
The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative was launched in 1993.
Prince William launched the Earthshot Prize in 2020.
The Earthshot Prize winners will be announced in Mumbai on November 17, 2026.
The initiative aims to reach new protection and crossing targets by 2030.
Culture Shift
This recognition reflects a growing global shift toward landscape-scale conservation that transcends traditional political boundaries. The focus on integrating Indigenous land management represents a broader movement to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into modern wildlife preservation.
The initiative's success in reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions demonstrates the efficacy of infrastructure-based conservation for travelers and local residents alike. By securing future funding, the project aims to expand protected areas by an additional 20 million hectares by 2030.
The takeaway
Large-scale ecological restoration requires long-term coordination between diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous Nations and private landowners. Success in these initiatives can be measured by both land area protected and measurable safety improvements for regional wildlife.
What happens next
Five winners will be awarded £1 million each during the Earthshot Prize ceremony in Mumbai on November 17, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in global Wildlife conservation efforts.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
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