Ottawa, April 1 -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday unveiled a C$3.8 billion national strategy to expand protected areas, restore ecosystems and mobilise private investment in conservation.

Canada currently protects about 14% of its land and just over 15% of its marine areas, according to government data, and has committed alongside nearly 200 countries at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference to increase that figure to 30% by the end of the decade.

Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin said the plan would expand conservation efforts while integrating environmental considerations into infrastructure and industrial development.

The plan aims to protect 1.6 million square kilometres of land and 700,000 square kilometres ...