A proposal to establish a vast wildlife corridor spanning 3,400 kilometers from Yellowstone National Park in the United States to Canada’s Yukon has been selected as a finalist for Prince William’s annual environmental awards. The initiative, known as the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y), is competing in the Protect & Restore Nature category of the 2026 Earthshot Prizes.

The Earthshot Prize recognized Y2Y as a groundbreaking conservation effort that aims to reconnect a vast mountainous landscape across Canada and the U.S. to allow wildlife to move freely as they once did. The corridor is currently a habitat for various large mammals including wolves, grizzly bears, wolverines, and endangered mountain caribou, with over 25 million hectares of protected land, slightly larger than the United Kingdom.

Y2Y, established as a joint U.S.-Canada venture in 1993, has made significant progress over the years. Inspired by a wolf named Pluie, who traveled extensively through different regions in the U.S. and Canada, the initiative aims to address the challenges faced by wildlife due to fragmented habitats and the impacts of climate change.

Through collaborative efforts with numerous partners, including governments, Indigenous nations, private landowners, and scientists, Y2Y has expanded protected areas within the corridor from nine percent to nearly 18 percent. Additionally, it has facilitated the construction of over 200 wildlife road crossings and played a crucial role in the conservation of the Klinse-Za caribou herd in British Columbia.

The initiative has not only benefitted wildlife but has also positively impacted people by creating more parkland for recreation and reducing wildlife-related vehicle collisions. Moreover, the protected land contributes to carbon absorption and the preservation of clean water in the region.

While the Earthshot Prize could provide valuable recognition and support, the financial reward may not cover the substantial costs associated with initiatives like wildlife crossings. However, being acknowledged by the Earthshot team can raise awareness about Y2Y’s mission, attract more supporters, and facilitate connections with global organizations addressing similar environmental challenges.

The Earthshot Prize, initiated in 2021 and awarded annually in five categories, aims to drive innovation in combating climate change and environmental issues. The prize is slated to continue until 2030, fostering solutions to pressing environmental concerns on a global scale.