Growing the conservation movement: Y2Y's 2023 Impact Report - Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative

Growing the conservation movement: Y2Y’s 2023 Impact Report

Y2Y 2023 Impact Report cover photo. A grizzly bear in Kananaskis Country. Credit: Leila McDowell.
A grizzly bear in Kananaskis Country. Credit: Leila McDowell.

Celebrating 30 years of the Yellowstone to Yukon vision — thanks to you

Together we are making significant strides in conserving the wild beauty of the Yellowstone to Yukon region, connecting habitats, and ensuring healthy ecosystems so both people and wildlife can thrive. 

In 2023, we celebrated 30 years of the Yellowstone to Yukon vision. This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the incredible growth of our large-landscape conservation movement and the profound, positive impacts we’ve achieved together. Our collective efforts are connecting and protecting wildlife habitats at the scale nature — and people — need. 

The Yellowstone to Yukon region is the wildest mountain region on Earth. We know that keeping it this way is the best way to tackle the loss of biodiversity and a changing climate. 

Our achievements in 2023 — from the expansion of protected areas to better-connected wildlife corridors — have set the stage for even greater conservation successes in the years to come. Our work today is creating the conditions for a future where nature and communities can flourish together. 

The Y2Y conservation movement comprises individuals, groups, and organizations from diverse backgrounds, political perspectives, and walks of life. We are immensely grateful for the support of every person involved. 

Your dedication and passion have driven us to achieve remarkable milestones. We look forward to continuing this journey together. 

Explore the successes you’ve helped to create in our 2023 Impact Report:


Highlights from Y2Y’s 2023 impact report: 

Y2Y is building a more connected future in the Yellowstone to Yukon region

  • 75% of top priority roads (where animals would benefit most) have wildlife crossings under construction. 
  • $66 million investment in wildlife crossings across the U.S. announced in 2023, including Y2Y-supported initiatives. 
  • 126 wildlife crossings are already in place. By the start of 2024 a dozen new crossing structures were in progress across the region, ensuring safe passage for people and wildlife. 

Y2Y is informing and leveraging global conservation commitments to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030

  • More than $1 billion in funding was announced from British Columbia (B.C.) and Canada backing a 2023 agreement to protect nature in B.C. in partnership with Indigenous Peoples. 
  • Y2Y leads efforts to enable on-the ground protections — largely Indigenous-led protected areas. In 2023, 17,806 km2 (4.4M acres) of new and intended Indigenous-led protected areas were announced in B.C. alone. 

Y2Y is supporting the interconnection of people and nature

Support natureReview financials and past reports