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The document details the ecological significance of the Hudson-James Bay Lowlands as a critical carbon sink and the threats posed by the 'Ring of Fire' mining projects. It highlights the mobilization of the Friends of the Attawapiskat River, who advocate for Indigenous-led conservation, the enforcement of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), and the recognition of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) to safeguard biodiversity and climate stability.

The report evaluates the Manitoba portion of the Hudson Bay Lowlands, a 67,181 km2 region that is 97.5% intact. It utilizes an ecosystem goods and services (EGS) framework to monetize benefits, finding a minimum annual value of CAD 247.7 million from biodiversity, tourism, and health services, alongside a carbon storage value of CAD 1.28 trillion. The document emphasizes the region's role in climate mitigation and its deep relational value to Indigenous communities, including the Cree, Métis, and Dene. It identifies threats from potential critical mineral mining, hydroelectric diversions, and transportation projects like the NeeStaNan corridor, arguing that Indigenous-led conservation is essential for meeting Canada's 30% by 2030 protection targets.

Wetlands are aquatic environments that provide critical ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and water filtration, yet 87% of the world's wetlands have been lost over the last 300 years. They can store up to 50 times more carbon than rainforests and support the livelihoods of 300 to 400 million people. Conservation efforts include the Freshwater Challenge, which aims to commit 350 million hectares of degraded wetlands to restoration by 2030.