As we embrace the spirit of Latino Conservation Week, we come together to honor and pay homage to the invaluable contributions made by the Latino community in our shared endeavor to conserve and protect wildlife and wild lands across the country. This year, we proudly support the congressional resolution proposing the official designation of the third week of July as Latino Conservation Week, introduced by Representative Nanette Barragán (D-CA) this week. Through this symbolic gesture, we signal our commitment to fostering sustainability, promoting inclusivity, and safeguarding the future of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
At the heart of our dedication lies the extraordinary expanse of the National Wildlife Refuge System, overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These national wildlife refuges are vital havens for diverse wildlife, playing an integral role in upholding ecological harmony. By endorsing the formal recognition of Latino Conservation Week, the Refuge Association reaffirms our unwavering resolve to conserve this treasured system of public lands.
“As we celebrate Latino Conservation Week, we must highlight how important the Latino community is in our efforts to conserve our National Wildlife Refuge System. With the Latino community making up almost 20% of the U.S. population, we must invest in equitable and inclusive programs that increase access to national wildlife refuges while providing many benefits to communities that have long been excluded. Uplifting these voices is vital to ensuring the future of our nation’s wildlife Refuge System and other public lands and waters.”
Latino Conservation Week empowers and engages Latino communities, fostering a sense of guardianship for our natural resources through outdoor activities. We aim to ensure equitable access to public lands for all, creating transformative opportunities to appreciate nature's splendor. The 2023 Latino Conservation Week Resolution highlights environmental challenges faced by Latinos, including climate change and limited access to green spaces. By endorsing this resolution, we unite to address these issues with sustainable solutions. Embracing the official designation of Latino Conservation Week, we recognize its importance in conserving our National Wildlife Refuge System for future generations. This designation amplifies the invaluable contributions of the Latino community to conservation efforts, promoting inclusivity and positive change.
As we commemorate Latino Conservation Week, we celebrate the collective energy and unwavering determination of individuals from all walks of life in our shared mission to protect our natural world. By throwing our support behind the congressional resolution to establish the third week of July as Latino Conservation Week, the National Wildlife Refuge Association affirms our commitment to inclusivity, equitable access, and conserving the National Wildlife Refuge System.