The value of forests and wetlands goes beyond borders. It goes beyond politics and cultural divides. These ecosystems provide critical services. They help with climate change. They support biodiversity. The bottom line is that they sustain life. We must protect forests and wetlands. This isn’t about ideology. It’s a need. It ensures a fair and strong future for all.
Environmental harm isn’t a domestic issue. It’s a global crisis with local impacts.
I’ve worked in conservation for over 18 years. I’ve learned the promise and peril of our current approaches. The destruction of forests and wetlands continues. It’s a grave injustice to people and planet. This is a global concern. It needs global attention. Governments and groups often promote timber markets. And companies do a lot of greenwashing. This hurts conservation goals.
What is justice conservation?
Justice conservation is a movement that puts people and ecosystems first. This movement puts communities and forests above corporate interests. Those on the frontlines of environmental harm face terrible impacts from climate change. They bear the brunt of pollution from dirty industries. These include:
- industrial logging
- wood pellet biomass industry
- fracking and more
Justice-focused conservation is a necessity.
We must unite, speak up, and demand action. We must build a safer, cleaner, and greener future. And how do we do that? We change how we value ecosystems.
We did extensive research. And we collaborated with community leaders and organizations. Together, we have a shared vision. We seek solutions that focus on justice for both people and the planet. It’s time for a narrative change. It’s time for a national reckoning. We must change how we value and safeguard ecosystems like forests and wetlands.
Through policy changes, we seek to:
- advance climate resilience
- build sustainable solutions
- support frontline communities and tribes to transition and recover from extractive industries
- advance a regenerative economy
- promote equitable access to nature
- protect forests and wetlands in climate-vulnerable communities
We must take a holistic approach to conservation. And part of that is building a regenerative economy.
What’s a regenerative economy?
A regenerative economy is one that minimizes extraction. Extraction is taking from nature. Whether it’s cutting down trees, mining for coal, or fracking for gas. Instead, a regenerative economy focuses on nature-based solutions. Studies have shown that restoring wetlands is a good investment. It yields big returns! $1.3 to $4.0 billion per year. The Yale Program on Climate Communication’s polling shows strong support. 81% of voters back initiatives to create parks and green spaces. These spaces would go in low income and communities of color.
Justice conservation is a pathway to just solutions.
In other words, justice conservation demands fair policies for people and nature.
Today, 40 million+ people live in flood-prone areas. Natural disasters threaten people and property. Inland, coastal, and rural communities need relief. We must invest in natural infrastructure like forests and wetlands. Forests are buffers from extreme weather. Wetlands can absorb a lot of flood water. Much more than concrete can. We need solutions that safeguard forests, wetlands, homeowners, and businesses.