National Parks Conservation Association’s Post

Urban wetlands are not urban wastelands. Local and regional governments have a special role to play in protecting our planet's #wetlands. Last June, Mayors and officials from 23 Wetland Cities across the world gathered to discuss common approaches and challenges to #wetlandsconservation in urban areas. Read more about the gathering: https://lnkd.in/eFNKUNvt CitiesWithNature & RegionsWithNature provides an important platform that can contribute to cities’ efforts in setting baselines and reaching targets when it comes to wetland protection and restoration: https://lnkd.in/g9HeXuKB #citiesbiodiversitycenter

Interesting initiative CitiesWithNature & RegionsWithNature revives efforts and discussions around the importance of #data, #baselines and clear #targets on #protection and #restoration of ecosystems around cities. It’s important to say louder, #wetlandsconservation is not a question for rural areas only. Wetlands are close to urban areas and part of urban areas. #Nature and #biodiversity conservation starts right at our doorstep!

For thousands of years, Native communities developed a deep connection to the land, building vast pools of knowledge and honed in on conservation methods that work. For example, Native people have long practiced the intentional setting of fires to clear underbrush, keep forests healthy, and prevent devastating wildfires. These cultural burning practices were outlawed over the last century due to Western land management agencies’ enforcement of differing practices, but they are now making a comeback thanks to advocacy efforts by Native Nations and organizations like First Nations. If we are to thrive, not just survive, on the land, we need to return to knowledge that’s Native. You can contribute to the movement and ensure Native land stewardship continues across future generations by supporting our Tribal Lands Conservation (TLC) Fund: firstnations.org/actnow #Conservation #ClimateJustice #TribalLandsConservationFund #KnowledgeThatsNative

Important webinar on Nov 21 2pm EST: “Bridging the Divide: Ensuring equitable access for Tribal Nations to Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars and other conservation funding”

📢As we gain momentum in 2024, join us in revisiting the achievements and transformations of the latter half of 2023 through our end-of-year bulletin. 📰 Our journey over the past year has been extraordinary, a combination of community-led conservation and enhanced livelihoods in the iconic Tsavo landscape. 📖Read it here https://bit.ly/3udkBsU #unifiedhealthyconnectedtsavolandscape

It can't be overstated the importance of protecting remaining natural lands like forests and wetlands for maintaining water quality and the health of our lakes and streams. Private property owners can learn how to be part of the solution. #rivers #waterquality #landprotection #naturalclimatesolutions

BLM finalizes draft plan to bolster greater sage-grouse conservation efforts on public lands in the West. Find out what this means for habitat management and local economies at https://loom.ly/mdr6fVs. #BLM #ConservationEfforts

I learned a ton from moderating this panel! Namely: -Conserving public land doesn't inherently guarantee access, and Maryland has already begun making the latter a priority through the Maryland Greenspace Equity Program. -California's Pathways to 30x30 Plan is a gold star model of community engagement (17 listening sessions over 12 months!) -Colorado's Outdoor Strategy and the Keep Colorado Wild Pass are two examples of creative funding/programming models for other states to consider. -New Mexico's Land of Enchantment Fund is the state's first ever dedicated fund for conservation, and was passed by a part-time legislature, making the investment even more impressive. In summary: if I were to place bets on where to make deep capacity, time and strategy investments to advance conservation and environmental justice goals in the wake of a very uncertain November, I'd go big on states. Kudos: Center for American Progress, Rep. Kristina Ortez, Sen. Sarah Elfreth, Jennifer Norris, Jonathan Asher, Taylor Anderson, Mariel Lutz, Drew McConville, and of course, to our keynote speaker and personal hero of mine: Chair Brenda Mallory

GYC works hard to keep the region’s rivers wild, clean, and free-flowing. Here at the headwaters of the West, we know that the health of the rivers in Greater Yellowstone impact not only our ecosystem and communities, but also those far downstream. https://lnkd.in/gHig6psm

Funding opportunity