Shifting the narrative with Latinos Marinos this Hispanic Heritage Month
When you hear the words environmentalist or ocean conservationists, who do you imagine? We think of our abuelitas and tías who passed down traditions like bolsas de ixtle and lively cumbias like “En El Mar.” Through their actions, big and small, they instilled in us a sense of responsibility for the conservation of our abundant resources.
But in our advocacy efforts, we know that policymakers don’t immediately think of our community when discussing conservation policies.
Too often, Latinos are left out of the conversation. This exclusion doesn’t just hurt our community, but it also hurts all communities. When policymakers fail to engage our community in this fight, they are giving up solutions and wisdom that our families hold.
Other times, they are mischaracterized as disinterested in the topic of conservation. But, as our Azul poll showed this year, that is conclusively false. The results found that Latinos overwhelmingly support bold policies to protect the ocean and act on plastic pollution – a fact we already knew to be true from living and working with our community.
Our community cares deeply about el Mar, and we know they have been working to protect it for generations. That is why Azul has been working to shift the narrative with #LatinosMarinos since 2015. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re using social media to highlight Latinos advocating for ocean conservation across the country.
Latinx communities have a myriad of solutions on ocean protection and climate change, and we refuse to be left out of the conversation any longer. This Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to uplift our community’s work and culture as conservationists and environmental justice advocates.
We know that we each have a unique role to play in protecting el Mar. And we also know that it will take all of us. From scientists and community organizers to artists and attorneys – this month will be a time to showcase how our community is fighting for the ocean in every way.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to learn of the many Latino Marinos advocating for ocean conservation as we share their profiles this month. Join the conversation and share your own story by using the #LatinosMarinos hashtag!!