Azul Celebrates California’s Pledge to Conserve 30 Percent of its Land and Coastal Waters by 2030
October 7, 2020 – Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an Executive Order aimed at protecting California’s natural resources and biodiversity. The order pledges to conserve 30 percent of the state’s land and coastal waters, historically making the Golden State the first in the nation to lead on “30×30” land and water conservation. The following is a statement from Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, Founder/ Executive Director, Azul, a grassroots organization working with Latinxs to conserve coasts and oceans, on this historic moment. California-based Azul led a collaborative of groups in advocating for the centering of environmental justice and California values in this initiative:
“For too long, the consequences of natural resource extraction and pollution in the United States have fallen disproportionately on low income and communities of color. Azul has long advocated that the pursuit of a 30×30 goal must address this historic inequity to ensure that everyone has access to nature and its benefits. We are excited to see equity at the heart of this executive order — by including equity and access in this manner, Gov. Newsom is protecting nature WITH people, not from them.” “California has been a leader in turning the world’s attention to the critically important role the ocean plays in buffering climate change. This executive order continues to solidify California’s legacy as a global leader in conservation and innovation. Enhorabuena!” Azul has long advocated for a 30×30 order rooted in California values, positioning environmental justice and equity at the core for a people-oriented approach. This 30×30 initiative is innovative because it centers both. Notable background:
This is the first 30×30 initiative to center environmental justice and equity.
California paves the way for other states to follow suit in ensuring that biodiversity benefits are available to all.
This executive order builds on the efforts of Ab3030, authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra. Azul was a leading sponsor of AB3030, with Marce testifying repeatedly as principal witness on the environmental justice imperative of making sure California’s natural resources are enjoyed by all.