As the world celebrates Ocean Week, a new report from Hispanic Access Foundation (HAF) finds that the extensive cultural and historical connections Latinos have to the ocean and its coasts could result in this community becoming one of the leading voices in its protection.

“The ocean has always been deeply tied to our families, communities and cultura -- whether it’s depending on the ocean for food, jobs, recreation or the continuation of cultural traditions,” said Maite Arce, president and CEO of HAF. “From overharvesting, plastic pollution and climate change, the threats to our ocean require action to ensure that we protect humanity’s most valuable resource and preserve it for the sake of our children and future generations.”

The ocean sustains us – individuals, communities, the global society - physically, mentally, spiritually. It regulates our weather and climate, provides for every other breath we take, nourishes us and inspires us. Across seas, people, ideas and goods have traveled, connecting us with each other, with culture and with land. We find solace on its shores, seek pleasures on its waves, and will cure each other employing secrets from the deep.  

Practically speaking, the ocean keeps us safe, fed, clothed and employed. Its coral reefs protect us from storms, as do the adjacent wetlands that filter our waters. There isn’t a facet of our life that isn’t touched by the ocean. 

What started as a blog post has instead transformed into more than that - it is a call to action, a plea to mi gente, and a renouncing of racism. 

Mi gente, it’s time to act in solidarity with our Black brothers and sisters. 

Mi gente, it’s time to educate our friends, parents, tios, and tias. 

This pandemic exposed something far more than a health crisis.  It exposed weaknesses in a system that was not prepared to face them.  Without a doubt the challenges multiplied in all areas in a radical way: socially, politically, personally, familially, spiritually, and in the ecclesial arena amongst others.  It changed the way we see and enjoy life.

The video of George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis police officers is atrocious. He called out for breath. He called out to his mother. No one helped him. Prior to his murder, Breonna Taylor was murdered by police in her home. Amaud Arbery was out jogging and was shot to death by vigilantes. Christian Cooper was birdwatching in Central Park and a white woman called the police on him. 

In response to the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers and the protests in American cities that have taken place over the last several days, Hispanic Access Foundation’s President and CEO Maite Arce released the following statement:

Latino conservation groups say battling the pandemic goes hand in hand with fighting climate change, because poor air quality exacerbated by climate change makes people more vulnerable to COVID-19.  

The National Park Service (NPS) – Conservation and Outdoor Recreation (COR) Program supports community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the nation. HAF and the NPS COR program have partnered to provide long-term professional fellowships for Latino young professionals interested in pursuing careers in fields related to public land management, program coordination, outdoor recreation, and community engagement.

Today, Hispanic Access Foundation released its 2nd annual “Congressional Conservation Toolkit: A Guide to Land, Water and Climate Issues and the Impact on Latino Communities,” The toolkit explores issues around public lands, water and climate, and identifies the health, economic and cultural impact on Latino communities, while highlighting policy recommendations.