“We’re grateful for the administration’s development of this grant program and its progress towards conserving 30 percent of the nation’s lands and waters by 2030. This commitment is needed now more than ever, as communities of color and low-income communities across the country are facing a “Nature Gap”– meaning they have less access to nature because of the inequitable distribution of greenspace.

“Without having access to nature’s benefits, many Latino communities are suffering from higher rates of asthma, obesity, and other chronic diseases. Inequitable access to nature is a problem that national, state, and local leaders can no longer ignore.

“We hope this initiative leads to protecting far more lands and waters over the next decade, so the U.S. can guarantee every child in America has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of nature near their home. Equitable access to nature will ensure Latino communities aren’t experiencing severe health consequences at a disproportionate rate. We need to continue protecting diverse communities and our natural heritage.

In early 2021, during his first weeks in office, President Biden established the first-ever national conservation goal to ensure all Americans, including Latino communities, have access to the outdoors by conservice 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. Since then, more than 50 tribal leaders, local organizations and locally elected officials have expressed support and developed their own initiative to meet the 30x30 challenge.