The resolution raises concerns about the unequal access to urban parks, greenspaces, and wildlands that Latino communities across the country experience, and the large environmental and health disparities that disproportionately impact Latino communities. Two-thirds of Latinos say the health of themselves and their families have been harmed due to the high levels of air pollution and water contamination they are exposed to in their communities. The proximity of natural spaces to Latino communities can help mitigate air pollution and extreme heat that exacerbates the pollution. 

“Latino communities continue to prove they are passionate about the outdoors and hold a strong belief that we have a moral obligation to be good stewards,” said Maite Arce, President of the Hispanic Access Foundation. “We thank Representative Nanette Barragán for introducing this resolution to establish and elevate Latino Conservation Week, which would support its goal of breaking down barriers for Latino communities to access public lands and waters, elevating Latino leaders in the conservation and outdoor recreation space, and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. It’s been exciting to see the growth of Latino Conservation Week over the last eleven years and we look forward to seeing it become an established and officially celebrated part of Hispanic Heritage Month.”

From September 14 to September 22, communities throughout the country will enjoy and connect with the great outdoors during the 11th annual Latino Conservation Week (LCW), an initiative of Hispanic Access Foundation. Latino communities, organizations, businesses, families, and individuals will participate in a variety of activities, both in-person and virtual, like hikes, kayaking, park clean-ups, roundtable discussions, Q&A sessions, scavenger hunts, film screenings, etc., with more than 300 events being celebrated nationwide.

“Latino Conservation Week is a celebration of the deep connections that the Latino community has with the outdoors,” said Rep. Barragán “It’s a time to recognize our contributions to conservation efforts and to ensure that everyone has access to clean air, clean water, and open spaces. In my district, communities often lack access to nearby greenspaces, health insurance, and clean water. Urban parks and green spaces help cool neighborhoods, clean our water, and actively filter air pollution. This resolution builds on the efforts of Latino communities to protect our environment for future generations, and to ensure no community is left behind in the fight for a clean environment.”

The members cosponsoring the Latino Conservation Week Resolution are: Rep. Adriano Espaillat (N.Y.), Grace Napolitano (Calif.), Jim Costa (Calif.), Jimmy Gomez (Calif.),  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), Raul Grijalva (Ariz.), Andrea Salinas (Ore.), Veronica Escobar (Texas), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (Fla.), Juan Vargas (Calif.), Mike Levin (Calif.), Sylvia Garcia (Texas), Ruben Gallego (Ariz.), Linda Sanchez (Calif.), Nydia Velázquez (N.Y.), Robert Garcia (Calif.), Tony Cárdenas (Calif.), Delia Ramirez (Il.), Lou Correa (Calif.),

 
The organizations that have endorsed the resolution introduced by Rep. Barragán, include Sierra Nevada Alliance, Nature Forward, Sonoma Land Trust, BASE Landscape Architecture, Asociación Guatemaltecos Sin Fronteras, Retos Servicious de Educación Integral, PEACE New Jersey, Wasatch Community Gardens, Immigrant Network of Johnson County, Iglesia Bautista la resurrección, Tampa Bay Kaya Anglers, Wilderness Workshop, Jesse Miranda Center, ProShow Disc Jockey Service, Iglesia Amistad, Huellas Latinas, Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative Immigarnt Welcome Network of Johnson County, Iglesia Aliento de Vida, San Diego Bird Alliance, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, Templo El Salvador De Las Asambleas De Dios, City of Olympia, ID Latino Conservation Week Planning Committee, Latinos Aventureros de las Carolinas, Purpose en Español, Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance, Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project, Nature Center of Watsonville, HawkWatch International, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and My Future Pathways.

The activities during Latino Conservation Week span several states and a full listing of events is available at www.LatinoConservationWeek.com. Celebrate online by following #LatinoConservationWeek2024 and #LCW2024 on social media.