Aug 8, 2023
The America the Beautiful For All Coalition today released the following statement from Greg Masten, (Yurok, Hupa, Karuk), NCAI Foundation President, and America the Beautiful For All Coalition, Priorities, Projects and Campaigns Workgroup Co-Chair:
“Today’s designation of Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument, President Biden’s fifth national monument, is another important step toward the 30×30 goals set forth in the America the Beautiful Initiative. It also represents meaningful action on our Coalition’s 2023 Policy Agenda: using the Antiquities Act to preserve our nation’s irreplaceable treasures–like the 3,000 known cultural and historic sites protected within the new national monument–and supporting Tribally-led conservation efforts while incorporating Indigenous Knowledge and Tribal co-stewardship.
“Tribes have always had a sacred connection to this landscape since time immemorial. This monument, advocated by the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition over many years, will help chart a new path toward full deference and respect of Tribes and protecting against the significant loss of natural and culturally significant places. While there’s more work to be done, today we’re thankful to the Biden Administration and the Tribes who led this effort for moving us closer to the goals set out in the America The Beautiful Initiative, and putting us on a path that ensures all Americans today and in the future can have a healthy and habitable country.”
About Us:
The America the Beautiful for All Coalition consists of nearly 200 organizations working collectively to thwart the rapidly advancing impacts of climate change; stem the loss of biodiversity; increase more equitable access to nature’s benefits; and ensure at least 40% of conservation spending occurs in communities of color and frontline communities that have historically seen little to no conservation investments. Member organizations range in focus from urban parks and green space, Indigenous rights, public lands protection, public health, wildlife, outdoor recreation and freshwater and ocean conservation — all representative of identities and issue areas that have traditionally been underrepresented in conservation decision-making in the United States.
