On Thursday, May 6, 2021, the Department of the Interior released a report for the Biden-Harris Administration’s “America The Beautiful” initiative that outlines “a vision for how the United States can work collaboratively to conserve and restore the lands, waters, and wildlife that support and sustain the nation.”  

On the same day, Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) joined a coalition of tribal leaders that released a statement of support for the initiative, also known as “Thirty by Thirty.” The initiative seeks to protect and conserve 30% of oceans and lands by the year 2030.  

The conservation and stewardship of tribal lands and waterways is central to the administration’s new proposal. NAP and tribal leaders call on the philanthropic sector to prioritize investments in Native-led engagement in support of the initiative. The statement asserts that land and water conservation is intrinsically linked to cultural preservation, tribal sovereignty, and the nation-to-nation relationship between the Federal Government and tribes. Due to the intersectional nature of policies enacted within Indian Country, the tribal leaders have outlined several commitments that would ensure constant and continued consultation of Indigenous tribes and peoples during the implementation of environmental measures.  

“The philanthropic sector has a powerful and important role in the success of this important initiative,” said Erik Stegman, Executive Director of Native Americans in Philanthropy. “We are here as a resource to our tribal leaders and Native nonprofit leaders to ensure that philanthropic resources are directed to our communities as we work toward the goals of the America the Beautiful effort.” 

For more information, please review the following resources: 

Press Release: Biden-Harris Administration Outlines “America the Beautiful” Initiative 

“Conserving and Restoring America The Beautiful” Report 

Tribal Leaders Statement on 30x30 Proposed Policy