California’s first Black-led conservancy group works to make nature more inclusive – capradio.org

California’s First Black-Led Conservancy Advances Land Conservation and Public Access Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction to the 40 Acre Conservation League

In 2023, California’s first Black-led land conservancy, the 40 Acre Conservation League, acquired approximately 650 acres of forest land near Emigrant Gap in Placer County. This initiative supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by promoting biodiversity conservation and equitable access to natural spaces.

Organizational Mission and Unique Approach

The 40 Acre Conservation League focuses on conservation and restoration efforts that emphasize building strong human connections and community support. The organization uniquely integrates biodiversity protection with increasing public access to nature, ensuring that outdoor experiences are inclusive and accessible to all communities, thereby advancing SDG 10 and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Land Acquisition and Restoration Efforts

1. Property Details: The acquired property includes 650 acres of primarily forest land, a 30-acre lake, and miles of trails.
2. Restoration Activities: Over the past year and a half, the League has conducted extensive forest restoration and fuel reduction to mitigate wildfire risks, aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15.
3. Environmental Impact: Restoration efforts have improved visibility and accessibility to the lake and surrounding natural features, enhancing ecosystem health and visitor experience.

Phased Development for Public Recreation

• Current Phase: Focus on learning about the land and completing restoration work.
• Future Plans: Within the next two to three years, the League aims to develop recreational opportunities for public use, supporting SDG 11 by fostering sustainable and inclusive community spaces.
• Community Engagement: The organization collaborates with partners and conducts fundraising to support these initiatives.

Community Response and Regional Significance

The local community has expressed strong demand for more recreational spaces. Situated near Tahoe National Forest and along a route to Lake Tahoe, the property offers a valuable opportunity to expand outdoor access in an area with limited designated recreation zones. This supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by potentially boosting eco-tourism and local economies, and SDG 3 by promoting outdoor activities that enhance health and well-being.

Conclusion

The 40 Acre Conservation League exemplifies a holistic approach to land conservation that integrates environmental restoration with social equity and community engagement. Their work advances several Sustainable Development Goals by protecting biodiversity, promoting sustainable land use, and ensuring equitable access to natural resources for all populations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article discusses land conservation, forest restoration, and biodiversity protection efforts by the 40 Acre Conservation League, directly relating to SDG 15.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Efforts to increase public access to natural spaces and create recreational opportunities contribute to making communities more sustainable and inclusive.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The focus on making nature more accessible to all, especially through a Black-led conservancy, addresses social inclusion and reducing inequalities in access to natural resources.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Forest restoration and fuel reduction efforts contribute to climate resilience and mitigation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt biodiversity loss.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area (implied through forest restoration and fuel reduction work).
   • Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index (implied through biodiversity protection efforts).
2. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Indicator 11.7.1: Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use (implied by plans to create recreational spaces accessible to the public).
3. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities (implied through focus on equitable access to nature).
4. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Indicator 13.1.2: Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies (implied through fuel reduction and forest management to reduce wildfire risk).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: capradio.org