COLUMBIA, NC — The Biden-Harris administration has recently earmarked an impressive $157 million for its Investing in America agenda. This considerable investment, aimed at the restoration and preservation of the country’s lands and waters, will back 206 disparate ecosystem restoration projects spanning 48 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Territories.
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland this week announced a $1.4M investment for Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in NC. The funding will enhance the deteriorated Scuppernong River Boardwalk, offering environmental education and recreation in a rural, underserved community. #Conservation #CommunityDevelopment
“Nature is our best ally in the fight against climate change and now, through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we have new transformational resources to advance locally led, partnership driven projects that will catalyze nature-based solutions and build resilient communities and landscapes,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “At a time when tackling the climate and biodiversity crises could not be more critical, these investments in clean water, clean air, wildlife habitat, cultural resources and open spaces will benefit people, wildlife and local economies for generations to come.”
Addressing Climate Change and Conserving Biodiversity
The potential impact of this investment on the climate and biodiversity crises can not be overstated. The projects, with their focus on essentials like clean air, water, and preservation of native wildlife habitats, are expected to deliver substantial benefits to both human populations and indigenous wildlife. The overarching plan, guided by President Biden’s America the Beautiful Initiative, aims to catalyze nature-based solutions and drive transformational change.
Breakdown of Key Projects
- The creation of a National Early Detection and Rapid Response Framework to combat the spread of invasive species, with an investment of over $25 million.
- An allocation of more than $18 million towards Co-stewardship and Salmon Restoration in Alaska, combining Indigenous Knowledge and scientific expertise to bolster ecosystem and community resilience.
- The investment of more than $14 million for Central Grasslands Conservation and Bison Restoration, to protect and revive Central Grasslands and bison populations alongside stakeholders such as farmers and Tribal Nations.
- Over $8 million directed towards Legacy Pollution Cleanup, engaging in the restoration of aquatic ecosystems and the cleanup of legacy pollutants.
- An investment of more than $8 million to support the National Seed Strategy aimed at the conservation and restoration of native plant communities.
- Allocation of over $7 million to restore strategic areas in the sagebrush ecosystem under the Sagebrush Ecosystem Restoration initiative.
- An investment of over $4 million to prevent imminent extinction of Hawaiian forest birds through the Hawaiian Forest Bird Conservation initiative.
Impact on Local Communities and the Justice40 Initiative
Crucially, more than half of these funded projects are designed to benefit historically underserved communities, aligning neatly with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative. This particular initiative is committed to ensuring that 40 percent of the total benefits of climate, clean energy, and related investments are received by disadvantaged communities. By funding these restoration endeavors, the administration is not only enhancing the quality of life in these communities but also addressing pertinent environmental justice concerns.
Preserving America’s Natural Heritage for Future Generations
The Biden-Harris Administration’s sizable investment in the Investing in America aims to underline its commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the nation’s landscapes and waters. As we face threatening climate and biodiversity crises, these restorative projects provide hope for future generations. They will not only offer economic benefits to local communities but also contribute towards the creation of a resilient nation that prioritizes its environmental health.
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