WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of the Interior this week announced a substantial investment of almost $7 million. The primary goal? To enhance climate resilience and rejuvenate lands and waters across U.S. territories. This promising investment will catalyze meaningful ecosystem restoration work across American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
The Backdrop
Our U.S. territories are woven deeply into the fabric of our nation. As the Department of the Interior stewards these new investments, a strong collaboration is being forged with territorial partners. The aim? To maximize impact and reach for communities increasingly grappling with the fallout of the ongoing climate crisis on their ecosystems, and ultimately, their livelihoods.
A Closer Look at the Investment
The investment comprises $3.9 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and another $3 million from the Inflation Reduction Act. These funds will be channeled towards a variety of programs and projects dedicated to advancing biosecurity, restoring coastal areas and flora ecosystems, eliminating invasive species, and battling climate change.
Splitting the Funds: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
- In American Samoa, $1.8 million will support the development of the first biosecurity plan, restoration of coastal areas impacted by sand and coral mining, coral reef rejuvenation, and the greening of degraded wetland mangrove forest zones.
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands will receive $975,000 to aid the restoration of flora ecosystems, assess inactive quarries, explore their restoration and reclamation, and back invasive species efforts.
- U.S. Virgin Islands will utilize $971,000 for developing an early detection and rapid response framework for invasive species and conduct plant community surveys linking northern and southern shorelines across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.
- Guam will receive $154,000 for territorial representatives’ participation in the 2023 Regional Biosecurity Training, hosted by the Department’s Office of Insular Affairs.
Splitting the Funds: Inflation Reduction Act
- Puerto Rico will use $2.75 million to tackle workforce capacity issues and increase climate expertise within its Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. The funds will be deployed for trainings, fellowships, practicum opportunities for recent grads, and for allowing DNER employees to obtain advanced degrees focused on climate adaptation.
- Puerto Rico will also receive $250,000 for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to implement the National Seed Strategy, securing an ample supply of native seeds for restoring ecosystems degraded by fires, hurricanes, drought, and other natural disasters.
The Importance and Implications
It’s not just about the numbers; the implications of this investment are profound:
- Protecting Ecosystems: These funds will help restore coastal areas, flora ecosystems, and mangrove forests, crucial for preserving biodiversity and building defenses against the impacts of climate change.
- Curbing Invasive Species: Invasive species are a serious risk to our native ecosystems and biodiversity. This investment will bolster our early detection and rapid response frameworks.
- Climate Adaptation: Puerto Rico’s share will enhance their capacity to tackle climate change. Investing in workforce development and advanced degrees focused on climate adaptation makes them resilient for the future.
- Reviving Degraded Ecosystems: Natural disasters leave a trail of destruction. These funds will aid in the clean-up and restoration, ensuring ecological balance and resilience.
So, What’s the Big Picture?
The Department of the Interior’s investment of nearly $7 million underscores a firm commitment to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis. This fund backs biosecurity efforts, restoration of coastal areas, battles invasive species, and invests in climate expertise, leaving our territories better prepared to protect their ecosystems and communities. In essence, this investment doesn’t only benefit the U.S. territories but contributes to overall conservation and resilience efforts across the nation, maintaining the beautiful American landscape for generations to come.
More information about this and other funding provided to the Insular Areas can be found on OIA’s website.
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