We work to protect our lands, waters, ocean, and wildlife to address the linked climate and biodiversity crises. This work helps to ensure that all people can access and benefit from nature and that conservation and climate investments build a resilient, just, and inclusive economy.
Bald eagles fishing in China Poot Bay, Alaska. (Getty/Louise Heusinkveld/Photodisc)
What We're Doing
Conserve 30 percent of lands, waters, and ocean by 2030
“30×30” is a science-backed goal to address the linked climate and biodiversity crises by conserving 30 percent of U.S. lands, waters, and oceans by 2030. We work with a diverse coalition to achieve on-the-ground protections that benefit nature, the climate, and communities.
Move toward pollution-free public lands and waters
Despite the climate crisis, the oil and gas lobby continues to push for more drilling on public lands and waters. We advocate for energy policy reform and a just transition so that the land, water, and ocean shared by all communities can be used for the common good.
Confront racial and economic disparities in access to nature
People of color and low-income communities disproportionately lack access to nature and bear the impacts of its destruction. We work with front-line communities to advocate for policies that right historical wrongs and affirm Indigenous leadership and tribal sovereignty.
Advocate for nature-based solutions to the climate crisis
We cannot stabilize the climate without increasing protections for nature. One of the most effective strategies for mitigating climate change is to protect and restore more land and water. We work toward policies that connect climate action and nature-based solutions.
CAP Event Highlights Partners in Indigenous-Led Conservation
Native Americans in Philanthropy and the Center for American Progress are working together to support a 30x30 conservation agenda driven by Indigenous traditional ecological leadership and storied knowledge of U.S. lands and waterways.
After Getting Willow Project Wrong, Biden Must Get These Climate and Public Lands Decisions Right
President Biden and his team must cement new protections for U.S. lands and waters, secure additional climate progress, and prevent bad decisions such as the Willow project from happening again.
Protecting Avi Kwa Ame as a National Monument Would Honor Tribes and Increase Access to Nature
President Biden must use the Antiquities Act to designate Avi Kwa Ame as a national monument. He faces a critical opportunity to honor ancient sacred lands; conserve ecologically important sites; advance the administration’s 30x30 goal; and enact community-led conservation to close the nature gap.
Proposed National Marine Sanctuaries Provide a Pathway Toward Indigenous-Led Ocean Conservation
The United States can move closer to its dual goals of increasing access to nature for all Americans and protecting 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030 by approving and completing the designation of five new Indigenous-led marine sanctuaries.
In episode 4 of “Under The Pala Pala,” Angelo Villagomez from the Center for American Progress talks about what it’s like for Natives to work for green nongovernmental organizations in Washington, D.C., with Michaela Pavlat from the National Parks Conservation Association and Javan Santos from The Climate Initiative.
The Inflation Reduction Act Will Help Boost Offshore Wind Production
Offshore wind energy has incredible potential to accelerate the clean energy transition; to fulfill its promise, the industry must center equity and worker justice.
In episode 3 of “Under the Pala Pala,” six Native speakers came together at the 2022 National Diversity in STEM Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to talk Indigenous-led conservation and how they bring their Native identity to the work that they do every day.
