April is Earth Month, and it’s a time to reflect upon and celebrate our planet and its nature – both for its beauty and for all it provides. It’s also a time to learn about and take action to protect it.
The Nature Conservancy, a community partner through the new Nature Unites kit, is leading the way in nature conservation, addressing climate change, and protecting biodiversity work – here in Oregon and far beyond. This month, we’re taking the opportunity to spotlight some of TNC’s ongoing work and priorities to help people and nature thrive together.
Get to Know Emerald Edge
Emerald Edge is the world’s largest coastal temperate rainforest, spanning Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon, with more than 100 million acres of lush forests, rivers, islands, and mountain streams. It teems with life and culture, sustaining hundreds of communities and thousands of species. And thanks to its immense carbon-storage capacity, the Emerald Edge plays a critical role in regulating the global climate.
The Nature Conservancy’s Impact
At the invitation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, TNC is working in partnership to protect ecologically important areas and foster sustainable economies.
For millennia, Indigenous First Nations, Alaska Natives and coastal Tribes have called the Emerald Edge region home and to this day maintain a vibrant and strong connection to the lands and waters.
TNC’s work in the Emerald Edge is focused on supporting Indigenous Peoples and local communities in the region to achieve sustainable economic development and conservation outcomes.
"There are few places on the planet that have as much potential to protect carbon and support Indigenous and community priorities as the temperate rainforests of the Emerald Edge."
Eric Delvin
Director of TNC’s Emerald Edge Program
By working together to collectively define conservation and community outcomes, communities can safeguard the region’s climate mitigation capacity, rich biodiversity, and the social and economic well-being of local communities.
TNC is committed to building long-term, trusting partnerships, and acknowledge the work that remains as true partners in supporting Indigenous rights and sovereignty.
Photo courtesy of Chris Crisman / The Nature Conservancy
