Healthy Communities
Scientists and poets agree: Every living thing is connected. We can only be as healthy as the lands we inhabit, and conservation works best when whole communities are involved and every member is a stakeholder. By reaching out to create innovative partnerships and by encouraging local economic development that supports natural resource conservation, community-based conservation efforts go beyond traditional land protection strategies. Without losing sight of the inherent necessity and value of land protection, it is important to ask the question: When we protect a piece of land, who is it for?
The answer is: For everyone. By engaging with community members whose interests may have been ignored or not served by the land conservation movement, The Big Sur Land Trust is committed to addressing community concerns about economic viability and natural resource protection throughout our diverse communities. For example, it is important to recognize the importance of food production as an essential ingredient of our region, and to keep options open for those who make a living from the land and water. Affordable housing is another area of vital concern. Preserving important land and waterways while also preserving the vitality of our communities is a challenge that will require the combined wisdom and experience of us all.
Healthy communities do not happen by accident. They are created by the power of choice: the collaborative choices and decisions of all their citizens. By working together, individuals, community leaders, non-profit organizations like The Big Sur Land Trust and government agencies can build healthy and thriving communities, now and for the future.
Join us in this exciting time of partnership, vision, and opportunity.
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