The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) developed the plans for conservation activities as directed by the Governor’s Executive Order N-82-20. This Executive Order aimed to protect 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by the year 2030. This order was later codified into law by Senator Dave Min via Senate Bill 337 in 2023.
Dubbed 30×30, this conservation goal establishes three priorities: protect biodiversity, build climate resilience, and provide equitable access to nature. The anticipated tools for use to meet this goal were published on Earth Day 2022 in a document called Pathways to 30×30 California. There are 10 strategies (or pathways) identified to achieve 30×30.
When the Executive Order first came out, a statewide coalition was formed as Power In Nature (PIN) to help implement projects from the ground up.
Hills For Everyone has been engaged in this Coalition from the beginning and due to its successes was later asked to take a leadership role by running the Southland regional working group. Aligning the goals of 30×30, PIN, and Hills For Everyone presents new opportunities for us to engage with decision makers at the statewide level, elected leaders, and other organizations working toward 30×30 goals.
One of the first things we did was document a list of potential acquisitions in the Southland and request support to send this into the state. After managing the Southland Coalition, we started teaching people about resources and tools they should be aware of to have success. We are tracking our progress and our potential.