The U.S. Department of the Interior's (DOI) intentions for the next four years integrate traditional responsibilities and new initiatives, the DOI announced last month when it released its Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2022-2026.
DOI reports the plan will maintain the agency's core missions such as protecting natural resources and cultural heritage, gather information on those resources for scientific research and "honor its trust responsibilities" to native indigenous peoples, the DOI reported in its July 22 announcement.
The four-year strategy also addresses current priorities by including "equity, justice, climate, and environmental management into the breadth of activities in which the Department engages."
In a letter introducing the strategic plan, Sec. Deb Halaand said it confirms the DOI's dedication to supporting "well-being, equity, and justice for Tribes, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and insular communities;" and explains the agency's proposals for "conserving, protecting, managing, and restoring our Nation’s natural and cultural resources."
"It also details how we will sustainably balance the use of resources while supporting communities and the economy," Halaand said in the letter, "and it reiterates our commitment to serve and honor the public trust."
The DOI's outline of the plan lists several priorities, among them: Tackling the Climate Crisis; Actively Promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Build and Strengthen an Inclusive Outdoor Economy.
Calling the climate crisis "one of the greatest challenges facing America, and the world, today," the DOI outlined several initiatives to mitigate its effects. The agency plans to curb greenhouse gas emissions on federal lands and water; improve water and land conservation and management; strengthen the resilience of native wildlife, plants and ecosystems; reclaim abandoned wells and mines and restore local topography; reduce the risks and affects of climate change on underserved populations; and reduce its own carbon footprint, according to the outline.
The outline states also that to promote diversity the DOI will collaborate with "federal partners, community groups, non-governmental organizations, and subject matter experts" to plan and execute programs designed to connect with historically overlooked communities and adjust to their evolving needs and priorities.
"The Department is deeply committed to upholding and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA)," the DOI states, "with an increasing emphasis on closing the gap in benefits and opportunities for individuals and communities that have been historically underserved and underrepresented."
To achieve its goals of its priority to promote environmental stewardship and justice, the DOI states it will work "attract people of all backgrounds to recreational opportunities and educational programs" by strengthening youth program such as the conservation corps and developing workforce programs to encourage careers in conservation by providing good-paying jobs.
Halaand said in her letter than the DOI will quickly begin working with its partners to ensure the initiatives work for their intended communities.
"The framework underlying this plan gives us flexibility in the coming years to listen and learn," Halaand said, "to adjust and adapt, to reconsider and reassess, and constantly strive to do better."
