Global Ties Sacramento 2023 Climate Initiatives
This Earth Day, we reflect on our impactful strides in environmental stewardship with three remarkable climate initiatives from last year. Read on to learn about the journey visitors from El Salvador took to San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, South Korean visitors met with the CA Air Resources Board to discuss bridging nations for a greener future and a group from Chile met with the Yurok Tribe in Eureka, CA to learn about indigenous leadership and management of protected areas.
Exploring Nature’s Sanctuary: A Journey to San Luis National Wildlife Refuge
Last August, the project U.S. Ecotourism, gave a group from El Salvador the opportunity of gaining insights into sustainable tourism services that center marginalized communities, promoting inclusive economic development. During their visit to Northern California, the exchange group had the opportunity to visit the renowned San Luis National Wildlife Refuge in Los Banos, California.
During the exchange, the visitors met with Park Rangers and learned about the refuge’s diverse ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and conservation initiatives. This opportunity presented the visitors a chance to discover the critical role that San Luis plays in preserving local biodiversity, initiatives that support migratory bird populations, and mechanisms to safeguard natural resources. The highlight of their visit was embarking on an auto-road tour around the Tule Elk enclosure, where they explored the refuge and learned more about the importance of protected areas and local wildlife in the central valley.
Bridging Nations for a Greener Future
In the same month, Global Ties Sacramento hosted a group of 3 professionals from South Korea where they examined the topic, Achieving the NDC Goals by Generation 2030 by Year 2030, and learned about carbon neutral projects and strategies at the federal and state levels in the United States.
During their visit to Sacramento, they met with the California Air Resources Board to discuss the various programs that the state agency has in reducing greenhouse emissions. Senior representatives from the Zero Emission Department and Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure provided invaluable insights into California’s ambitious efforts to reduce both greenhouse gas and smog emissions. Through discussions with the Zero-Emission Transportation Department and the Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure Program, the visitors gained a comprehensive understanding of innovative strategies that drive sustainable transportation solutions. After the meeting the visitors expressed how impressed they were by the California Air Resources Board’s vision and their specific strategies to reduce the impact of climate change across the nation.
Indigenous Leadership and Management of Protected Areas
Last Fall, Global Ties Sacramento collaborated with Indigenous leaders in Eureka, CA on an IVLP project for 9 Internationals visitors from Chile. Their IVLP project focused on Indigenous Leadership in Collaborative Management of Protected Areas and presented the visitors the opportunity to learn from indigenous communities how networking across communities and organizations enhances environmental impact.
The international exchange gave the visitors a unique overview of the equitable inclusion of cultural values and traditional knowledge, while empowering young leaders to address co-management challenges and initiatives that drive sustainable economic development. The group gained insights from members of the Yurok Tribe on how they cooperate with the Redwoods National and State Parks on achieving shared land management goals and preservation of lands.
