When you think of the great outdoors, what comes to mind? We often imagine long, invigorating adventures and explorations through majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and lush forests. But something specific is often missing from this picture – human diversity. Outdoor spaces are not just for a select few; they belong to everyone. Embracing diversity in the outdoors is not only a matter of social justice, but it also has profound positive environmental impacts. Below, we will explore how fostering inclusivity and diversity in outdoor activities can benefit our planet.
Diverse Perspectives
The outdoors offers a unique setting for individuals to learn about the environment and conservation. When people from various backgrounds engage in outdoor activities, they bring their unique perspectives and knowledge to the table. This diversity of thought can lead to more creative and effective solutions to environmental challenges. In the article entitled “Diversity improves performance and outcomes,” L.E. Gomez and Patrick Bernet explain research that shows that diverse places often have a more well-rounded and creative workspace, allowing for the entertainment of unpopular, controversial, or misunderstood ideas.
For example, indigenous communities often have profound knowledge of the land and sustainable practices that can teach us valuable lessons about conservation and preservation. In our home base of Yosemite, fire is a natural part of the landscape, but for over a century, the generally accepted practice was one of fire suppression, allowing for a build-up of fuel over time. The local indigenous people had a different approach to fire that included small fires in the fall to help control undergrowth and grass, providing open forest floors and meadows perfect for hunting and exploring. By embracing diversity in the outdoors, we tap into a wellspring of traditional wisdom and innovative approaches to protecting our natural world.
Environmental Stewardship
Diversity in the outdoors starts with ensuring that people from all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, ability, or socio-economic status, have equal access to outdoor spaces. Creating a welcoming environment for everyone fosters a deeper connection between people and the natural world.
Diversity in the outdoors fosters a sense of responsibility and stewardship. When people from all walks of life can explore nature, they are more likely to become stewards of their environment. They begin to understand their role in protecting the places they love. More importantly, these new stewards begin to understand that nature and the environment belong to them just as much as it does to everyone else. The more groups we can reach and include, the larger the number of people who care becomes.
Spending more time in nature fosters an appreciation for its beauty, resilience, and fragility. People become more inclined to take action to protect the places they love, whether it’s through volunteering, supporting conservation organizations, or making eco-friendly lifestyle choices.
A Stronger Advocacy Base
As people experience the wonders of the outdoors, they become more likely to value and protect it. This connection can increase environmental awareness, activism, and a greater willingness to support conservation efforts. This will often cause entire groups of people to collectively take up a worthy cause to protect the world around us simply because doing so strengthens their fight for equality and justice.
As stated on the website of The Indigenous Foundation, “[Indigenous Peoples] are influential in environmental conservation efforts because their homelands contain a huge proportion of the earth’s biodiversity. They have created much of the world’s agricultural biodiversity; including thousands of crop varieties, livestock breeds, and unique landscapes.” It also states, “By protecting natural resources such as forests and rivers, many Indigenous communities help mitigate the impacts of climate change. This is due to the efforts to rescue the high variety of nature, which cannot be attained without working to save Indigenous cultures.”
Diverse voices in the conservation movement can influence decision-makers and institutions, leading to more inclusive and sustainable policies that benefit our environment. The collective power of a diverse and united front is an essential driving force for positive environmental change.
Reevaluation of Sustainable Practices
Diverse participation in outdoor activities can lead to the development and promotion of sustainable practices. As different groups explore the outdoors, they may identify specific needs and issues previously overlooked.
For instance, individuals with disabilities may advocate for better accessibility in natural areas, leading to improvements that benefit everyone. Diversity encourages innovation and adaptation, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable outdoor recreation and conservation approach.
In another example, Robert Bullard, the “father of environmental justice,” discovered that in 1979, over 80 percent of all the garbage in Houston was being disposed of in or near the city’s Black communities. If he had not called attention to this example of environmental injustice, the surrounding communities would not have known that there was a waste management problem so close to home. By reexamining these practices through the lens of diversity and social justice, we can see that new methods need to be developed, not only for the sake of the Black communities in Houston but because those same problems will eventually cause irreversible environmental damage.
Conclusion
Embracing diversity outdoors is a win-win situation for humanity and the environment. When we ensure that outdoor spaces are welcoming and accessible to people from all backgrounds, we unlock the potential for positive environmental impacts. The outdoors can serve as a bridge that connects people to nature, inspires conservation action, and nurtures a sense of stewardship. We are taking a significant step towards protecting and preserving the natural world for generations by fostering inclusivity and diversity in our outdoor adventures.
Other Resources
- “Indigenous Peoples and the nature they protect” by Siham Drissi
- “The Critical Role of Black Environmentalists Throughout History and Today” on EarthShare
- “Black Environmentalists Are Shaping The Future” by Liam Pritchett
By: William Heaps