May 20, 2021
A broad array of world wide environmental advocates, conservation scientists, and governmental entities have endorsed the goal of "30 x 30", i.e. protecting 30% of lands and oceans by 2030. This is deemed essential in order to preserve biodiversity, prevent widespread species extinctions, protect environmental sustainability, and stabilize the climate. In January, the Biden administration issued an executive order to lay out a path toward this goal.
Here is a good NRDC blog about the President's 30 x 30 executive order.
And here is the Sierra Club 30 x 30 Conservation Agenda fact sheet.
Accomplishing this goal will require additional local efforts. One project that fits the bill is the current campaign of the non-profit Artist Boat to preserve some of the last undeveloped land on Galveston Island in their Coastal Heritage Preserve.
The Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve currently encompasses a 690-acre conservation area on West Galveston Island. Artist Boat’s goal is to preserve and restore 1,400 contiguous acres from bay-to-beach. The Preserve is adjacent to West Bay, part of the Galveston Bay system – an estuary of national significance. The conservation area is one of the largest unfragmented, single-owner, undeveloped properties of its kind on Galveston Island.
To raise awareness and funds for this project Artist Boat has initiated a campaign called Be #OneInAMillion, so that a broad base of citizens can help.
Artist Boat needs to raise sufficient funds from the public within two years to qualify for the matching grants necessary to purchase the remaining land to complete this important 1,400 acre preserve. It will protect precious wetlands and endangered coastal prairie habitat.
You can help finish this beach to bay Coastal Heritage Preserve. The Preserve is already ½ way there with 700 acres. Find out how you can help and be One in a Million! at this link: