A Decade of Ambition

June 4, 2021

Editor’s note: The decade 2021-2030 has been designated by the United Nations as the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and Point Blue is proud to be participating in and supporting the UN’s effort. As part of our participation we have crafted our own declaration and commitments below. We plan to add to these commitments over time, as we assess ways of increasing the pace, scale, and impact of our climate-smart conservation. This current version was last edited on June 5th, 2021.

Acknowledging that the planet’s environment is in crisis; biodiversity is in decline, the benefits nature provides are diminished and threatened, and climate change is projected to further imperil ecological and social systems.

Recognizing that humans are not separate from nature and hence have a responsibility and opportunity to improve environmental conditions.

Recognizing that environmental injustices disproportionately impact those who contribute the least to environmental degradation.

Emphasizing that lasting solutions must represent the needs of, and the skills, knowledge, talents, and perspectives existing in those communities.

Recognizing that past and present actions impact current and future generations, and that it is our responsibility to contribute to the reversal of environmental degradation out of respect for future generations.

Acknowledging that nature has both intrinsic and extrinsic value.

Acknowledging that the protection and preservation of natural areas is important but will not be sufficient to arrest biodiversity loss, restore nature’s benefits, and improve ecological function.

Acknowledging that climate change is impacting our environment now and into the future requiring that the restoration we do now be resilient to the consequences of climate change.

Convinced that durable solutions to environmental problems must be equitable, generated from diverse perspectives, and inclusive of the voices of the communities which they impact.

Hopeful that work in restoration can accelerate progress towards healthy, resilient natural and human communities.

Therefore, to further ecological restoration and address environmental issues in ways that improve community livelihood, health, and access to basic human needs Point Blue commits to:

1. Restore 10,000 acres of mountain meadows in California to benefit biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and water quality and increase their resilience to climate change.  

2. Restore 500,000 acres of Sierra Nevada forest to enhance resilience to climate change and extreme fire, resulting in enhanced biodiversity and long-term carbon storage. 

3. Restore 520 acres of riparian, wetland-upland transition zone, and farm edge habitat, providing benefits to wildlife, water quality, carbon sequestration, and aesthetic value to our communities.  In addition, these benefits amplify throughout the landscape as these habitat types are essential linkages for wildlife and for whole-ecosystem health.

4. Support the science-based restoration of 100,000 acres of tidal marsh in the San Francisco Bay–with as many acres restored by 2030 as possible.

5. Engage over 51,000 students and teachers and community members in the implementation of restoration projects.

6. Manage fisheries in the California Current System in a sustainable manner that leaves sufficient forage for thriving populations of marine birds and whales.

7. Manage vessel speeds in the California Current System to decrease whale strikes, reduce noise pollution, and decrease carbon emissions

8. Guide safe implementation of renewable energy development off California Current System safeguarding wildlife populations and human uses. 

9. Advance the scientific and practical knowledge for ecological restoration that will be resilient to the consequences of climate change.