U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the approval of $927,000 for the Tribal Youth Coastal Restoration Program, which will fund projects estimated to restore up to 1,000 acres of wildlife habitat on Tribal homelands along the Gulf Coast. The program will fund hands-on opportunities for Tribal youth, including environmental projects and career training, to enhance community resilience, protect natural resources and the environment, and teach cultural values.
“Innovative strategies are urgently needed to help protect and enhance our fragile ecosystems. Investing in programs that simultaneously provide economic opportunities for young people and protect our environment must be part of the solution to our climate crisis,” said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. “Interior is wholly committed to mobilizing the next generation of Americans to help protect, conserve, and restore our public lands and waters.” The Tribal Youth Coastal Restoration Program will help fund projects run by the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, Seminole Tribe of Florida, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Poarch Band of Creek Indians and the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana. Each Tribal Nation has proposed its own unique teaching and experiential learning opportunities to prepare students to understand and respect their natural environment, such as native plant restoration, site cleanup, and water and soil sampling. Learn more.