BIPOC Communities Are Reclaiming Their Ties To Nature

The importance of nature and outdoor spaces to the BIPOC community cannot be overstated. Historically, they have had deep-rooted connections with the natural world, but systemic barriers and societal norms have often limited their access, and representation in these spaces. 

A resurgence is underway as the BIPOC community reclaims its ties to nature, but this movement's scope is broader than just enjoying the great outdoors—it's about healing, empowerment, and challenging the status quo. The journey back to nature is a critical part of cultural identity, community health, and social justice for all marginalized people.

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A Complex History 

Historically, the relationship between BIPOC communities and nature has been complex, shaped by systemic racism and environmental injustices. These communities have had deep ties to the land for centuries, but discriminatory practices and policies have often excluded them from outdoor spaces and recreational activities.

In the United States, the first settlers colonized Indigenous lands. Later, in the 19th century, the outdoors was romanticized¹ by white people in contrast to urban areas, which were populated mainly by people of color and immigrants. This historical racism in outdoor spaces has left a lasting impact, creating barriers for BIPOC communities to access and enjoy the benefits of nature.

Moreover, systemic racism led to environmental injustices, with low-income communities (disproportionately communities of color) being situated in areas devoid of safe parks and green spaces. These communities also faced higher barriers to outdoor activities², from a lack of access to transportation, time off, and disposable income for appropriate gear.

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BIPOC Communities Feel Threatened Outdoors

BIPOC populations still face numerous challenges in accessing nature—a consequence of systemic issues extending beyond physical barriers. The journey to outdoor sites can be intimidating, especially when traversing predominantly white, rural areas. This discomfort can persist even upon reaching the destination, with BIPOC individuals often feeling unwelcome or out of place due to subtle forms of discrimination, such as unwarranted stares.³

The outdoor industry's representation is skewed, with images of white individuals dominating the narrative. This lack of diversity can further alienate BIPOC individuals, reinforcing the perception that they do not belong in these spaces.

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The Nature Gap: The Result Of Systemic Racism

The "Nature Gap" concept refers to the disproportionate access to nature among different communities for the historical and modern reasons mentioned above. This gap is not merely about the availability of outdoor spaces, but also about the quality of these spaces and the benefits they provide, such as clean air and water, biodiversity, and opportunities for leisure and recreation. 

The Nature Gap results from systemic racism and economic disparities that have led to the unequal distribution of nature's benefits.⁴ For example, communities of color are three times more likely than their white counterparts to live in nature-deprived areas, and 70% of all low-income communities live in such areas. This deprivation has real costs regarding health and economic well-being, as nature is not an amenity but a necessity for human flourishing.

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Evidence Of Growing Advocacy

In the face of these challenges, several BIPOC-led organizations are making significant strides in breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive outdoor community because nature is for everyone. Outdoor Afro, for instance, is a national nonprofit that connects Black people with nature and promotes leadership in the outdoors, reaching tens of thousands of people across the country. 

Latino Outdoors is dedicated to inspiring, connecting, and engaging Latino communities in the outdoors, ensuring their heritage and leadership are valued and represented. Likewise, Native Women's Wilderness raises the voices of Native women in the outdoors, providing education about the beauty and heritage of their ancestral lands. These groups, among others, are improving access to outdoor spaces and reshaping the narrative around BIPOC communities' relationship with nature.

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Solutions Abound Make The Future Grow Brighter

Addressing the Nature Gap and enhancing diversity in outdoor spaces requires a multifaceted approach. Policy changes, like allocating resources to green spaces in low-income and BIPOC communities is crucial. Equally important are grassroots efforts, like those led by organizations such as Outdoor Afro, Latino Outdoors, and Native Women's Wilderness, which work tirelessly to make the outdoors more accessible and inclusive. 

Moreover, initiatives like the Outdoors Empowered Network and Bay Area Wilderness Training provide essential resources like gear libraries and outdoor leadership training, helping to lower financial barriers to outdoor participation.

Lastly, fostering a culture of inclusivity in outdoor spaces, where all individuals feel welcome and represented, is key. This involves challenging narrow definitions of outdoor recreation and acknowledging the diverse ways in which people engage with nature.

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Key Takeaways:

• Promote representation: Encourage media outlets, outdoor brands, and recreational organizations to feature more BIPOC individuals in their content and leadership. Representation matters and can inspire more BIPOC individuals to engage with the outdoors.

• Participate in community clean-ups: Join or organize community clean-ups in local parks and natural areas. This helps maintain these spaces and sends a message about the importance of inclusive outdoor spaces.

• Learn and share: Educate yourself about the history and culture of the local BIPOC communities and their relationship with the land. Share this knowledge with others to foster understanding and respect for these communities in outdoor spaces.