$20M boost for indigenous climate efforts by Biden Harris

USAgNet - 02/16/2024

The Biden-Harris Administration, under its Investing in America agenda, has earmarked $20 million to assist federally recognized Tribes and Alaska Native entities.

This fund, sourced from the Inflation Reduction Act, is aimed at enhancing access to emerging markets focused on climate mitigation, forest resilience, and more, through competitive grants managed by the USDA Forest Service.

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small highlighted the initiative's role in leveraging Tribal knowledge for resilient land management and its contribution to addressing climate challenges.

The announcement aligns with President Biden’s largest climate investment in history, emphasizing economic opportunity and a clean energy economy.

The investment not only supports tribal land management but also aligns with the USDA’s commitment to co-stewardship of national forests and grasslands.

Over 120 co-stewardship agreements were made in fiscal year 2023, significantly increasing from the previous year, and policy adjustments have been made to better incorporate Indigenous Knowledge in USDA programs.

This initiative supports the Justice 40 Initiative, aiming for 40% of federal climate and energy investment benefits to reach disadvantaged communities, including Tribal groups.

Prospective applicants can submit their proposals through grants.gov by August 21, 2024. The grants are designed to fund a variety of activities, from forest management plans to biodiversity protection, fostering participation in private markets for climate and forest resilience.

This step is part of the USDA's broader efforts to honor federal trust responsibilities, support Tribal self-determination, and integrate Indigenous Knowledge into forest and natural resource management. Through these efforts, the USDA aims to make a significant impact on both environmental justice and the economic wellbeing of Indigenous communities.

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