By Myroslava Fisun

On behalf of EarthEcho’s global community of youth leaders, I want to express my strongest support for the advancement of the designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (NMS). As the first tribally nominated sanctuary, this partnership represents a huge step forward in recognizing the role of California’s indigenous community, as well as ensuring fairness and respect for tribal history and knowledge. This intention has been described in the Biden Administration’s America the Beautiful Report and will be an excellent manifestation of a promise kept to California’s tribal community.

This Sanctuary will create an estimated 600 jobs and is expected to generate $23 million in economic activity. This kind of sustainable, economic development will be a boon for the central California coast. Most importantly, the Chumash Heritage NMS will protect 140 miles of coastline and will ensure that environmentally destructive practices, such as offshore oil expansion, will not threaten local habitats and health. As a California resident, I recognize the importance of these coastlines to our state’s biodiversity, as well as the role that the designation of sanctuaries plays in achieving the 30x30 goal the Biden Administration has committed to. For these reasons, I am both happy and proud to support the advancement of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. This designation is long overdue, and I am so glad to see the efforts of so many coming to fruition.

Learn more about the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary and show your support for this designation by signing this petition from the Northern Chumash Tribal Council.

Editor’s Note: Myroslava Fisun is a high school student, climate activist, and EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council member from Albany, CA.

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