Yadira Capaz is a leader in conservation, blending advocacy, community engagement, and environmental restoration to address pressing ecological challenges while amplifying Latino voices. With a focus on fostering inclusion in environmental spaces, Yadira’s work brings innovative solutions to South Florida’s coastal ecosystems while engaging Latino communities as vital stewards of our natural resources.

The designation of Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary became official after the 45-day Congressional and State review. In response, Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation, released the following statement:

 In response to Utah’s lawsuit seeking the transfer of millions of acres of federal public lands to state ownership, Hispanic Access Foundation stands with the policymakers, hunters and anglers, scientists, outdoor enthusiasts, and communities whole believe such transfer would not serve the best interests of the public. This case, which has gained the backing of 12 states, could set a dangerous precedent, putting 640 million acres of federal public lands at risk of being inadequately managed and no longer serving the public thus depriving Latinos and frontline communities of the recreational, cultural, and ecological benefits they have long provided. In response, Maite Arce, Hispanic Access Foundation president and CEO, issued the following statement:

Hispanic families who fish to put food on the table are disproportionately affected by mercury, which accumulates in seafood in Southern California.

Latinos have been known to consider fishing part of their cultural heritage and their participation in fishing activities has been growing in the US. But what’s their role in the US fishing sector? And what are the challenges they face in the US fisheries? What’s in the future of Latino fishing? Researchers provide new insights and discuss this matter.

As wildfires continue to increase in frequency and intensity across the United States, Hispanic Access Foundation released a wildfire educational video series and a wildfire management toolkit to empower Latino communities with vital information to protect their health, homes, and the environment.

In a significant step towards reducing California’s escalating wildfire risks, On September 27, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1101 into law. Authored by Senator Monique Limón, the landmark legislation advances the state’s wildfire prevention strategies by expanding the use of prescribed fire and cultural fire practices, key tools for mitigating the threat of catastrophic wildfires, restoring ecological balance, and protecting Latinos and other frontline communities in California from the impacts of wildfires. 

The latest survey of Latino voters in Mississippi and nine other states reveals overwhelming support for environmental initiatives, with 87% favoring projects promoting a cleaner environment.

A recent survey showed that Latino voters who live in counties near the Mississippi River consider it part of their daily lives and view its pollution as a top priority.

Una encuesta realizada por The Hispanic Access Foundation y dada a conocer el jueves mostró que los votantes latinos que viven en condados cercanos al río Mississippi lo consideran parte de su vida diaria y consideran su contaminación ambiental como una prioridad, con vistas a las elecciones de 2024.