Earth Innovation Institute stands with those suffering from and pushing back against racism. We stand in solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter and the families of the victims of police violence.

Equity and social justice are the cornerstones of long-lasting solutions to climate change; they are not optional.

We understand that our work on climate- and forest-friendly development in the tropics will not be sustainable or equitable unless we ensure that marginalized groups have a seat at the table of policy dialogues shaping their future. We strive to implement this engagement, forged in partnership between community leaders and local governments. We foster mutually-respectful working relationships, often between unlikely allies, drawing on diversity as a key to lasting solutions to the challenges of tropical deforestation and resource depletion.

But we know that we can and must also do more to address the structural racism that remains a facet of our society and our field, to make racial justice a fundamental aspect of our work. And we want to begin with dialogue.

We want to use this moment to reflect on the ways in which systemic racism impacts our work, both in the United States (where our headquarters are based) and in the regions where we live and work. We want to identify strategies that can bring meaningful change, working with staff and partner organizations to learn collectively how we can move ourselves and the field toward greater justice, inclusivity, equity and representation.

Beyond these initial steps, EII will conduct an internal review of our hiring practices, to ensure that we draw on a diverse pool of applicants, we will commit to reporting diversity figures to ensure accountability and transparency, and we will use our platform to highlight a broader array of voices from people of color within our field.

Addressing the challenges of climate change and sustainable development is not possible without an intersectional approach. The efforts above are modest in light of these challenges, but they are a starting point, not a destination. Along the way we will continue learning, listening, and growing.