Analyze

When Aotearoa was colonised, settler colonisers brought with them myriad species (rats, mustelids, cats, rabbits, possums) that have predated upon or outcompeted native birds. With habitat clearance for agriculture and residential development, this produced a contemporary in which over 51 native bird species are extinct, and over 75% of all remaining species are at risk of extinction. Many of these species are taonga (treasures) to Māori. Conservation efforts seek to protect those that are left, but certain methods are controversial, due in part to different understandings of the problem. Some see possums as a threat (to forest health, and, as vectors of bovine TB, to the agricultural sector) that should be removed by any means necessary; others, as a resource whose killing should be undertaken by trappers who can collect and sell their furs and gain honest work in doing so. Some believe conservation is a public good to be achieved using public money; others see it as a site for innovation, warranting private and philanthropic investment in biodiverse futures, perhaps even at the expense of nearer-term outcomes. 'Environmental governance' is now a patchwork enterprise shared between the state, state-owned enterprises, hundreds of volunteer groups, and private innovators and operators. 

Image credit: Steve Shattuck

Addison, Courtney. 2023. "Conservation controversies in Aotearoa." In 4S Paraconference X EiJ: Building a Global Record, curated by Misria Shaik Ali, Kim Fortun, Phillip Baum and Prerna Srigyan. Annual Meeting of the Society of Social Studies of Science. Honolulu, Hawai'i, Nov 8-11.

1. How has Comite Civico Del Valle evolved, and what changes have been made to respond to emerging issues or new challenges?

2. What are Comite Civico Del Valle's most significant accomplishments in its work towards environmental justice and community health?

The CCV advances justice and good governance by advocating for and promoting environmental justice, health equity, and civic engagement in disadvantaged communities. The organization works diligently to empower community members through education and training curricula like, the Promotoras and the Environmental Health Leadership Summit to inform and educate active participants in decision-making processes affecting their lives. By partnering with researchers from universities and government agencies, the CCV also conducts research to identify and further support evidence that environmental health disparities disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities.  

CCV has been covered in a variety of local and national news outlets, including newspapers, television programs, and online media. Coverage is primarily positive, highlighting the organization’s accomplishments and impact, although sometimes it is harmful and focuses on internal and external conflicts or controversies.

Comite Civico del Valle functions within the environmental justice sector and as a non-profit organization.

The CCV has been involved in various partnerships and collaborations with other environmental justice organizations and academic and government agencies to advocate for policies and programs that promote environmental justice and public health. Notably, the CCV works with Identifying Violations Affecting Neighborhoods (IVAN) Community Air Monitoring Network, Salton Sea Community, Outreach, Education and Engagement (COEE), Allies In Reducing Emissions (AIRE) Collaborative among others, including CASA Familiar, CCEJN, The LEAP Institute, and CFASE. Collaborative work is essential to CCV’s mission to promote community-based solutions instead of perpetuating environmental injustice and health disparities, including the fossil fuel industry and discriminatory land use policies.

Given the nature of environmental justice work, it is likely that this organization finds it challenging to address these issues related to environmental justice, public health, and education because of the systemic inequalities, lack of resources, and opposition from other stakeholders like corporate institutions with wealth and political power who prioritize profit over social and environmental justice.

CCV does not claim to have a unique way of addressing problems. Still, the organization’s approach o environmental justice through community engagement and education can be considered different from traditional methods of advocacy that often include technological solutions or top-down decision-making. CCV emphasizes education and views the root causes of environmental injustices as social and political rather than technical or economic. The involvement of local communities is viewed as a critical component of addressing environmental justice issues within the organization.

CCV researches environmental justice, health education, and civic engagement. In the past, CCV has produced research on air and water quality in the Imperial Valley, including the health effects of pesticide exposure and other pollutants. These reports and publications are available on their website. It relies on a combination of academic and government institutions as collaborators to ensure the credibility of the information it circulates. Most CCV research is conducted in partnership with universities and research institutions; the organization works closely with residents and community leaders to ensure that research is relevant and responsive to the community's needs.

1. CCV has a range of programs that, from what is listed on their website, include: Promotoras, CCV employees of community health works to engage in health education and outreach within the community. Community Outreach Events where the CCV offers various services, including health screenings, education and advocacy, and other resources. Educator training, Health Education, and Environmental Health Research.

2. The CCV also hosts an Annual Environmental Health Leadership Summit that invites community members, advocates, and policymakers to discuss and strategize around environmental justice issues in the region.