What Is The Nature Gap?

The "Nature Gap" is a significant issue affecting access to outdoor spaces and their benefits. It's a disparity that disproportionately impacts communities of color and low-income households, denying them the physical, social, and emotional benefits of spending time in nature. 

This gap is not a result of individual choices, but rather a systemic issue rooted in historical segregation, racial violence, and economic inequality. It's a gap perpetuated by biased narratives and stereotypes, and its effects are still felt today. The Nature Gap is a critical issue that society needs to address to ensure equitable access to nature for everyone—now and in the future.

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Defining The Nature Gap

The term “Nature Gap” encapsulates the disparity in access¹ to natural spaces and outdoor recreational activities, particularly in BIPOC communities. This gap is not a random occurrence but a systemic issue² rooted in historical discrimination and socio-economic inequalities. Historically, BIPOC communities have faced legal barriers and segregation in national and state parks, leading to a significant underrepresentation in outdoor activities. Even today, racial discrimination³ continues to deter BIPOC individuals from enjoying outdoor spaces.

Moreover, the Nature Gap is not just about the lack of representation, it also has tangible implications. Access to nature is linked to numerous health benefits, and when BIPOC communities are deprived of these benefits due to systemic barriers, it exacerbates existing health disparities⁴.

Since it's so complex, addressing the issue requires a multifaceted approach, including policy changes, increased representation in outdoor spaces, and community-based efforts to promote the benefits of outdoor recreation among everyone, regardless of their demographics. 

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The Gap's Historical Basis And Current Challenge 

The Nature Gap is not just a matter of physical access to green spaces. It also reflects the fear and intimidation that many BIPOC individual's experience in these spaces. The historical context of the Nature Gap has shaped the access and experiences of BIPOC communities in outdoor spaces. The exclusion of people of color⁵ from public lands and natural spaces in the United States is a consequence of a deep history of systemic racism that has included forced migration, redlining, gerrymandering, and other locational disparities. 

This legacy of exclusion and violence continues to impact the experiences of BIPOC individuals in the outdoors today. For instance, the stories of Christian Cooper, a blackbird-watcher who was threatened in Central Park, and the young Ahmaud Arbery, who was murdered while jogging in Georgia, highlighted the dangers and discrimination that people of color can face in outdoor spaces. These injustices helped maintain the unjust Nature Gap, limiting BIPOC access to the numerous benefits of nature.

A Center for American Progress report highlights that BIPOC communities are three times more likely than white communities to live in nature-deprived areas. This deprivation is not accidental but a direct result of historical housing discrimination, underinvestment in BIPOC neighborhoods, and environmental racism. They also advocate for the protection of 30% of U.S. wildlands and oceans by 2030, ensuring accessibility for all, especially nature-deprived communities. 

Fortunately, these challenges are not insurmountable, but addressing them requires acknowledging the systemic barriers that have created the Nature Gap and working actively to dismantle them.

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Advocacy Starts Local

In the face of systemic barriers and historical exclusion, BIPOC individuals and groups are forging paths to bridge the Nature Gap. One such example is the work of Erika Hood and her family in Cleveland. They founded See You At The Top (SYATT), an organization aimed at increasing access to natural spaces for Black youth and promoting Black joy in places that have not always been welcoming to people of color. 

Similarly, Joe Kanzangu, an adventurer and writer based in Denver, Colorado, shares his personal journey of self-discovery and healing through outdoor activities. He emphasizes the need for more Black representation in outdoor recreational culture and advocates for the health benefits of outdoor recreation to be communicated to people of color. These stories underscore the power of individual and collective efforts in challenging the status quo and reclaiming natural spaces.

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The Future Of Advocacy

The Nature Gap is a pressing issue that requires our collective attention and action, and addressing it requires a comprehensive approach, combining policy changes and community initiatives. This article has shed light on the historical context, current challenges, and the inspiring efforts being made to bridge it. However, the journey is far from over. We must continue to support policies and initiatives that promote inclusivity in outdoor spaces and work towards dismantling the systemic barriers that perpetuate all racial disparities.

Additionally, creating local parks and recreational facilities in communities of color and low-income areas is crucial. Diverse leadership in organizations overseeing natural resources can also make a significant difference. Lastly, education and outreach programs can foster a new generation that values and respects nature.

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Key Takeaways: 

• Support BIPOC-led outdoor groups: Many BIPOC-led organizations are working to bridge the Nature Gap. Support these groups by participating in their events, donating, or volunteering your time.

• Promote land acknowledgment: Learn about the indigenous history of the land you live on or frequently visit for outdoor activities. Promote land acknowledgment practices within your community to honor the original stewards of the land.

• Engage in policy advocacy: Advocate for policies that address environmental injustices faced by BIPOC communities. This could involve supporting legislation that improves access to green spaces in urban areas, or policies that address environmental hazards disproportionately affecting these communities.

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