Nature is essential for human health, well-being, and flourishing communities. Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game (DFG) is committed to Environmental Justice and ensuring all people have equitable access to nature.
What is Environmental Justice?
Environmental justice is the principle that all people have the right to a clean and healthy environment regardless of race, color, national origin, income, or English language proficiency. Environmental justice is the equal protection and meaningful involvement of all people and communities with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of energy, climate, and environmental laws, regulations, and policies, and the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens.
“The people shall have the right to clean air and water, freedom from excessive and unnecessary noise, and the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic qualities of their environment; and the protection of the people in their right to the conservation, development and utilization of the agricultural, mineral, forest, water, air and other natural resources is hereby declared to be a public purpose.”
Environmental Justice (EJ) populations have traditionally not had equal access to the Commonwealth’s natural resources or opportunity to engage in their care stewardship. EJ populations are less likely to have access to nature and its benefits, including clean air and water, outdoor recreation, and physical and mental health improvements. EJ populations are more likely to face disproportionate exposure to pollution, food insecurity, and poor health outcomes. As a result, EJ populations are often more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Indigenous peoples and Tribes often experience the same marginalization and many of the same barriers as EJ populations. While identifying as Indigenous or being a member of a Tribe is not an EJ-defined population characteristic, DFG recognizes the importance of the meaningful involvement of Indigenous peoples and Tribes in stewardship of our natural resources.
DFG's Environmental Justice Program
DFG strives to ensure all people have equitable access to the benefits of nature. Consistent with the EEA Environmental Justice Strategy, DFG’s Strategic Plan for 2025—2030 names Environmental Justice as a key priority. This plan establishes four main goals:
- Goal #1: Strengthen Capacity to Advance Environmental Justice
- Grow the agency’s capacity to build meaningful relationships, listen and learn, and ultimately better serve all communities.
- Goal #2: Advance Equity Through Improved Communication, Engagement, & Access to Information & Opportunities
- Break down barriers through increased language access, improved communication, and inclusive community engagement.
- Goal #3: Improve Access to Nature & its Benefits
- Ensure all people have access to the lands and waters we care for, create new outdoor recreation opportunities in EJ communities, and boost food security with wild foods.
- Goal #4: Engage Indigenous People in Spirit of Reciprocity & Respect
- Cultivate meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples and Tribes in Massachusetts
What would you like to do?
Contact
Online
Address
| Date published: | October 1, 2025 |
|---|