In June 1994, the Conservation Partnership Coordinating Council established the Conservation Partnership Task Force on Diversity. The Task Force, with three members from each of the partners, was charged with developing an action plan to promote the value, benefits and importance of diversity within the Conservation Partnership. The strategic action plan consists of three broad goals identified by the Task Force. Achieving these goals will produce an environment that will foster broad participation in, and support for, the programs of the Conservation Partnership. Beneath each of the goals are listed several action items that will be undertaken to achieve those goals.
Diversity is a word with many different meanings in many different contexts.
Within the Conservation Partnership, diversity is a concept of inclusiveness concerning both the clientele being served and those who are coordinating and providing the services. It goes beyond routinely accepted notions of race and gender and embraces all cultures and all people who use, manage and receive the benefits of our abundant natural resources. Traditionally viewed as serving agriculture, the Conservation Partnership has expanded its scope in recent years to address many different facets of natural resource management. Ensuring that all segments of society are served by, and have the opportunity to participate in, our nation's conservation programs is a primary objective of this strategic plan. Participation by a diverse population can bring many new resources into the Conservation Partnership.