“Latinos are disproportionately vulnerable to the negative impacts of the climate crisis and continue to face environmental justices,” said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “However, by mobilizing the Latino community, there is a unique opportunity to create solutions through community engagement with a high level of social and cultural awareness.”

Rivers and streams, the lifeblood of our planet, have sustained human civilization and ecosystems throughout history. These meandering currents, majestic flows, and interconnected networks shape the very essence of our natural world, including where and how we live. This report delves into the significance of rivers, their role in the water cycle, and the vital link between healthy rivers and the cultures that are sustained by them.

Focusing on these waterways and their ties to Latino heritage highlights their cultural, historical, and environmental importance in shaping Latino communities and their relationship with running waters. The report includes recent research, examines case studies, and analyzes successful conservation strategies.

“Hispanics are a rapidly growing segment of the United States population,” said Shanna Edberg, Director of Conservation of Hispanic Access Foundation. “It’s crucial for decision makers to consider Latino communities' culture and demographics in developing restoration programs for major waterways.

The full “Agua Corriente: The Latino Connection to Waterways” report toolkit is available for download at https://bit.ly/AguaCorriente23.