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Celebrating the Tree Equity Summit in Denver

WITHIN THE XIII AMERICAS LATINO ECO FESTIVAL

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado Editorial

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On April 11th, the Tree Equity Summit will take place as part of the XIII edition of the Americas Latino Eco Festival (ALEF). “We have convened an intersectional and diverse coalition of scientists, writers, artists, policymakers, municipal officials, representatives from the philanthropic sector, youth, and community leaders to explore together how to advance tree equity from the perspective of climate justice. It is a summit organized and led by Latinos,” said Irene Vilar, director of Americas for Conservation and the Arts (AFC+A) and organizer of ALEF.

Vilar explained that the focus on tree equity is anchored in the Community Tree Planting initiative that AFC+A, with its 15 years of experience, has been advancing since 2022. These efforts have enabled AFC+A to establish a strategic five-year partnership with the Denver Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resilience (CASR). Due to this partnership, AFC+A and CASR are, along with other partners such as The Park People, implementing a comprehensive tree planting plan with resources from the Infrastructure Rescue Act (IRA).

Distinguished Panelists

SOME OF THE PANELISTS| Lidia Soto-Harmon; Ernesto Herrera, Gabriel Nagel, Gil Peñalosa. (Picture/Press ALEF)

Participants of ALEF will have the opportunity to hear from Guillermo Peñalosa, a renowned Colombian urbanist, founder of 8 80 Cities, and expert advisor to the International Society for Urban Health. Peñalosa will share his knowledge about the necessary actions for any city in Colorado to become more equitable and sustainable from an environmental perspective. Cecilia Martínez, Director of Environmental and Climate Justice at the Bezos Earth Fund, who has led equitable climate change policies nationally, will also be present.

Another prominent figure is Ernesto Herrera Guerra, in charge of Reforestation Mexico and president of the Mesoamerican Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Additionally, ALEF will feature the extraordinary participation of Lidia Soto-Harmon, President and CEO of the Student Conservation Association (SCA), the largest organization of environmental conservation programs for youth and adults in the United States.

Additionally, Dr. Qing Li, a world-renowned expert in forest medicine and immunology, will join one of the panels and share his perspective on how time spent in nature can improve immunity. Also present will be Gabriel Nagel, emerging leader and recipient of the Our Son Award. Nagel, a graduate of Denver East High School, currently serves as CEO of Light CO2 and is the Inaugural Chair of EPA’s National Environmental Youth Advisory Council.

Art Exhibt

CHAT POTAJE| Ángel Fernández (Ández), Cuba. (Picture/Press ALEF)

An important aspect of the XIII ALEF is the presentation of the International Graphic Humor Expo, created exclusively for this edition. Artists from more than 40 countries participate, who have created 80 original works inspired by the theme of the generous tree. The exhibition has been curated by the renowned Cuban artist Carlos Alejandro Chang Falco, alias Falco. This exhibition offers a unique and humorous perspective on the importance of trees and their impact on our environment.

Register Now

Event participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about tree equity and climate justice. These conversations will contribute to the advancement of conservation and equality in urban communities. This is a free event, but registration is required as participant capacity is limited. Participants will receive refreshments and lunch.