Developing your Why: An Assessment of WAFWA Member States’ DEI Journey

This project aims to gather baseline information about the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts of natural resource agencies and other public organizations in the western region of the United States and Canada through a  survey. Researchers understand the importance of biological diversity:  healthy ecosystems flourish with diverse organisms that are adaptable and resilient to disturbances and change.  Similarly,  diversity in our organizations can lead to increased resiliency, innovation, and relevancy to the constituents they serve. Due to changing demographics in the population (e.g., more people of color or with multiple ethnic backgrounds) and a shift in wildlife value orientations  (i.e.,  fewer traditionalists and an increase in mutualists), DEI efforts have never been needed greater in natural resource agencies.