The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has brought to the forefront the need for societal change and the acknowledgement of systemic racism within our institutions. As part of the effort to address these issues, the BLM Interagency Agreement was created in 2016.

The BLM Interagency Agreement is a memorandum of understanding between the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). It outlines the joint commitment of these agencies to manage public lands and resources in a manner that respects the rights and values of diverse communities, including those affected by historical discrimination.

The agreement specifically addresses the need to incorporate principles of social and environmental justice into their management of public lands. This includes consulting with impacted communities and incorporating their perspectives in decision-making processes. The agreement also emphasizes the importance of respecting tribal sovereignty and traditional ecological knowledge in land management.

One of the key components of the BLM Interagency Agreement is the establishment of a Diversity and Inclusion Program. This program aims to increase diversity and inclusivity within the BLM and USDA workforces and ensure that policies and practices reflect the values of social and environmental justice.

In addition, the agreement calls for increased outreach and engagement with underrepresented communities, including historically marginalized groups such as women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. This outreach includes efforts to increase access to public lands and resources and to provide educational and cultural resources that celebrate diverse perspectives.

Overall, the BLM Interagency Agreement serves as an important step towards addressing the historical impact of systemic racism on our national resources and public lands. Through this agreement, the DOI and USDA are committed to ensuring that their policies and practices reflect the values of diversity, inclusion, and social and environmental justice.