Our board members are critical to the success of the Land Trust and we are thankful for their expertise and leadership! This series is all about introducing these difference -makers who are helping ensure NWA will always be defined by clean water, fresh air, native habit, a growing supply of locally grown fruits and vegetables, and access to outdoor recreation, all while expanding economic opportunities.
Get to know Regina Buono...
Regina works in water law and governance, helping to support community prosperity and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
How did you get involved with NWALT? I knew about NWALT from Eileen Jennings, who had mentioned her involvement. After I moved back to Fayetteville, Eileen invited me to the fundraiser last October, and eventually the possibility of serving on the Board came up.
Who are your environmental heroes? Aldo Leopold, for his work advancing conservation philosophy and environmental ethics; Majora Carter, for her work building sustainable urban communities and neighborhoods; and John Matthews, a friend and professional colleague who created and runs the Alliance for Global Water Adaptation and is doing crucial and cutting-edge work at the intersection of climate and water.
How do you want to impact Northwest Arkansas Land Trust? I hope I can bring my background and network to help it amplify its already-amazing programs and continue to grow both in impact and reputation. I'd love to see every NW Arkansan with an understanding of what NWALT does and a desire to support it.
What may younger generations not understand about your generation’s concerns about the environment? What generational perspectives are missing in today’s conservation movement? I don't know that the lines between perspectives are that clear across generations - seems like people of different perspectives exist in every generation, just as people of all political bents do. I do think the urgency to protect and restore the environment is probably strongest among the generations facing the impacts of climate change for the longest part of their lives. But I'm at the very end of Gen X (an Xennial) and I work daily with Gen Xers, millennials and Gen Z folks who are all working for the environment. I think the bigger problem is along political and economic lines -- certain political mindsets prioritize short-term economic growth above everything else, and that mindset is one of many people in power, as well as many just going about their daily life. But, climate change is here, it is impacting every part of the world, and it's costing us human lives and money, and it's going to continue to do so. I'm not sure it's a question of something missing, as something needing to be eliminated (i.e., that mindset).
Comments