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Marlena Reed
Communications Manager
Nature Conservancy
Email: marlena.reed@tnc.org -
Mike O'Reilly
Government Relations Director
The Nature Conservancy
Email: Michael.Oreilly@tnc.org
The Nature Conservancy in Georgia urges state elected officials to pass a clear, comprehensive hate crimes law when the legislative session reconvenes this month. As a global conservation organization whose mission is to protect the lands and waters on which all life depends, we have a long history of working in communities across Georgia and we believe human life and dignity must be valued and safeguarded regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, mental disability or physical disability.
Through our dedication to conserving greenspaces from the mountains to the cities to the sea, we strive to ensure that everyone has access to nature for the many benefits it provides. All Georgians deserve to feel safe while enjoying the outdoors and they have a right to live in communities free from violence. The passage of a hate crimes law is essential for the continued economic, ecological and cultural vitality of this state that our staff, trustees, partners, volunteers and supporters call home.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 76 countries and territories—37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partners—we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.