During May, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) joins the nation in recognizing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) designated the 2025 theme for AANHPI Heritage Month as “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience,” which speaks to the dedication, perseverance, and resiliency of AANHPI leaders paving a path for the success of future generations. According to FAPAC, this theme is both a tribute and a call to action.
Resilience and leadership continue to be taught and woven throughout the fabric of each generation. These values contribute to growth, opportunities, and ultimately success within the AANHPI community. These values also serve as a living testament to the steadfast spirit, determination, and strength passed down from ancestors who overcame their own challenges. The resilience of the AANHPI community has been demonstrated not only by moments of triumph but also by periods of profound challenge—from the historical wounds and discriminatory policies of the past to the struggles of marginalization and climate vulnerability that persist today.
On a global level, Pacific Islanders are among those most affected by climate change impacts like sea level rise, and many countries in the region face hazards such as devastating landslides, flooding, and extreme heat. This vulnerability extends to New York State, as well. In 2021, Hurricane Ida brought significant rain and flooding to communities across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Overall, 15 New Yorkers tragically lost their lives in that storm, the vast majority of whom were of AANHPI decent and living in frontline communities in Queens and Brooklyn. This loss underscores the importance of DEC’s continued work to improve community resiliency and support storm recovery efforts.
Despite these challenges, members of the AANHPI community have transformed adversity into strength and opportunity. From environmental stewardship to social advocacy, and scientific innovation to cultural preservation, AANHPI leaders have played a vital role in shaping a better, more sustainable world through lasting positive impacts across sectors, including environmental sciences.
This month, DEC is proud to feature two environmental leaders who have make their home in New York State—Charles Lee and Shino Tanikawa.
Charles Lee is widely recognized as a true environmental justice (EJ) pioneer, thought leader, and a founder of the EJ movement in the U.S. Lee’s contributions to the birth of the EJ movement and the development of its theory and practice encompasses a time when EJ did not even have a name to the present, when the distribution of environmental burdens and benefits is recognized as an important part of the American experience. He was the principal author of the landmark 1987 report, Toxic Wastes and Race in the United States, organized the historic 1991 First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit, and helped spearhead the emergence of federal EJ policy. Lee has served in multiple capacities, including creating the United Church of Christ’s EJ program, directing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Environmental Justice, and as the Senior Policy Advisor for Environmental Justice with the EPA’s national program office on EJ and external civil rights. He has served on the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council, as a charter member, National Academy of Science/Institute of Medicine Committee on Environmental Justice, and numerous other panels. In these capacities, Lee has led efforts to incorporate EJ into EPA’s rulemaking process, develop models for collaborative problem-solving, transform brownfield redevelopment into a community revitalization paradigm, advance EJ at the state level, and advance efforts to address cumulative impacts. Lee has written numerous reports and peer-reviewed journal articles and received many awards and honors. His work is featured at the Smithsonian Institution and other museums, along with the archive of his professional papers at the Library of Congress.
Read more about Lee’s extraordinary accomplishments in: Rallying Point Charles Lee's Long-Standing Career in Environmental Justice.
Another notable leader from New York is Shino Tanikawa, executive director of the New York City Soil & Water Conservation District. In this role she oversees the District’s green infrastructure, urban soils, and environmental education programs. Tanikawa has served in a leadership role for several environmental groups, including as a founding board member of the Bronx River Alliance. She is also a current steering committee member of the Stormwater Infrastructure Matters Coalition (SWIM), and past co-chair of the Water Quality Working Group and the Citizens Advisory Committee of the NY NJ Harbor & Estuary Program. Tanikawa has a Master of Science degree from the School of Marine & Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University. She is a leading advocate for environmental protection, public education, and social justice. Through her extensive experience in public policy and environmental education and outreach programming across New York City, Tanikawa continues to empower people to become environmental stewards and active voices for their communities.
DEC is proud to recognize these outstanding leaders during AANHPI Heritage Month.
DEC is also helping to grow the next generation of environmental leaders, including leaders from AANHPI communities. DEC’s Environmental Educators are working around the state to provide opportunities for the AANHPI community, particularly those from vibrant new American populations, to explore New York’s outdoor spaces.
DEC’s Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar, Albany County, holds monthly outreach visits with second grade classes in the Newcomer Program at Albany International Academy, as well as additional programs such as “Literacy Week.” Five Rivers also held a summer outreach program for children, as well as guided programs with the Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus in 2024, and annually, as weather conditions permit, hosts guided snowshoe programs for families in partnership with the U.S.- China Peoples Friendship Association.
DEC’s Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center in Depew, Erie County, conducts programs for Journey's End Refugee Services and Bridges From Borders, Inc., organizations that assist new arrivals to the Buffalo area, many of whom are originally from Asian and Pacific Island countries.
DEC’s engagement in AANHPI communities also includes our Region 1 team on Long Island, which delivered three outreach and education programs to the Jeffrey Ratner-Robert Seaman Elementary School in Jericho School District during the academic year; DEC’s Region 2 team in Queens supported after-school Conservation Club programs in predominantly AANHPI communities during the previous academic year.
During AANHPI Heritage Month, DEC encourages all New Yorkers to learn more about the contributions of this vibrant and growing community and its contributions to environmental conservation and stewardship and environmental justice.
Recommended Reading List:
Bibliography by Kate Moss, DEC Senior Librarian
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