The America’s Wetland Foundation is working to create a registry in an effort to increase private investment to help restore the coastline of Louisiana.
Why is there a need for such an effort? Less than half of the expected funds in federal offshore oil money will go to the state this year for coastal restoration. Therefore, America’s Wetland is seeking ways to pay for smaller projects to help the coast until larger public works can get started.
In a news release, a Houma native and the foundation’s managing director Val Marmillion said, “Coastal land loss isn’t waiting for adequate funding for projects… Private-sector-sponsored projects can be realized now to sustain wetlands in areas where freshwater marshes are subject to saltwater intrusion and eventual land loss.” (Source: dailycomet.com)
We have worked with America’s Wetland Foundation for years as landowners have invested in coastal restoration and water treatment. For example, earlier this year we completed a project to stabilize a mile of the bank along the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway near Larose, LA. We provided the materials for this project years ago, and the funds for the work were provided by a variety of public and private organizations.
After the state’s announcement that the revenue from offshore oil and gas through GOMESA with be half of what was expected, there is a sense of urgency to get the help of organizations to sponsor wetland restoration initiatives.
Marmillion continues, “Wetland restoration makes good business sense for companies with assets like pipelines in the wetlands or move commerce through navigable waterways that are feeling the negative effects or erosion…National conservation organizations also raise large sums of money for environmental or habitat sustainability and we encourage them to spend it here and include their ongoing projects in the registry.” (Source: dailycomet.com)
Environmental Stewardship
Some organizations and institutions have included environmental stewardship as a part of their business models, and this proves to be a perfect opportunity to play a part in coastal restoration, habitat restoration, and water quality improvement. We do however understand that despite their charitable donations, companies are not charities so we must work with them to further their goals with their bottom line in mind. Coastal restoration does make good business sense, and now the private sector can play a key role in saving our coast.
Public Private Partnership Projects
Martin Ecosystems has participated in several projects in which private funds were designated to further efforts to help the public. With these corporations, we have been able to work together to further corporate goals while improving the environment.
We have worked with NGOs such as America’s Wetland Foundation, Coastal Conservation of Louisiana, and Ducks Unlimited on restoration projects. For these projects, private companies such as Shell, Entergy and Citgo have provided the private dollar to fund public projects.
We have more projects in the planning stages for 2018 and we’re very hopeful for the future of public private partnerships! If you would like to continue this conversation and learn more about our partnerships for coastal restoration, habitat restoration, and water quality improvement, give us a call at 225.292.6750.
