May 19, 2010

Resilient Wetlands = Prosperous Economies: How Restoring and Conserving Wetlands Support Economic Productivity

Preceding this year’s National Wetlands Awards Ceremony, ELI hosted a panel discussion, Resilient Wetlands = Prosperous Economies: How Restoring and Conserving Wetlands Support Economic Productivity. Five experts addressed different approaches to valuing wetlands and how they contribute economically. The event included a look at new wetland restoration efforts, collecting data to show economic benefits, developments on greenhouse gas offsets, and how to adapt and protect wetlands from future loss. Moderated by Dr. Andrew Baldwin, President of the Society for Wetland Scientists, the panel included:

• Dr. Patrick Megonigal, Senior Researcher, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
• Dr. Linwood Pendleton, Director of Ocean and Coastal Policy, Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, Duke University
• Ms. Mary Pope Hutson, Executive Vice President, Land Trust Alliance
• Dr. Robert Brumbaugh, Restoration Program Director, Global Marine Initiative, The Nature Conservancy