New and Sustained Funding for Ocean and Coastal Conservation, Restoration, and Planning
For years, there has been chronic underinvestment in our oceans. Underfunded and shrinking budgets at the federal, regional, state, and local levels have left critical habitats unmapped and unprotected; reduced scientific investments; hampered restoration efforts; and impeded new, impactful initiatives such as restoration, coastal and marine spatial planning, and ecosystem-based management. In 2011, The Nature Conservancy will work with partners and experts to help identify sources and promising ideas to increase investments in our oceans and coasts.