One of the biggest objections to cleaning up polluted ecosystems is the cost. Spending millions of dollars to update a sewer system that has worked the same way for decades? Allocating financial and personnel resources that are already stretched too thin to stop stream erosion or remove contaminated sediment so fish no longer get tumors? Unfortunately, in many communities, these objections can be so loud that they drown out the other side of the equation. A report released by the Brookings Institute last week, however, will help give strength to how much money ecosystem restore can bring our community. According to the report, Buffalo could see economic gains anywhere from $600 million to $1.1 billion.
One of the leading research institutions on issues facing the Great Lakes, Brookings’ report states that millions, if not billions, of dollars will be brought to cities across the Great Lakes Region if specific steps are taken to restore their polluted and endangered ecosystems. Robert Lina, a Senior Fellow at Brookings states that “cleaning up our nation’s largest source of fresh water will bring billions to the region by way of increased economic development, tourism, fishing and recreation. This analysis provides yet another compelling case for Congress to act now to pass federal funding of Great Lakes restoration.”
The specific action researchers are looking for is based around the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy (GLRC). Drafted by civic, government, environment, Tribal, and business leaders, this comprehension plan would be implemented through a variety of legislation currently moving in Congress. Policies deal with topics such as Asian carp barriers and other funding to stop invasive species, sewage infrastructure bills, and the Great Lakes Legacy Act.
This study based its finding on possible increases in property values once investment in economic development, tourism, and fishing can occur with restored ecosystems. It’s possible that cleaner lakes will lead to a healthier regional economy and a healthier place to call home.
With the recent attention on shifting Buffalo’s economy towards sustainable and ecologically based industries (see past GLU posting on the Green Economy Summit), the release of this report should be further evidence of the importance of taking care of the ecosystems we hope to base our lives around. To fully realize the economic potential of our region, we have to restore our ecosystems to their full potential.
Restored ecosystems can bring our region economic gains. Which image do you think would attract tourists, raise property values, and help Buffalo (above Point Gratiot, Dunkirk, NY; inset: A Lake Michigan beach littered with dead fish)
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