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

Preceding this year’s National Wetlands Awards Ceremony, ELI will host a panel discussion, Resilient Wetlands = Prosperous Economies: How Restoring and Conserving Wetlands Support Economic Productivity.

Five experts will address different approaches to valuing wetlands and how they contribute economically. The event will include 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 includes:

* 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

The 2010 National Wetlands Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 19, from 6-8 p.m. at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Room HVC-215. Please RSVP to ELI by May 14 to Brett Kitchen.