Multi-Benefit Approaches to Habitat Protection: Strategies that work for People and Nature

How does one conserve the water supply for the Everglades in one of the largest cattle ranching areas of the country or how does one protect  90 miles of river in the middle of Indiana farm country in a way that benefits people and nature?   How can development also benefit the conservation of streams and wetlands in Virginia?   How can coastal habitat restoration actually improve local agriculture in Puget Sound?  This presentation will provide an overview of four projects being undertaken by The Nature Conservancy and partners to protect and restore freshwater and coastal habitats in ways that benefit both nature and the people.   By looking at on-going projects in Florida, Indiana, Virginia and Washington we’ll outline how a systems-scale approach to conservation that includes explicit goals for achieving multiple benefits can advance habitat conservation in ways that account for the needs of people and provide for sustainability of natural resources.