Next session held for Preserving Paradise program
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that water quality is directly tied to the health of the area’s economies, as the Preserving Paradise participants explored in the program’s second session on Aug. 20 at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers.
From personal stories about the 2018 red tide crisis, to panels on Everglades restoration and water quality advocacy on Capitol Hill, participants came out of the day with a stronger passion to protect the local coastal ecosystems for generations to come.
An advocacy panel included: Chris Davison, with the Island Inn; Calli Johnson, with The Island Store and Bailey’s General Store; fishing guide Ozzie Lessinger; Bill Robinson, with the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors; and Bill Waichulis, with the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Boykin Management.
The Everglades and economics panel included: SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis; Everglades Foundation Chief Economist Paul Hindsley; and Lee Health infectious disease specialist MaryBeth Saunders.
New perspectives were shared about the impact of water quality on human health, the importance of coalition building, how to work against competing interests, and solutions to ensure progress continues.
Before leaving, participants, leading organizations and their guests enjoyed an evening dinner cruise aboard the Sanibel Harbour Princess.
Preserving Paradise is a collaborative program between the SanCap Chamber, SCCF, Captains for Clean Water and The Everglades Foundation to immerse business leaders in water quality advocacy through classroom sessions and boots-on-the-ground field experiences.
For more information about the program, visit preservingparadise.org.