Nature Based Solutions to Mitigate Climate Change Impacts in Port St. Joe, Florida
Implementing Organization
University of Florida
Overview
DWH Project Funding
$100,000
Known Leveraged Funding
$0
Funding Organization
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine – Gulf Research Program (NASEM - GRP)
Funding Program
NASEM Gulf Research Program Grants
Details
Project Category
Science
Project Actions
Environmental Research
Targeted Resources
Project Description
This project will assist the City of Port St Joe and North Port St. Joe community (NPSJ) , to improve community wellbeing through nature-based solutions (NBS) to mitigate current and future environmental risks. Phase 1 will: 1) assemble community stakeholders, agency staff, and advocates for affordable housing, community health, accessible recreation, and water quality in the St Joseph Bay; 2) assist this coalition to identify future climate/environmental hazards and impacts on community health and resilience; and 3) evaluate potential NBS’s for the community and their relationship to health, housing, equity, and future implementation and identify 1-2 focal projects. Phase 2 will result in a NBS master plan for the community, and fully designed NBS for 1-2 focal projects. This plan will provide a system blueprint for future NBS, and will leverage other ongoing collaborative efforts around development rights, housing buyout policies, and ongoing research related to residential health assessments. NPSJ is a historically black community, separated by rail and underutilized industrial land from the rest of the city. Generations of neglect have left the neighborhood at significant risk from environmental and climate-related hazards. In recent years the community has built a strong foundation for greater resilience through community-based leadership, strategic partnerships, and the commitment of stakeholders. This project will provide needed cohesion to the community’s initiatives. The NBS plan and projects will reduce flood risk, provide solutions to environmental pollution, and spur equitable regeneration, while also improving ecological outcomes related to water quality, supply, and habitat provision.
Contact
Michael VolkNone
mikevolk@ufl.edu
Project Website
None
None