In mid March, we welcomed three visitors from the Philippines focusing on “Sustainable Urban Development” as a part of the International Visitor Leadership Program.
The group’s time in the area began with a visit to Pensacola City Hall where Mayor Ashton Hayward III welcomed them with honorary citizenship.
Next, the visitors enjoyed a downtown walking tour with Christian Wagley of the Northern Gulf Coast Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. The tour highlighted sustainable urban development and focused the recent American shift towards returning to more urban, walkable cities and the environmental and health benefits of this trend.
Other meetings included time with Dave Robau, the executive director the Gulf Coast Energy Network, to discuss sustainable practices in the areas of resource usage, fuel policy, and construction. Time with Visit Pensacola, Inc. President Steve Hayes focused on the marketing of eco tourism and responsible tourism and economic development. Robert “Bob” Bennet, Chairman and CEO of United States Green Energy Corporation, met the group to discuss renewable energy projects from an entrepreneurial perspective while Taylor “Chips” Kirschenfeld highlighted the environmental restoration benefits of Project Greenshores. Emerald Coast Utility Authority Director of Water Reclamation Don Palmer highlighted methods in maintaining a wastewater treatment facility, and Lead Division Manager Patrick Johnson of the Escambia County Department of Solid Waste Management examined best practices in recycling and solid waste management with the visitors.
The Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council thanks all who volunteered their time for this project and also thanks GCCDC Board Member Tom Ninestine for extending weekend hospitality to the group.
