Coastal and Marine Management was the name of a recent U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program for two visitors from the People’s Republic of China. The visitors examined the topic through a series of site visits and professional meetings. These were complimented by informal interactions with locals, starting with a warm welcome at Pensacola City Hall by Councilmember Dr. P.C. Wu who shared an overview of the city’s history and highlighted the functions of city government. They received further hospitality at a Sunday brunch in the home of John and Ruth Kane as well as at a community coffee in the home of Pamela Schwartz.
Site visits included time spent with the Escambia County Community and Environment Department where Environmental Technician Mollie Taylor led them on an exploration of a public-private environmental partnership, Project Greenshores, a multi-million dollar habitat restoration taking place along the urban shoreline of downtown Pensacola. Their next meeting was with the Escambia County Marine Resources Division Manager Capt. Robert Turpin who examined the impact of pollution, marine debris, and detrimental fishing practices with them.
Dr. Lisa Smith of the Gulf Ecology Division of the Environmental Protection Agency discussed her research on the relationship between human and environmental well-being on the Gulf Coast while in a separate meeting Escambia County Extension Sea Grant and Natural Resources Agent Rick O’Connor gave an overview of educational strategies promoting best practices among residents and business in the protection of coastal and marine resources.
The Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council thanks everyone who participated in the implementation of Coastal and Marine Management. The Chinese scientists appreciated the behind-the-scenes energy and the site visits, meetings, and hospitality efforts which took place as a result of this IVLP project, and your efforts have contributed — literally — to making the world a better place.