CMRC Press Release: Stewardship Initiative Brings Together Businesses And Conservation In The Harbor Estuary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press contact: The Coastal Marine Resource Center of New York, 646-515-9290 If you are not a member of the press, please write to us at info@thecmrc.org or see our home page.

STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE BRINGS TOGETHER BUSINESSES AND CONSERVATION IN THE HARBOR ESTUARY

NEW YORK, NY (February 16, 2006) – Leaders from the New York – New Jersey Harbor Estuary business and environmental communities joined forces today at the Hudson River Foundation to kick-off a Stewardship Initiative that seeks to integrate the resources of the private sector with efforts to conserve and restore this dynamic but often neglected ecosystem.

The Business Stewardship Initiative is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Coastal Marine Resource Center of New York, the New York – New Jersey Harbor Estuary Program, and the Chesapeake Bay’s Businesses for the Bay Program to leverage resources found within local businesses to increase conservation, restoration, and public access throughout the region.

A diverse range of organizations participated in the event including representatives from AIG Insurance, Brooklyn Greenway Initiative, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Credit Suisse, East Williamsburg Valley Industrial Development Corporation, Environmental Resources Management, EPA Performance Track, Fordham University, Hudson River Estuary Program, Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance, Monmouth University, NY Shipping Association, NY Water Taxi, NY/NJ COAST, NYC Cruise Terminal, NYC Soil & Water Conservation District, Port Authority of NY & NJ, Patagonia, Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation, and Verdant Power LLC.

The NY – NJ Harbor Estuary is home to one of the largest business communities in the world. An extensive network of businesses employs millions of residents and adds billions of dollars to the local economy. Unfortunately, these entities can also contribute to habitat degradation and reduced ecosystem health. By offering real mechanisms for environmental coordination that are profitable and efficient, and acknowledging participants for their positive contributions, the Stewardship Initiative hopes to provide businesses with the opportunity to voluntarily support coastal conservation regionwide.


For More Information Contact:
Joel Banslaben, Executive Director
Coastal Marine Resource Center of New York
Tel: 646-515-9290
info@thecmrc.org
http://www.thecmrc.org/