Coastal Quest

Protecting and Restoring Coastal Ecosystems.Globally, efforts are underway to reframe the role of coastal ecosystems in climate change mitigation and to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030. There is a significant opportunity to better integrate coastal ecosystems as natural climate solutions, which can protect biodiversity, enhance water quality, and boost community resilience. These efforts align with the Biden Administrations 30x30 America the Beautiful Initiative and global targets. Coastal Quest collaborates with partners to drive the protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems, delivering blue carbon benefits and enhancing resilience to climate impacts. They serve as a hub for dialogues, sharing lessons, pilots, and best practices, providing technical assistance and funding, and fostering political will and public-private partnerships.

Resilient Protected Areas and Parks. A United States executive order has prompted state and local governments to swiftly develop nature-based solutions to combat climate change. These solutions aim to sequester carbon, reduce pollution, restore wildlife habitats, and benefit communities. There is an opportunity to enhance climate-resilient parks and protected areas through federal, state, and local public-private partnerships, focusing on management, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Coastal Quest collaborates with partners to identify needs, secure funding, and provide support in navigating sub-granting, contracting, and hiring processes. They also lead community engagement efforts to create effective solutions for resilient natural resources, infrastructure, recreation, access, and cultural resources.

Clean Coastal Water. Water quality agencies at national, state, and local levels face challenges in enforcing existing regulations and updating standards to address emerging issues and climate change. There are opportunities to enhance capacity and improve water quality management for contaminants, nutrient pollution, sea level rise, and wastewater/stormwater treatment, benefiting both people and nature. Coastal Quest is advancing water quality solutions through partnerships with state and local agencies.