Surfrider Foundation Climate Action Program: A new program to fight climate change by restoring coastlines.
The Surfrider Foundation announced a groundbreaking Surfrider Foundation Climate Action Program to be launched on Earth Day, April 22nd, 2024. The Surfrider Foundation Climate Action Program marks a shift in Surfrider’s approach, empowering local communities to directly combat the effects of climate change through coastal restoration projects.
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches. Founded in 1984 in Malibu, California, the organization uses grassroots activism and community engagement to address various environmental issues, including pollution, coastal development, beach access, and ocean conservation.
Because Surfrider’s mission is to protect and enjoy the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches, it is critical to engage people in becoming active environmental stewards in their communities. The foundation has chapters across the United States and worldwide that engage in local initiatives and campaigns to support these goals.
See also: Study Shows Mangroves, Reefs a Smart Investment Against Floods.
“The Surfrider Foundation Climate Action Program is a critical step forward,” said Carla Avila Martinez, Climate Action Program Manager at Surfrider. “By restoring vital ecosystems like mangroves, dunes, and wetlands, we’re not just protecting our shorelines and coastal communities – we’re creating a more climate-resilient planet for all.”
The Surfrider Foundation Climate Action Program leverages the power of healthy ecosystems to mitigate the impact of climate change on coastlines. Healthy coastal ecosystems like mangroves and wetlands act as natural buffers against rising sea levels and intensifying storms. Through this program, Surfrider will focus on supporting the restoration of these critical habitats.
While nature-based solutions are a core component, the Surfrider Foundation Climate Action Program acknowledges the need for a multifaceted approach. The organization will continue advocating for clean energy sources, eliminating single-use plastics, and opposing practices like offshore drilling.
The Surfrider Foundation Climate Action Program builds upon Surfrider’s 40-year legacy of successful coastal restoration projects through its network of chapters across the United States. The foundation has collaborated on numerous coastal restoration projects as part of its mission to protect and preserve oceans, waves, and beaches. These projects often involve partnerships with local governments, other non-profits, and community organizations to address erosion, habitat restoration, and beach nourishment issues.
Examples of previous coastal restoration projects Surfrider has been involved in include:
- Dune Restoration: Surfrider chapters often participate in dune restoration projects to help stabilize coastal areas and protect them from erosion. These projects may involve planting native vegetation and removing invasive species.
- Wetland Restoration: Surfrider has been involved in wetland restoration projects to improve water quality and provide habitat for wildlife. This includes removing pollutants and reestablishing native plants.
- Beach Cleanups: While not strictly restoration, Surfrider organizes regular beach cleanups to remove litter and debris, helping to maintain healthy coastal environments.
- Living Shoreline Projects: Surfrider supports projects that create living shorelines using natural materials like oysters, plants, and other native species to stabilize coastal areas and improve water quality.
- Water Quality Improvements: Surfrider has worked on projects to improve water quality by installing permeable pavements, rain gardens, and other green infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff.
These projects contribute to the health and sustainability of coastal ecosystems and often involve community participation and education to raise awareness of the importance of coastal conservation.
“We recognize that climate change is one of our generation’s greatest challenges, but working together, we can create a ripple effect of real positive change,” emphasized Martinez. The press release invites the public to join the movement by visiting surfrider.org/climate-action-program.
Formed in 1984, the Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to ocean conservation through activism and a network of supporters, activists, and members.
