Download or read book Gulf of Mexico Regional Ecosystem Restoration Strategy written by Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force (U.S.) and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Many of the Gulf's challenges are complex and long-standing, and correcting the problems will require sustained and consistent effort over time. The Task Force's Strategy was developed through a review of existing plans and efforts and significant public outreach during the last year. The Strategy builds on ongoing work and priorities of each of the Gulf Coast states, local communities, federal partners, academics and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The restoration framework consists of four overarching goals to guide the collective actions at the local, state and federal level that are necessary to reverse the ongoing decline and restore the Gulf Coast's ecosystem. The Task Force's goals for the Gulf Coast restoration effort are the following: 1. Restore and conserve habitat 2. Restore water quality 3. Replenish and protect living coastal and marine resources 4. Enhance community resilience The Strategy includes enhanced community resilience as a goal in order to highlight the connectedness of ecosystem restoration with the well-being and sustainability of coastal communities. This goal also emphasizes the planning and technical assistance needs of vulnerable coastal communities as they assess risks, plan for and rebound from natural disasters, and implement sustainable development approaches. As progress is made to improve water quality and protect and enhance the Gulf of Mexico's habitats and resources, communities benefit from improved ecosystem services, such as better storm protection and healthier fisheries. A key function of the Task Force is to help advance state and federal activities that will achieve the overarching restoration goals. The Task Force intends to help member agencies address process and other barriers, facilitate program implementation and alignment, and better leverage scientific expertise and fiscal resources in support of Gulf Coast restoration. In addition to encouraging better collaboration among state and federal agencies, partnerships play an integral role in restoring ecosystem functions throughout the Gulf region. The Task Force believes it is critically important to foster an inclusive dialogue and expand on public/private partnerships in order to achieve ecosystem restoration in the Gulf of Mexico ..."--Executive summary p. 6.