The Everglades Restoration Project in Florida has received wide bi-partisan support for diverse reasons. The US Congress approved the plan in 2000 to focus on restoring and preserving Florida’s valuable water resources in the Everglades. Since its inception, the project has received appreciable bi-partisan support from environmentalists, the political class, economists, and other professionals. The first reason for the high level of support for the project is the negative impacts of invasive species that compromise South Florida’s environmental quality. The project has helped protect native species in South Florida’s fragile environment. Invasive reptile and fish species are harmful and can potentially cause the extinction of native species in the Everglades. The project aims to protect species such as the Florida Panther, wood stock, and the American crocodile.
The second reason for this momentum is the project’s contribution to the global sustainable development goals (SDGs). Hydrological restoration is at the core of ensuring a sustainable future and achieving SDG goal number 14 on life below water. Notably, the project contributes to the preservation and restoration of the indigenous fish and plant species. Moreover, the project fulfills the tenets of SDG number 13 on climate action. The US federal and state governments and their development partners have a bi-partisan agreement to mitigate climate change effects on ecosystems. The project, therefore, conforms to the commitment to mitigate climate change implications on endangered species.
Everglades’ globally-recognized unique and valuable landscape informs the coalition to save the hydrological system. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EAP) (2021), the Everglades supports the Mississippi River’s ecosystem and, therefore, is highly valuable. Moreover, the Everglades defines the natural heritage of both Florida and the US. Its wading birds and wildlife are of great ecological value.
Reference
US Environmental Protection Agency (EAP) (2021). Why is it important to restore the Everglades? Web.