A discussion of ecology and economy in promoting and protecting the benefits of the San Francisco Bay-Delta Complex

Background/Question/Methods

Recent history is populated with a preponderance of critical ecologically-related news on climate change, drought and water distribution inadequacies, habitat loss, sea level rise, growing population, and air and water quality challenges.  Sometimes lost in this discussion is how economic realities must be considered if we are to implement approaches to address these, and other ecological demands.  The unavoidable discussion that pits ecological protection against economic interests is exemplified when we consider the multiple uses of critical water bodies and shorelines areas such as the San Francisco Bay-Delta complex. This highly developed, incredibly complex estuary system was initially the driver for the state's economy and, more recently, the ecologic protector of one of the largest and most important urban areas in the country. As a modern and developed natural area, the Bay-Delta complex promotes economic progress, environmental diversity and sustainability, species protection, and water resources deliveries to tens of millions of citizens (or over one-half the state's population).  Ecologists, working with public policy, business, engineering, planning, and earth science leaders, are key to implementing pragmatic, innovative, and balanced ecological programs that sustain both business and environmental needs related to this estuary complex. A key question remains, however - can ecologists passionately address both the environmental and business needs in the same conversation? Or are ecologists pre-determined to focus solely on ecological protection idealistically and without a pragmatic realism? Or, are business interests only concerned about making a profit at the expense of the environment?  The question is relatively simple, how can California's economy continue to grow while protecting the natural resources that so many of its citizens want to thrive?

Results/Conclusions

History has demonstrated that ecological restoration and environmental protection will not succeed without the maintenance and growth of a strong economy, and engaged dialogue among all interested parties.  Business leaders, particularly in California, have embraced the notion that environmental considerations are a strong business motivator, and that the public passionately requires that ecologic needs must remain a priority.  We have seen the success of business coalitions, such as the Bay Planning Coalition, use science-based analysis of ecologic systems, that are funded through business and public participation, develop safe, accurate fact-based data and reliable, environmentally-friendly solutions to critical issues from wetland restoration, to "fish-window" calculations for Bay system construction projects, to developing safe but needed deep-channel dredging that keep our important maritime systems functioning as our economy demands. To secure the support of sound public policy, the partnerships  between business and ecologists and other life, engineering, and earth science professionals will continue to grow in importance - it will be up to these individuals and groups , however, to remain pragmatic and apply both good science and business sense, if we are to remain successful in our vision of developing and sustaining the coexistence of a strong economic and environmental world.