Protecting & Enhancing Economic Value

Estimating the total value of the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem could be done in several ways; however, in the end all that matters is why it is valuable. We can address this question by understanding how it plays a part in Florida’s economy and assessing the significance of its role. By totaling all of the human-focused elements of the Lagoon that people count on, such as jobs, housing, tourism, industry, and recreation, we can gain a better perspective of why it is valuable.

A 2016 study measured the human-focused elements and estimated that the annual economic value of the Lagoon is approximately $9.9 Billion. The study also pointed out an extraordinary return on investment (ROI) in lagoon-focused restoration yielding a 33:1 ROI, meaning that for every $1 invested in the IRL, $33 is returned to the local economies.

Climate Preparedness & Resilience

Florida is already being impacted by the effects of climate change and these impacts are likely to worsen as time goes on. Identifying and managing the risks associated with climate change and strengthening community capacity to adapt to and mitigate climate change are essential to maintaining healthy communities. EPA’s Climate-Ready Estuaries Program works with NEPs and other coastal managers to assess community vulnerabilities, develop and implement adaptation strategies, and engage and educate stakeholders about the seriousness of the climate change problem.

In Fiscal year 2017-2018, the IRLNEP will undertake a planning-level, risk-based, vulnerability assessment of the IRL. This study will help inform the development of an action plan with effective solutions that lagoon stakeholders and partners can implement to anticipate and mitigate negative impacts from climate change.

Green Buildings

Children and adults spend as much as 90% of their time indoors, where pollutant levels can sometimes be significantly higher than outdoors. Common indoor pollutants include mold, lead, chemicals, and contaminants brought into a building from outside. Many communities are seeing the value in the green building movement, which is changing the way we look at how buildings are designed, constructed and maintained.

Green Infrastructure

Stormwater runoff is a major cause of water pollution in urban areas. Traditionally, communities have managed stormwater runoff with so-called “gray infrastructure”, conventional piped drainage and waste water treatments that carry stormwater away from the built environment into coastal waters. However, communities across the country are turning toward the use of “green infrastructure”, the incorporation of rain gardens, stormwater parks, vegetated roofs, porous pavement, swales, urban tree cover, etc. These and other methods protect coastal water quality by treating urban stormwater in ways that mimic natural systems while also providing community amenities. Green infrastructure has become an attractive component of building sustainable communities because its use protects the environment while also allowing communities to achieve more for their investments. Learn more about the importance of water quality in the Lagoon below.