BARNSTABLE – The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and the Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation, Inc. recently showcased their Blue Economy Project at an international meeting surrounding coastal restoration and management.
“We’re about three or four years into working our plan to grow a blue economy and we’re getting some attention globally. It’s been kind of gratifying quite honestly,” said Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Wendy Northcross.
“This is the second time this year that our team has been invited to speak at a national forum, and this last go around was this past month in California.”
Program Director Leslie-Ann McGee presented the Project’s work and progress over the past three years at the 9th National Summit on Coastal & Estuarine Restoration & Management in Long Beach, California.
The Summit is a national conference hosted by Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE) and the Coastal States Organization (CSO).
“Unveiling our Blue Economy Project to an international audience was an exciting moment for everyone that has contributed to making this arguably the most robust and focused economic development initiative with water at its core,” said McGee.
“It is clear that the Cape Cod region is a world leader in growing a “blue” regional identity and economy with a vision for a vibrant maritime and technology economy, linking healthy economies to healthy environments and preparing and educating the future workforce.”
The goal of the Summit is to bring together policy, science, strategy, business, and on-the-ground restoration and management professionals to address the challenges and opportunities for coastal and estuarine restoration and management.
Launched in 2015 by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and supported by Governor Baker’s Seaport Economic Council, the Cape Cod Blue Economy Project aims to grow the region’s blue economy in a sustainable and balanced way, focusing on protecting and promoting our water and coastal resources.
The effort builds on a rich maritime tradition, existing tourism industries, a world class marine research and technology cluster, and sustainable use planning dedicated to preserving our environment and quality of life.
Northcross says the project is an initiative that grew of a Cape Cod Chamber strategic planning session a couple of years ago.
“We were looking for what the next big thing for Cape Cod is. Since travel and tourism put us on the map 100 years ago, what kind of new jobs for the future should we be working on? What’s the vision for the next 100 years for Cape Codders, for earning a living, for luring young families here, for keeping retirees here and engaged, all of that,” said Northcross.
By TIM DUNN, CapeCod.com News Center
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