Fostering Collaboration, Creating Coastal Resilience

In the fragile embrace of Louisiana's receding coastline, the Meraux Foundation is helping lead the charge against one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The nonprofit board’s unwavering dedication to preserving and restoring our coast is a testament to their vision for a sustainable future. Through a broad network of partnerships and innovative programs, the Meraux Foundation is building land, and with it, a more resilient St. Bernard Parish.

The coastal crisis in Louisiana is undeniable, with the ever-shrinking wetlands posing a serious threat to both our environment and the area’s cultural heritage and economic stability. Rita Gue, President of the Meraux Foundation, underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for collective action. She says, "In the face of the monumental challenge of coastal land loss, it is vital that we come together to address this issue.”

That’s just what’s happening. From a meeting of like-minded organizations convened by the Meraux Foundation a couple of years back emerged the Central Wetlands Reforestation Collective. The group comprises a network of partners, including the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL), Common Ground Relief, the Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement & Development, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Pontchartrain Conservancy, and the Meraux Foundation. This was inspired by the foundational work of the St. Bernard Wetlands Foundation.

The Collective is focused on reforesting the Central Wetlands, which stretches from the 9th Ward to Verret. Much land in this area has disappeared over decades due largely to the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet (MR-GO) and a web of canals that upset the natural balance that kept the ecosystem alive and flourishing. With the MR-GO now closed and to undo the damage, Collective members are strategically building islands, planting native trees and grasses, and creating barriers to stop erosion.

This restoration not only revitalizes critical habitats but also mitigates storm surge impact and enhances water quality.

The Meraux Foundation's dedication extends beyond the Central Wetlands. It is also involved in multiple projects under the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act of 1990 (CWPPRA) that have been designed to rejuvenate Louisiana's coastal ecosystems. These projects address erosion, habitat deterioration, and the urgent need for reforestation. 

Additionally, the foundation has been hosting the CWPPRA stakeholder meetings for Breton and Pontchartrain basins for six years.  

At the heart of the Meraux Foundation's coastal conservation is collaboration. As a convener of various coastal and environmental organizations, the Foundation adopts a "big tent" approach, uniting diverse partners who share common goals and interests. 

Blaise Pezold, the Foundation's Coastal and Environmental Program Director, explains, "We believe that coastal restoration is a collective effort, and by partnering with other organizations, we can achieve much more than acting alone. Our 'big tent' approach involves bringing together a diverse range of partners, from environmental organizations to local businesses, schools, and government agencies. This collective effort amplifies the impact of each organization, making a tangible difference in the fight to safeguard the precious Louisiana coastline."

The Meraux Foundation has also channeled its efforts into innovative programs aimed at educating and empowering the local community to actively participate in coastal restoration. From planting marsh grass to participating in cleanup initiatives, the Foundation cultivates a sense of stewardship among residents, fostering a more resilient and united community.

A signature way the Meraux Foundation and its partners are helping engage the community in coastal protection is through the annual "Cook-Off for the Coast" at Docville Farm; and the next one is on February 24, 2024. It is hosted by the Meraux Foundation, Vanishing Paradise, and Restore the Mississippi Delta in partnership with St. Bernard Parish Coastal Division, St. Bernard Parish Tourism, and Nunez Community College.

As the Meraux Foundation continues to forge new partnerships and implement innovative programs, its pivotal role in combating coastal land loss and nurturing a united community cannot be overstated. With a vision for a resilient and vibrant Louisiana coast, the Meraux Foundation is authoring a compelling story of hope and determination, one that promises a brighter future for all.