MIAMI, FL -- Audubon Florida is excited to announce that all fourteen coastal jurisdictions in Southwest Florida have voted to join the Southwest Florida Resiliency Compact. With the Seminole Tribe of Florida joining the others, the entire southwest Florida coast is taking this important step to augment the region’s ability to protect its natural resources and bolster its resilience in our changing climate.

“This area’s natural resources, economy, and communities will benefit from this united front against sea level rise and climate change,” said Julie Wraithmell, Executive Director for Audubon Florida.

The list of participating jurisdictions includes Collier County, Lee County, Charlotte County, City of Punta Gorda, City of Sanibel, City of Fort Myers, City of Cape Coral, Town of Fort Myers Beach, Village of Estero, City of Bonita Springs, Captiva Erosion Prevention District, City of Naples, City of Everglades, City of Marco Island, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Cities and counties that join commit to collaboratively identifying and addressing the effects of climate change, such as sea level rise, intensifying hurricanes, and erosion. Members will share scientific data and planning tools, develop a unified action plan, and support one another as they prepare for, adapt to, and mitigate climate change impacts.

Regions that are organized into Compacts are better poised to demonstrate their readiness and capacity for state-coordinated efforts, including funding. Governor DeSantis’ proposed resilience budget tackles the challenges of sea level rise, intensified storm events, and localized flooding by establishing the Resilient Florida program which will provide $1 billion over four years to provide grants to state and local government entities.

Regional collaboratives are instrumental in both accelerating the state’s resilience work and serving as a conduit for future funds and programs. 

Audubon protects birds and the places they need, today and in the future.