Audubon's Everglades Policy Associate Jane Graham reports from the Water-gy Conference in Miami:

Last week I attended the Water-gy event in Miami, a conference focused on water management and energy technologies hosted by the Consulate General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico. The speakers included Adam Putman, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Chaim Shaham, the Israeli Consul General, and Bob Brown, Assistant Executive Director of the South Florida Water Management District, along with business leaders, diplomats, academics, and government representatives.

Israel and Florida share a similar challenge- getting the water right. While South Florida has plenty of rain (usually!), our system still suffers water shortages and water quality issues. Everglades restoration aims to restore the natural flow of water south from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay, providing clean and abundant water for our economy and environment. Bob Brown, Assistant Executive Director of the South Florida Water Management District explained the importance of Everglades restoration as a water management solution, a program that uses stormwater treatment areas for natural filtration and projects to store water for shortages.

Israel on the other hand is located in one of the world’s most arid regions and treats water shortage a way of life. They cope with scarcity through large desalinization plants and water conserving technologies. Jim Lauria, an Israeli businessman described different techniques used in Israel, including a drip irrigation method that saves supposedly 70 to 80% of water and a desalinization project in the Dead Sea.

Hopefully the international exchange of ideas on water management solutions will lead to more discussions on water conservation and creative techniques to preserve the Earth’s valuable blue treasure, water. Audubon of Florida follows water policy issues closely to protect Florida’s precious resources and the people and wildlife who depend on it.

What do  you think of water conservation in Florida, your community and your home? How can Floridians help? Tell us your thoughts on the Protect the WEB Facebook Page - Water, Energy and Birds are All Connected!