|
The Need
In the New York City Metropolitan Region, suburban sprawl
and development are eroding the ecological foundation
necessary for biodiversity and health. Despite the well-intentioned
efforts of local conservationists, increasing
numbers of plants and animals are at risk because of
polluted, degraded, and fragmented habitats. And, perhaps,
even more alarming is that human health seems increasingly
to be in jeopardy from environmental causes. |
 |
For
example, ground water pollution is on the rise and withdrawals
are exceeding local water demands in many watersheds, and
key air quality indicators of health, such as rising mercury
levels, are signaling alarm. Also of concern is the suspected
link between emerging diseases (e.g. West Nile virus and Lyme's
disease) and environmental degradation. Are we creating the
context for these diseases? Furthermore, despite the fact
that the region's overall population growth has slowed to
less than 1% annually, many municipalities located in important
areas (e.g. the Highlands, Pocono Mountains, and Hudson River
watershed) are growing at much higher, and environmentally
damaging, rates.
To
reverse unhealthy trends in the New York City metropolitan
ecology, we believe that ultimately a practice of sustainable
living that protects both biodiversity and human health must
be adopted and embraced by area residents. We suggest that
a key step toward this end is for regional conservation scientists,
health professionals, resource managers, decision makers,
and engaged citizens to better understand together the connections
between biodiversity, health, and natural resource management.
Such a “knowledge community” would apply their findings by
producing synthesis documents on key issues, recommending
new environmental policies, and developing best practices
for managing natural resources on both public and private
lands.
Goals and Objectives
In 2002, Wildlife
Trust launched a new program in the greater New York City
metropolitan area: the New York Bioscape Initiative.
The New
York Bioscape region was created by first drawing
a 100-mile radius from midtown New York City. This is the
locally familiar "Tri-State Region" of New York,
New Jersey and Connecticut stretched to include northeastern
Pennsylvania. Next, to encompass a region based on the
"New York Metro sense of place," 44 counties
were selected. The New York Bioscape Initiative is bringing
together scientists, health professionals, natural resource
managers, and citizens to conserve biodiversity and
to ensure the region’s long-term ecological health, including
human health. Currently,
this team
includes 36 individuals from 16 institutions. The central
scientific goal of the Initiative is to study regional ecology
and health and apply the findings to mitigating sprawl and
fostering regional ecological health, including human health.
|
