Benefits go beyond carbon
This project will also support the environment, biodiversity, and local communities, including:
- Invaluable ecosystem services: the project will provide an estimated $2.7B for new and permanently protected ecosystem services, including supporting migratory waterfowl, providing improved recreational experiences, and building climate resilience.
- Protecting a biodiversity hotspot: the Mississippi River Valley has diverse habitats, including floodplains, emergent wetlands, and swamps, representing a critical migratory pathway for 60% of North America’s bird species and 40% of the US’s waterfowl.
- Safeguarding local communities: project activities will reduce flood risk, decrease runoff to the Gulf of Mexico, and create green jobs through logistics and tree planting.