Sustainable Planning, Protecting Social, Economic, and Environmental Interests of Coastal Communities

Understanding the connection between humans and wetland environments is imperative to coastal planning. This project looks to gather policy and scientific information from local, regional, federal, and international levels regarding wetland protection and preservation to improve policies and practices in coastal areas and create more sustainable and healthier environments. Sustainable planning in coastal communities includes connecting humans and nature through low-impact developments, using native plant species, non-impervious surfaces, and adequate buffers between developments and water sources. Successful coastal planning and development can help ensure that economic, social, and conservation interests are protected. Wetlands represent 5.5% of the total land area in the United States (Dahl 2011). The Coastal Watersheds of the Eastern United States have 212 million acres of wetlands, which represents 38% of the total wetlands in the United States (Stedman and Dahl 2008). The Atlantic region has 89 million acres of wetlands, approximately 42% of the total coastal watersheds of the eastern United States. With 40% of the US population located in coastal areas representing 10% of the total land, wetlands protections and policy are imperative for sustainable futures along our coast. (NOAA 2021)