Special Episode: Building Resilient Communities and a Regenerative Blue Economy for our Gulf Coast

 

This special edition of the Blue Economy Primer, available as a YouTube video which includes all associated presentation graphics, or in audio-only format, is based on the multi-sector Blue Economy panel discussion titled, Building Resilient Communities and a Regenerative Blue Economy for our Gulf Coast, which took place on May 31st, at the 2023 State of the Coast Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. The panel, moderated by Deep Blue Academy, was part of the conference topic track “Preparing for Climate Change: Mitigation and Adaptation”. Our panelist were challenged to describe the status and potential of the regional Innovation Ecosystem supporting the technology and economic development policy initiatives needed to insure the resiliency of our at-risk coastal communities for decades to come. Where do science, policy, investment, innovation, and new technology development converge to create real world multi-sector benefit streams? Special emphasis was placed on current and emerging programs in which conference attendees can engage or derive benefits as a community, institution, or entrepreneur.

 
 

Panel Participants: 

Our distinguished panel consists of a mix of academic, professional, and community leaders with deep experience in the fields of scientific research, technology development, and community engagement. 

  • Dr. John W. Day, Jr.: Distinguished Professor in the Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, School of the Coast & Environment at Louisiana State University, LSU Profile;

  • Rebecca Conwell: CEO and President of The Beach at UNO; LinkedIn ;

  • Jon Atkinson: CEO of IDEA Village will represent the private startup community prototyping and scaling critical new technologies in the market, LinkedIn;

  • Harry J. Vorhoff: Deputy Director, Office of the Governor, Coastal Activities will represent State and regional level policy and development issues, LinkedIn;

  • Dr. Mark Kulp: Chair of our Earth and Environmental Sciences department at UNO will represent the science and research community studying and monitoring our coastal resiliency progress, LinkedIn;

  • Greg Delaune: (moderator) Managing Director of Deep Blue Institute and ED of Deep Blue Academy, will serve as the moderator, integrating the idea of innovation ecosystems powered by the groups represented, LinkedIn.

 

OTHER EPISODE REFERENCES AND LINKS:

  • Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is established as the single state entity with authority to articulate a clear statement of priorities and to focus development and implementation efforts to achieve comprehensive coastal protection for Louisiana. CPRA’s mandate is to develop, implement, and enforce a comprehensive coastal protection and restoration Master Plan.

  • The Beach at UNO is a Research Park District owned by the UNO Research & Technology Foundation. The Foundation harnesses the power of a public-private partnership with UNO, bringing out the best of academia, government, and entrepreneurial endeavors to maximize innovation and shared prosperity.

  • The Pontchartrain Institute for Environmental Sciences (PIES) is a multidisciplinary research institute at the University of New Orleans with a focus on addressing coastal and environmental issues.

  • IDEA Village is a New Orleans based 501(c)3 nonprofit founded on the principle of supporting regional startups and the big thinkers that power them. The IDEA Village team mobilizes a village of people who are relentlessly resourceful and committed to building successful companies.

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