LESSONS LEARNED

In the past fundamental mistakes were made in managing the South Florida ecosystem. But these "mistakes" often were the result of public attitudes, a desire for quick and simple solutions, and a general lack of understanding of the functions and dynamics of the ecosystem.

Today public attitudes are changing. The natural system's inherent connections to the built environment, its economic values, and the complexity of current problems are being recognized.

And we recognize that we have the science needed for today's decisions. We also understand that we need additional scientific knowledge for the decisions to be made and to validate the actions we take throughout the process. Holistic and adaptive methods designed to deal with these problems are being developed and continually refined. This form of iterative feedback minimizes mistakes that compound through time.

SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES

The problems confronting us today are not totally federal in origin, nor can they be traced solely to state, local, tribal, or private actions. The problems stem from the combined actions of all levels of society, taking place over a long period of time. The problems are too complex and far-reaching for any one entity to address them alone. As the South Florida ecosystem restoration effort progresses the cost, resources, and staffing required must be shared fairly among all the partners involved. Problems jointly made, must likewise be faced jointly.

THE NEXT STEP

The next step in the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Project is to build upon the framework that has evolved thus far. This must be accomplished following two parallel tracks: (1) the continuation and expansion of ongoing efforts and (2) the development of a long-range, integrated strategic plan that will synthesize existing plans and activities throughout the region and serve as the framework for future adaptive management for the next 50 years. It will be an overall blueprint for ecological, social, and economic balance that provides strategies for the short-term resolution of critical issues as well as strategies for achieving long-term restoration and sustainability of the ecosystem.

THE BUY-IN

A well-constructed plan does not guarantee success. Consensus and buy-in from all levels of government, as well as the public and private sectors, are needed to turn restoration goals into reality.

The broad-based partnerships and coalitions forged between governmental agencies, tribal governments, farmers, corporations, and private individuals clearly demonstrate the necessity of a shared sense of vision and commitment. They also show how powerful a joint sense of vested interest can be in achieving difficult objectives.

Yet, action takes money. Consistent and adequate funding, from all available sources, will be needed to restore and maintain the South Florida ecosystem. Dwindling or erratic funding could undermine the gains made thus far.

WISE INVESTMENTS

For South Florida a healthy ecosystem is not a nicety, it is a necessity. Linking and balancing the needs of both the natural and the built environments is the most viable way to ensure that South Florida remains recognized as a special place regionally, nationally, and internationally.

The vision for South Florida is a sustainable, holistic, and integrated ecosystem. A conceptual blueprint has been drawn, and a healthy, productive start is underway. Already the benefits of restoration are becoming more apparent. Revitalizing urban core areas is creating new jobs. Reducing the levels of phosphorus and the pulses of agricultural and urban stormwater runoff are beginning to stop the degradation of estuaries and coastal breeding grounds, thus helping to maintain commercial and recreational fishing. And best management practices are resulting in improved farming techniques that will guide this important industry into the 21st century.

The effort is also generating a tremendous volume of data on tropical and neotropical terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Moreover, the models and data management systems being developed will ensure that the accumulating databank will be manipulated and interpreted to make informed management decisions.

Equally important are the examples of building partnerships, streamlining management, and working collaboratively for common goals. The progress made in revitalizing urban core areas and successfully balancing growth and resource protection demonstrates that sustainability is a viable concept that can be achieved in the real world.

The advances made in South Florida show that ecosystem restoration works. And the lessons, strategies, and methods emerging from this effort have much broader applications. The increasing knowledge on restoration methods holds relevancy for similar habitats around the world, while the strides made in fostering sustainable urban and agricultural zones provides models and direction for urban areas internationally.

The South Florida ecosystem is a unique natural and cultural system. There is no other like it in the world. The future of this special place depends on its health, vitality, and sustainability. Continued investment in the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Project will ensure success in Florida — and will also lay the groundwork for successes in many other ecosystems.