During the past century, as we all know it, Florida’s coastline experienced a tremendous real estate boom. While this has brought fantastic economic prosperity to our state, allowing millions to relocate here, work and enjoy its natural beauty, it has also led to increased pollution and destruction of many of our delicate habitats, such as the Everglades, mangroves, coral reefs, and many other coastal ecosystems.

ECOMB’s Ecosystem Project aims to address the loss of some of Miami Beach’s most important local habitats and develop strategies that will allow us to:

• Preserve and restore these habitats, such as beaches, mangroves, near-shore coral reefs, sand dunes, Biscayne Bay islands and waters, by establishing partnership with local, state and federal agencies as well as businesses and other non-profits.
• Raise the awareness of local residents and visitors alike to the ecological significance of these habitats through the implementation of local guided eco-tours, as well as production and distribution of educational materials to local residents, schools, restaurants and hotels.

Proposed Projects:

• Flagler Monument Island Restoration: provide logistical and financial support to the CityofMiamiBeachtowards the restoration of the Flagler Monument Island’s park by establishing partnerships withlocalbusinesses, such as the Mondrian South Beach, homeowners’ associations, civic groups, amongst others.

• South of Fifth Coral Nearshore Reef Restoration: raise funds and provide logistical support towards the restoration of the South of Fifth Nearshore Patch Reef System, which was buried under 5’’ of sand in 2002, during a beach restoration undertaking. The implementation of this project has been discussed with the following potential partners: Miami-Dade County DERM, the City of Miami Beach, the Miami Beach Senior High Academy Marine and Environmental Science (AMES), Celebration of the Sea Foundation, and NASA scientists from the Forest Watch Program.

• Mangrove Forest Restoration: develop partnerships and provided logistical support to local organizations (such as Urban Paradise Guild) already involved in the restoration of a variety of mangrove areas throughout Miami Beach and nearby communities.
• ECOMBTours: implementation of educational guided tours to local South Florida habitats.
• South Beach “ARTificial” Reef and Snorkeling Trail Project: proposed

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