Coastal Restoration Grants by Baker Hughes Foundation: Supporting Resilient Communities and Ecosystems

The Baker Hughes Foundation recently made significant contributions towards coastal restoration efforts in the United States. On Monday, they announced two generous grants: one worth $100,000, directed towards the National Coastal Resilience Fund, and another worth $50,000, dedicated to the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. 

The National Coastal Resilience Fund, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, focuses on promoting nature-based solutions to bolster the resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems. By supporting conservation projects that enhance natural features, the fund aims to minimize the impacts of storms and other natural events on vulnerable communities. 

On the other hand, the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) works tirelessly at the state, local, and federal levels to safeguard and rejuvenate the coastal areas in Louisiana. Given the state's significant coastal land loss and its potential impact on energy, navigation, and fisheries interests, CRCL strives to ensure a thriving and sustainable coast for all. 

These grants have a broader significance as coastal communities and ecosystems across the nation face increasing threats from rising sea levels, more intense storms, and changing rainfall patterns. Such challenges have significant implications for the country's energy interests. Wetlands along the coastline play a crucial role in providing various ecological services. 

Moreover, these contributions align with Baker Hughes' commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13, which urges urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The company's extensive presence, with over 1,000 employees in Louisiana and 12,000 employees across U.S. territories, further emphasizes their dedication to supporting the communities where they conduct business. 

“Healthy marine and coastal ecosystems are an important aspect of biodiversity and climate change. “We aim to champion strong environmental stewardship by protecting these natural resources,” said Allyson Book, chief sustainability officer at Baker Hughes. “Our donations to the National Coastal Resilience Fund and the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is one way we make progress on our biodiversity goals and demonstrate our commitment to the United Nation’s sustainable development goals.”

“This generous donation will help CRCL do more to restore Louisiana’s disappearing coastal wetlands,” said Kim Reyher, executive director of the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. “We face daunting challenges associated with climate change in South Louisiana. We are grateful to work with companies like Baker Hughes that understand the importance of investing in communities.” 

To know more about Baker Hughes’ work in supporting its communities, click here.