The Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative will pay some farmers and ranchers to flood Gulf area fields. This monetary incentive for flooding fields has been created in order to provide alternative habitats for migratory birds that will otherwise be forced to areas fouled by oil from the BP Gulf oil spill.
Former wetlands and lowlands in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas are targeted for the flooding project. The hope is that birds will be attracted to safe areas before they reach oil-contaminated land. It is not known if flooding the Gulf area fields will be an effective way to save wildlife.
What's Driving This Trend
- Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative
- Creating monetary incentives for farmers and ranchers to flood fields in Gulf area to provide alternative habitats for migratory birds and prevent them from being forced to areas fouled by oil from the BP Gulf oil spill.
- Wetlands Preservation
- Increasing efforts to preserve wetlands and lowlands in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas to provide safe habitats for migratory birds.
- Wildlife Protection
- Developing innovative solutions to protect wildlife populations affected by natural disasters and man-made catastrophes, such as oil spills.
Who This Affects Most
- Agriculture
- Fostering collaboration between farmers, ranchers, and conservationists to provide safe habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife species in agricultural lands.
- Environmental Conservation
- Expanding efforts to preserve wetlands and other critical habitats, and to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and man-made catastrophes on wildlife populations.
- Wildlife Tourism
- Creating new opportunities for sustainable wildlife tourism that supports conservation efforts and promotes awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife habitats and biodiversity.
