The Inheritance Project

Florida Catholic Conference, FL

Through a statewide environmental justice committee made up of representatives from each of Florida’s seven dioceses and the Florida Catholic Conference, the Inheritance Project is designed to educate the Catholic community regarding environment issues surrounding water degradation in Florida aquifers and ecosystem.

Water quality and sustainability are critical concerns facing Florida residents, but the Florida Catholic Conference has undertaken more than education efforts to motivate responsible and just stewardship of this precious resource. With help from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Diocese established the “Inheritance Project,” marking a turning point from previous efforts. What had been an educational campaign began to incorporate legislative advocacy and coalition building as well.

A state project coordinator with the Environmental Justice Committee has helped conduct workshops, form diocesan and/or deanery task forces, and establish relationships with various groups and agencies that address water concerns and water management.

The Project plans to build a Catholic constituency for environmental justice, create a statewide Catholic network to develop a legislative strategy on water and other environmental concerns, and host diocesan and statewide gatherings on environmental issues specifically addressing growth and water management.

An Environmental Justice Committee was formed to explore the problems surrounding Florida’s water supply, and educate Catholics and others about possible solutions. The key to success in Florida has been the ability of all seven Florida dioceses to be a catalyst for dialogue among various stakeholders in the debate around water resources. They developed a broad coalition of Catholics, government officials, water experts, secular and faith-based environmental advocacy groups as well as young adults.

The committee gained understanding about:

* The use of Aquifer Storage and Recovery Units;

* The need for new and renovated water treatment plants;

* The threat of emerging contaminants in water supplies and their impact on public health; and

* Continued need for understanding of better growth management and sustainability tactics.

In response, they have developed a three-fold approach, becoming leading advocates around the state.

The Florida Catholic Conference determined to become more involved in environmental legislative advocacy, particularly as it addresses public health issues and low-income and marginalized communities. The main focus of the group has been aquifer depletion and water quality concerns. Appropriate use of the underground aquifer storage and recovery units remains a concern not only in South Florida but other parts of the state where regional pilot projects have arisen.

The project coordinator along with other environmental group leaders has engaged in forum discussions with water managers about the need for ensuring water is treated appropriately before being injected into the underground storage tanks.

In Central, Southeast and Southwest Florida, efforts have begun to encourage the development and/or renovation of water treatment facilities that have historically subjected marginalized and fixed income communities to substandard drinking water quality.

The bishops of Florida plan to update and re-issue a pastoral statement regarding environmental stewardship with a primary focus on Florida’s water concerns.

The diocesan representatives have continued implementing educational initiatives for parishes and schools in their communities. One particular water quality curriculum has been used in nearly 20 Catholic middle schools in a lake water-testing educational program.

In nearly every diocese and in many venues projects crafted by Catholic leaders have emerged. The Archdiocese of Miami established October 11, 2002 as Environmental Justice Sunday. Palm Beach Diocese has co-sponsored presentations with the South Florida Water Management district and addressed principals and directors of religious education. The Diocese of St. Augustine joined with the regional water management district to put on five workshops during 2002-2003 on water quality issues in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Florida.

Contact:

Inheritance Project Coordinator

InheritProject@aol.com

407-277-7266 or 407-869-1466