SUNS 2.0 Press Release
*For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
St. Andrew and St. Joseph Bays Estuary Program
Aleighsa Wright – Outreach Specialist
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (850) 770-2198
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St. Andrew and St. Joseph Bays Estuary Program Announces Continued Partnership with The Nature Conservancy to Advance Nature-Based Solutions in the Florida Panhandle via SUNS 2.0
Panama City, FL – 06/23/2025
Panama City, FL – January 9, 2025 – The St. Andrew and St. Joseph Bays Estuary Program (SASJBEP) is pleased to announce its continued partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Gulf Program in the Scaling Up Nature-Based Solutions 2.0 (SUNS 2.0) initiative. This collaboration aims to identify and begin execution of nature-based solutions to enhance resilience in the Florida Panhandle, particularly in Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties.
The SUNS project is a multi-year effort dedicated to addressing challenges such as flooding, sea-level rise, threats to wildlife, and economic development by utilizing natural solutions like wetlands and living shorelines. By bringing together local stakeholders, SUNS 2.0 will continue to identify further the implementation of projects that incorporate nature-based solutions, which will ultimately increase our resilience to the many challenges facing the Panhandle.
The SUNS initiative brings together a working group of 25 local stakeholders, including municipal governments, environmental organizations, state and federal entities, and the public.
With funding provided by The Nature Conservancy, SASJBEP will continue to work closely with local governments and communities in Bay and Gulf counties to advance several of the 72 projects previously identified in the SUNS portfolio with potential for the incorporation of additional projects. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to fostering sustainable and resilient ecosystems in the Florida Panhandle.
To date, the SUNS team, which is comprised of members of The Nature Conservancy, St. Andrew and St. Joseph Bays Estuary Program, and the Northwest Florida Water Management District, has submitted 47 proposals and secured $11,509,000 for design, implementation and construction of nature-based solution projects that will benefit Bay, Gulf and Franklin county communities.
“These communities, which were impacted by Hurricane Michael in 2018, are relying on nature as part of their plan to be more resilient to future named storms. Investments have been made in restoring beaches and dunes, installing living shorelines, and building stormwater wetland parks that reduce flood risk while providing benefits for both people and wildlife.” Dr. Christine Shepard, SUNS Program Director, The Nature Conservancy
For more information about the SUNS project and SASJBEP’s initiatives, please visit www.SASJBEP.org or contact [email protected].
About St. Andrew and St. Joseph Bays Estuary Program (SASJBEP):
Our Vision:
Healthy, resilient bays and estuarine habitats that support native species, natural systems, recreation, fisheries and the economy, together with vibrant, resilient, and sustainable communities in the watershed that live in harmony with the needs of the estuary.
Our Mission:
To collaborate—as representatives of private, public, and non-governmental stakeholders—to improve our common sense, science-based understanding of the needs of the estuary, and to develop, promote and implement projects that protect and restore the health of the bays.
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About The Nature Conservancy (TNC):
The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the United States through grassroots action in 1951, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Their mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.
The SUNS Team
The SUNS Team from left to right: Katie Konchar (TNC), Jessica Graham (SASJBEP), Chris Shepard (TNC), Darryl Boudreau (NWFWMD), and Robert Bendick (TNC)
