In 2003, Shell committed $3 million to the educational fund of America’s WETLAND: Campaign to Save Coastal Louisiana. This nationwide effort, initiated in 2003 by the State of Louisiana, will raise awareness of the world ecological significance of coastal Louisiana and the impact it has on the nation’s economy and energy security. Louisiana Governor M. J. “Mike” Foster, Jr. introduced the campaign at the Southern Governor’s Conference in New Orleans.
With more than 2,500 employees operating in Louisiana, Shell is dedicated to the sustainable development of the area’s wetlands.
More than 95 percent of all marine species living in the Gulf of Mexico spend all or part of their lifecycle in Louisiana’s wetlands. Coastal Louisiana provides one of the largest habitats in the world for migratory waterfowl. More importantly, the risk of life and property loss for Louisiana residents continues to increase as the coastal wetlands that provide protection from hurricanes and storm surges disappear.
“Shell has had a long-standing commitment to environmental protection, “ said Rob Routs, president and CEO of Shell Oil Products US and president of Shell Oil Company Foundation. “The viability of Louisiana’s coast is important to all of us. And because this is an area where Shell employees live and work, Shell is especially proud to help bring Louisiana’s unique ecosystem to the public’s attention.”
Donated over a three-year period, Shell’s grant will be used for outreach, such as videos, brochures and Public Service Announcements to educate the public about the loss of Louisiana wetlands.