Biscayne Times, February 2, 2024
By Paul Hindsley, Ph.D, The Everglades Foundation
The Biscayne Times has covered the health of Biscayne Bay multiple times in recent months. Clean water and healthy ecosystems support our economy not only in Miami-Dade, but in the entire state of Florida.
In fact, Biscayne Bay-related activities account for nearly $64 billion in economic output, $23.3 billion in residential income, 448,000 jobs and $3.9 billion in tax revenue for the county. The impact that the Everglades ecosystem has on our clean water economy is another impactful example of the importance of restoring and protecting it.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the 16 counties within the Everglades ecosystem contributed $683 billion to Florida’s economy in 2021, making it an integral part of the state’s overall economic health, totaling $1.29 trillion. This financial impact underscores the necessity of preserving the delicate balance within the Everglades.
Beyond the raw economic figures, the Everglades serves as the lifeblood of our region, protecting the water we drink, our recreational experiences and even our resilience to natural disasters. It is a dynamic network providing tangible benefits to residents and visitors.
In our pursuit of understanding the value of these resources, various organizations, including academic, governmental, private and nongovernmental entities, have conducted studies. Their findings shed light on the multifaceted advantages the Everglades bestows upon us:
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