USDA Renews Pioneering Partnership with The Coca-Cola Company to Restore Forests, Grasslands and Watersheds
USDA Renews Pioneering Partnership with The Coca-Cola ... USDA.gov
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Decade-long Partnership Restores Water on National Forests and Grasslands
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and The Coca-Cola Company have signed a memorandum of understanding (PDF, 1.1 MB) to renew their 10-year partnership in restoring and improving watersheds on national forests and grasslands across the country.
Restoration Efforts and Achievements
Since 2013, this partnership has successfully restored nearly 900 acres of watersheds and replenished over 634 million gallons of water on national forests and grasslands. The National Forest Foundation (NFF) has played a crucial role in coordinating 25 projects in nine states, which have resulted in the restoration of more than 14 miles of streams, reconnection of 17 miles of river and 62 acres of lakes, treatment of over 450 acres of invasive weeds, and more.
Addressing Environmental Challenges
Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small highlighted the significant threats faced by national forests and grasslands, including wildfires, invasive species, pests, and prolonged drought exacerbated by climate change. To effectively tackle these challenges, long-term management, creative thinking, and collaborative efforts are essential. The partnership between USDA, NFF, and The Coca-Cola Company demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing these issues. Deputy Secretary Torres Small expressed confidence that the renewed agreement will build upon ten years of successful cooperation.
Importance of National Forests and Grasslands
More than 60 million Americans rely on national forests and grasslands as a source of drinking water. Recognizing the critical role of healthy and resilient forests in providing communities with reliable water resources, USDA and its partners are committed to seeking out and building partnerships. The shared goal is to ensure the sustainability of these natural ecosystems and benefit historically underserved communities.
Commitment to Water Stewardship
The Coca-Cola Company has long prioritized water stewardship as a business imperative. Jennifer Mann, President of Coca-Cola North America, emphasized their commitment to being responsible stewards of this vital resource. The renewed partnership will place a greater emphasis on benefiting historically underserved communities and contribute to The Coca-Cola Company’s goal of returning a cumulative 2 trillion liters of water to nature and communities globally between 2021-2030.
Importance of Partnerships
Marcus Selig, Chief Conservation Officer of the National Forest Foundation, highlighted the significance of innovative partnerships in preserving the functionality of streams and rivers for both nature and people. The support from The Coca-Cola Company has already led to significant on-the-ground achievements, and this renewed commitment is expected to drive further success.
Financial Contributions
The Coca-Cola Company and The Coca-Cola Foundation have contributed over $2.6 million to this partnership. In 2023 alone, they have provided nearly $900,000 in funding for projects in Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico aimed at restoring stream and wetland health. Alongside partner and USDA funding, the total investment in the partnership has exceeded $5 million.
Learn More
To learn more about this partnership and others, visit www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/partnerships.
About USDA
The USDA plays a significant role in positively impacting the lives of all Americans. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is focused on transforming America’s food system, promoting resilient local and regional food production, ensuring fair markets for producers, improving access to safe and nutritious food, developing new markets and income streams for farmers using climate-smart practices, investing in rural infrastructure and clean energy capabilities, and promoting equity across the Department. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The article discusses the partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), The Coca-Cola Company, and the National Forest Foundation to restore and improve watersheds on national forests and grasslands. This partnership directly addresses SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. It also connects to SDG 15, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Additionally, the partnership exemplifies SDG 17, as it demonstrates the importance of partnerships and collaboration in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems
- SDG 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems
- SDG 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development
The article mentions the restoration of watersheds, streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands on national forests and grasslands. These activities align with SDG 6.6, which targets the protection and restoration of water-related ecosystems. The focus on restoring stream and wetland health in specific locations also supports SDG 15.1, which aims to ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems. Furthermore, the partnership between USDA, The Coca-Cola Company, and the National Forest Foundation exemplifies SDG 17.16, which calls for enhancing global partnerships for sustainable development.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Restored acres of watersheds
- Replenished gallons of water on national forests and grasslands
- Restored miles of streams
- Reconnected miles of river
- Restored acres of lakes
- Treated acres of invasive weeds
- Funding contributed by The Coca-Cola Company and The Coca-Cola Foundation
- Total funding for partnership projects
The article provides several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include the number of acres of watersheds restored, the volume of water replenished on national forests and grasslands, the miles of streams restored, the miles of river reconnected, the acres of lakes restored, and the acres of invasive weeds treated. Additionally, the funding contributed by The Coca-Cola Company and The Coca-Cola Foundation, as well as the total funding for partnership projects, can serve as indicators of progress.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems |
|
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems |
|
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development |
|
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Source: usda.gov
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