PRNewswire/Shell Press Release: Shell Partners With the America's WETLAND Campaign and the State of Louisiana to Support 'Eco-Cultural' Tourism Initiative (ShellNews.net)
Monday October 18 2004
Grant of $800,000 Will Fund Informational Materials on Louisiana Wetlands
NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Shell Oil Company today announced that it has partnered with the America's WETLAND Campaign to Save Coastal Louisiana and the State of Louisiana to support a statewide initiative to promote the Louisiana wetlands as an attractive 'eco-cultural' tourist destination.
Shell has granted $800,000 to fund the production and distribution of informational materials for the initiative called "A Place Called America's WETLAND." The goals are to make residents and visitors more aware of the natural and cultural riches found in the wetlands region of Louisiana and to foster greater public awareness of the impacts of wetlands loss.
The informational materials will include birding maps of the wetlands area and a series of brochures focusing on the four themes of the wetlands -- Experience, Enjoy, Educate and Explore. Also, interactive kiosks programmed with entertaining, engaging and informational content will be installed at 25 America's WETLAND Resource Centers and other tourist destinations in Louisiana. In addition, members of the public will soon be able to pick up wetlands maps and brochures at participating statewide Shell gasoline stations.
"Since Shell has had a long-standing commitment to environmental protection, we are very pleased to be working with partners committed to raising awareness of the world ecological significance of coastal Louisiana and its impact on the nation's economy and energy security," said Lynn Laverty Elsenhans, President of Shell Oil Company. "With approximately 4,000 employees and significant energy infrastructure both onshore and offshore Louisiana, Shell also has a major stake in sustaining the coastal ecosystem of the state."
"The wetlands region of Louisiana has great potential as a destination for eco-cultural tourists from both this country and other parts of the world," said Valsin A. Marmillion, campaign consultant for America's WETLAND. "After experiencing its beauty and learning about the threats to its future existence, we are hopeful that visitors will become strong advocates for efforts to restore and save this unique eco-system."
Apart from providing financial support to raise public awareness on issues related to wetland preservation, Shell is working with state and federal agencies as 'World Sponsor' of the America's WETLAND campaign and serves on the Louisiana Governor's Coastal Advisory Commission. Shell is also proud to be part of the current JASON Foundation for Education initiative to supply Louisiana science teachers with professional development opportunities and multi-media, interdisciplinary curriculum materials to educate all seventh- and eighth-grade public school students about the plight of the Louisiana wetlands.
About Shell Oil Company
Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies. Including its consolidated companies and its share in equity companies, Shell Oil is one of America's leading oil and natural gas producers, natural gas marketers, gasoline marketers and petrochemical manufacturers. Shell Oil is the leading oil and gas producer in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico and is a recognized pioneer in oil and gas exploration and production technology.
About America's WETLAND
Announced by the State of Louisiana in August 2002, the America's WETLAND campaign is raising public awareness and gaining support for efforts to save coastal Louisiana. The initiative is supported by a growing cadre of world, national and state conservation and environmental organizations and has drawn private support from businesses that see wetlands protection as a key to economic growth.
Source: Shell Oil Company
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