The partnership will advance implementation of green-gray infrastructure solutions for highly vulnerable communities
Los Angeles (January 21, 2021) — AECOM, the world’s premier infrastructure consulting firm, today announced a partnership with Conservation International, a global leader in environmental conservation and sustainable development for more than 30 years, to co-found a new Green-Gray Infrastructure Community of Practice (GGI COP). The GGI COP includes members from leading non-profit, academic, government, and private organizations spanning the conservation, engineering, finance, and construction sectors.
“We all want a greener, safer, healthier world. Now and for future generations. To achieve that outcome, we need to accelerate innovation and learning and apply nature-based solutions, such as green-gray infrastructure, as a climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategy,” said Emily Corwin, director of nature-based engineering solutions at Conservation International.
The newly formed GGI COP is working to help advance science, solutions, partnerships, and field examples of green-gray infrastructure that combine the conservation and restoration of nature with human-engineered solutions.
“By blending conservation and restoration techniques with innovative engineering, green-gray infrastructure provides pioneering solutions that enable communities to mitigate natural disasters and adapt to a changing climate,” said Will Peterson, project manager with AECOM’s global water business. “Through this hybrid approach, communities can incorporate the benefits of both green and gray infrastructure while minimizing the limitations of using either individually. The GGI COP promotes partnership and learning across sectors to produce holistic, innovative solutions.”
Through the GGI COP, AECOM and Conservation International are working together to leverage complementary best practices and expertise to deliver solutions that address community resiliency challenges. The GGI COP plans to release a practical guide for green-grey infrastructure implementation, which will be a tool for engagement with local governments, clients, universities, and field staff to support project implementation.
“We’re looking forward to the collaboration and ideas that come from bringing together research, expertise, and people through the GGI COP. The time is now to prioritize biodiversity and the resilience of communities,” said Daniela Raik, executive vice president of field programs at Conservation International. “By prioritizing the development of green-gray infrastructure, we can improve the wellbeing of people and the nature they and future generations depend upon.”
About AECOM
AECOM is the world’s premier infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical expertise and innovation, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $13.2 billion in fiscal year 2020. See how we deliver what others can only imagine at aecom.com and @AECOM.
About Conservation International
Founded in 1987, Conservation International works to spotlight and secure the critical benefits that nature provides to humanity. Since our inception, we have helped to protect more than 6 million square kilometers of land and sea across more than 70 countries. Currently with more than 1,000 staff working through offices in 29 countries, and with 2,000 partner organizations worldwide, our reach is truly global. Our careful stewardship of contributions and our emphasis on programmatic impact have allowed us to consistently earn the highest ratings for efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency from watchdog groups such as Charity Navigator.
Media Contact:
Rachel Weiss, Senior Communications Manager
(212) 708-6746
rachel.weiss@aecom.com
