NEW ORLEANS – Representatives of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and the organizers of ResCon, a globally recognized hub of resilience, disaster management and innovation, participated in an oyster shell recycling program by the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL). This week’s event saw several members of the Convention Center and ResCon teams volunteer their time, bagging more than 8,000 pounds of oyster shells which will be placed along areas of Louisiana’s coastline to allow for the growth of new oysters, the creation of new fish habitats, and more.

Launched in 2014, the CRCL’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program gathers shells from participating New Orleans-based restaurants and uses them to restore oyster reefs and shoreline habitats across Coastal Louisiana. This is vital work, as most shells that are removed from the coasts are never returned, with a large amount ending up in landfills. Since the program’s launch, more than 30 restaurants have donated 10 million pounds of shells for recycling, resulting in the construction of four oyster reefs.

The program will also help add to the coastal buffer zone that will protect Louisiana residents. The shells added to the shoreline will help dissipate waves and fortify wetlands that have seen heavy losses with an increase in intense storm activity.

“As residents of Louisiana, our resiliency has been tested time and time again,” said Katie Calabrese, Convention Center Director of Special Events and Partnerships and Director of ResCon. “We are so excited to assist with this vital project by the CRCL to add a preventative measure against the pressing environmental issues that affect our family and friends in Louisiana.”

ResCon offers programming that touches on a wide range of topics including water and emergency management, cybersecurity, disaster resilience, and much more. Visit resconnola.com to learn more about ResCon and to register to be notified for future ResCon events.


A portion of the over 8,000 pounds of shells bagged and distributed by the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and ResCon teams.

 


A volunteer packs oyster shells into a bag for use in protecting the Louisiana coastline.


New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Staff pose for a photo after bagging more than 8,000 pounds of oyster shells on behalf of the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.

(Left to Right) Floyd Griffin, Director of Event Operations; Katie Calabrese, Director of Special Events and Partnerships; Kari Ferguson, Special Events Manager; and Cassie Jones, Senior Event Manager

 

 

About the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

With 1.1 million square feet of prime exhibit space, in an entirely contiguous hall, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center provides the largest single exhibit space in the country, features an award-winning staff, first class amenities, and is the sixth largest convention center in the nation. A leading contributor to the city’s robust tourism economy, the Convention Center’s event activity has produced $90.1 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening, including $5.7 billion in new tax revenue for state and local governments.

About ResCon
The mission of ResCon is to unite expert thought leaders from round the world from business, academia, government, and international organizations to develop best practice and policy information in order for communities and businesses to thrive and achieve resiliency. This annual event will provide a unique convening platform to connect, identify, and collectively develop creative standards and solutions that will result in the mitigation of loss of life and property when catastrophic events occur.

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