Video on why MRCTI Co-Chairs presented in Bonn at COP
The Mississippi River: America's INLAND COAST.
The Mississippi River has long been the lifeblood of the American economy, and the greatest natural resource our nation has. Our Coalition of Mayors is dedicated to preserving and protecting this great waterway, its culture, and its heritage, while promoting growth within their regions. The Mississippi River taps a natural source of the longed-for integration of transportation, farming, industrial, municipal and environmental interests to launch lasting solutions to River management issues.
All photography provided by MRCTI
In 2012, local governments partnered to create a new, influential, and independent voice for the Mississippi River dramatically increasing demand for effective river protection, restoration and management. The Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI) addresses matters of concern through five major programs which include:
Disaster Resilience and Adaptation
International Food and Water Security
Celebration of River Culture, History, and Heritage
There are 124 Mayor-lead Mississippi River main stem cities and towns. These riparian population centers are soundly River-centric. MRCTI gives a common voice to those who depend most upon the River, and by virtue of doing so, spans political and economic interests. That is, it taps a natural source of the longed-for integration of transportation, farming, industrial, municipal and environmental interests to launch lasting solutions to River management issues. The outcome of the MRCTI is designed to be tangible improvement of Mississippi River:
Sustainable development, and
River economy and environmental protection with specific attention to vulnerable populations