UBS Monocle
World-class waters
Rachel Silverstein
CEO, Miami Waterkeeper
As the CEO of Miami Waterkeeper, Dr Rachel Silverstein is at the forefront of protecting the city’s famous beaches and world-class waterways. “Our vision is a Miami that’s resilient, sustainable and where clean water and healthy ecosystems are a given,” she says.
To protect South Florida’s waters the non-profit organisation focuses on local solutions to global challenges that are backed by science, rooted in nature and driven by community. As CEO, Silverstein is equal parts investigator, scientist, educator and legal advocate. “My role is different every day,” she says.
With the Atlantic ocean on one side and the Everglades on the other, communities and nature live side by side in Miami. Educating locals about water solutions and advocating for their rights is one of Miami Waterkeeper’s most important roles. “I often spend time connecting with community members, training volunteers and strategising with our team on how to respond to environmental threats,” says Silverstein. “One of our sources of power is our ability to pivot quickly to where the community needs us most.”
Miami Waterkeeper’s educational programmes are important in this respect. “We’re helping Miami’s citizens to understand the importance of a healthy ecosystem and be empowered to take action,” says Silverstein. “Our goal is to create a movement, where everyone feels a personal responsibility to protect our water and ecosystems. It’s about building a culture of stewardship so that future generations can enjoy the clean waters and thriving ecosystems that make Miami such a special place.”
Find out more about Miami Waterkeeper at miamiwaterkeeper.org and visit Miami’s protected coastline from South Beach to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Beach.
