The Partnership
The Brooklyn Bridge Forest project is designed to make vital connections, increase understanding and produce cooperative action - between individuals around the world; between a bridge under our feet and a faraway forest, between New York City and the global environment.
Our stakeholders are the people who live in, own and control the future of rainforest lands, primarily indigenous people and international governments; The New Yorkers and visitors who take pride and ownership of their favourite bridge; The New York City government who is charged with maintaining the bridge, as well as demonstrating leadership on environmental issues; And organizations and businesses, both local and global, that have an interest, expertise or ability to support these issues.
We believe that individual awareness, collective ownership, transparency and public policy leadership are the four cornerstones of sustainable behaviour. The Brooklyn Bridge Forest will integrate stakeholder involvement along several different levels. For example, we see each of the 11,000 planks on the Promenade as an opportunity for visible individual support: one plank, one donation, one sponsor's name. We see a rainforest and its’ inhabitants in a far-off land, connected to the international landmark of the Brooklyn Bridge. We see both becoming connected and recognized as a beacon of sustainability. Partnerships between individual sponsors, organizations and government entities will create the substantial endowment and new form of oversight to sustain the Brooklyn Bridge Forest, and a leadership model for global sustainability.
The Brooklyn Bridge Forest will establish a uniquely strong and visible network of mutually supportive relationships across geographic and cultural boundaries. Individuals in New York City and beyond will become partners through plank sponsorship. Local and national governments will provide oversight, responsive policy and support. Training, education and marketable skill-development will be part of the value offered to the indigenous local people. Organizations with expertise will provide research and knowledge on a wide range of issues, from forestry best practices to historical and financial issues. Corporations with an interest in supporting the cause can underwrite the effort with expertise or financial support. Local NYC schools will use the project as a tangible example of applied science, math and geography. International universities will use the project as an advance level research site.
If you or your organization would like to partner with us in this project, please contact us. Or join the cause and become a Brooklyn Bridge Forest member now.