What is the primary purpose of the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP)?

The primary purpose of the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP) is conservation. This program is specifically designed to protect and preserve coastal and estuarine areas due to their ecological significance and vulnerability to development and environmental degradation. By focusing on land conservation, CELCP aims to safeguard these critical habitats, ensuring that they remain intact for the benefit of wildlife, ecosystems, and the communities that rely on them.

Conservation efforts under this program often involve acquiring land or conservation easements, which help prevent urban sprawl, maintain water quality, and support biodiversity within these vital regions. The emphasis on protecting these areas highlights the importance of preserving natural resources and ecological functions, which ultimately benefits future generations.

While aspects like tourism, recreation, economic development, and housing can be associated with coastal and estuarine areas, they are not the main goals of CELCP. This program prioritizes the conservation of land to combat threats like climate change, habitat loss, and pollution, making conservation its primary focus.