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r) 0 0 n.j .n. () " , , "l,-/ / ,. V<';.,,,l~ . Establish mitigation and restoration surcharges on all water and power used in the basin, to begin a pro- cess of internalizing ecosystem damage costs and to provide a reliable and broad-based source of funds for delta restoration. An alternative version of this idea is to levy a surcharge (in water or money) against all U.S. transfers of Colorado River water, with rev- enues going to restore critical habitat in U.S. and Mexico or to purchase water for the delta. Water pur- chased or leased for environmental purposes should not be subject to these surcharges. Any fees would be earmarked to protect the "public- good" values of the river, such as habitat, wildlife, and recreation, including protection and restoration of the delta and upper Gulf. Revenues could be collected by an entity authorized to represent envi- ronmental uses in the water market (i.e., buying or leasing water for the environment) and/ or spend monies for habitat restoration projects. Eligible enti- ties might include a binational river commission representing environmental interests throughout the entire river basin. This entity could then administer funds to organizations that undertake conservation activities. DOL states, tribes . Revise environmental regulations in the United States to allow mitigation and mitigation banking programs to support delta habitats. Healthy delta habitats could offset damage to threatened species and habitats else- where in the lower Colorado basin. In some instances, it may be easy to demonstrate that greater benefits would accrue from conservation measures in the delta than in other areas of the basin. CEQ DOL EP A USFW~IBWCSEMARNAP-INE Until delta restoration is funded through revenue generated from consumptive uses of Colorado River water, there will be a continued need for support from public agencies and foundations. Considerable advocacy and grassroots organizing will be necessary to keep delta restoration a priority. . Establish delta restoration as a priority for funding programs dedicated to the United States-Mexico border environment. CEC, an international funding institution established in the wake of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), should ensure that money is available for delta restoration. CEC ENViRONJViENTAL OFFENSE fUND . Support entities currently working to restore the delta. Foundations and public agencies that have sponsored research and advocacy for delta restora- tion should continue their support, and foundations with relevant missions should be solicited by advo- cacy groups for funds. The Mexican Fund for the Conservation of Nature is one possible source of funding. Foundations, EPA USFW~ CEC . Coordinate restoration efforts. The organizations that receive funding to conduct various conservation ac- tivities for the delta should be vigilant in coordinating their work. INCREASE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Public interest groups on both sides of the border have worked well to coordinate their response to delta threats. U.s.-based conservation groups have joined in partner- ship with Mexican groups to conduct research, educate, forge coalitions, encourage dialogue, and address the needs of people who live near the delta and depend on its resources. Two Mexican organizations, PRONA TURA and the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO), have been particularly effective in soliciting the involvement of local commu- nities. No entity, however, has yet emerged as the primary facilitator of local involvement and advocate for local interests. The success of our recommendations to preserve the delta will require a concerted effort to communicate these issues, to solicit information about the delta, and to build grassroots support. We encour- age continued public participation in policy and management decisions and recommend coordination among the various involved organizations to ensure that efforts are not duplicated. . Listen to delta communities. The agencies and organizations working on delta restoration should seek input from communities in the delta concern- ing strategies to improve delta ecosystems. Successful delta restoration must recognize and include the concerns and needs of the local population. All organizations with an interest in the delta . Establish a coalition of organizations interested in the delta. There are many groups in Mexico and the u.s. presently working on delta restoration. An internet- based communications network would allow the sharing of research results and ideas, and would strengthen the overall effort. All organizations with an interest in the delta 45