THE WATER INITIATIVE
THE WATER INITIATIVE
RESTORE THE RIVER: SHELL BY SHELL
People-powered. UN-aligned. Global urgency.
New York City's East River, The Hudson River and their tributaries are among the most polluted waterways in the country. In response, we are launching The "Water" Initiative — a nature-based restoration effort that aims to breathe life back into our city's waterways.
This initiative supports the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs, with a focus on sustainability, environmental health, and community inclusion.
OUR MISSION
THE VISION
We aim to use native shellfish, particularly caged oysters, to naturally filter pollutants from the river. Harvested indoors, these oysters won't be harvested for consumption, but rather will serve as living infrastructure, restoring water clarity, ecological balance, and biodiversity in a sustainable, cost-effective manner.
THE PLAN
A key element of our strategy involves setting up farm colonies along the shorelines to establish a barrier zone, and docking and infrastructure. This will enable us to scale the impact of the restoration while also creating community-based employment and volunteer opportunities.
COMMUNITY ACTION
We are revitalizing underserved shoreline communities by creating local jobs and building climate resilience, putting people and the planet first.
IMPACT
Restoring New York City’s waterways is a long-term commitment that requires the power of ecosystems, communities, and sustainable action working together. By rebuilding oyster populations, we can help naturally filter water, strengthen marine habitats, and support climate resilience for generations to come. Every contribution supports this growing movement to heal our waters and reimagine what’s possible for our city’s future.
Why Restore NYC’s Waterways?
New York City’s rivers are some of the most polluted in the United States.
Centuries of industrial waste, combined sewer overflows, and habitat destruction have pushed our waterways to the brink.
But this isn’t just about water. It’s about the future of our communities, marine life, and climate resilience.
Our Solution: The Oyster Hatchery
This is a nature-powered solution to heal our riverbeds, improve water quality, and bring life back to NYC’s waterways.
Indoor Hatchery
We cultivate healthy, diverse juvenile oysters.
Spat Deployment
Oysters are carefully seeded in local rivers and artificial reefs.
Water Restoration
Oysters naturally filter pollution and rebuild marine habitats.
Community Collaboration
Local volunteers and schools will be part of the restoration process.
Global Goals, Local Action
Our campaign proudly supports the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
We are independently managed but driven by a shared global urgency.
New York City’s rivers and tributaries are among the most polluted waterways in the United States. In response, the Global Millennium Development Foundation, in partnership with the Public-Private Partnership IGO (P3IGO) and the American Heritage Society, is launching the Water Initiative—a bold, nature-based solution designed to restore these vital ecosystems.
Aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all, the Water Initiative focuses on the natural power of shellfish to cleanse and rejuvenate our waterways, creating healthier environments for both people and wildlife.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
SPONSOR AN OYSTER - $100 (INDIVIDUAL LEVEL)
Support the growth and deployment of a single adult oyster over a six-month period. Each oyster filters up to 50 gallons of water daily, contributing directly to cleaner waterways and ecological restoration.