The Everglades Foundation Establishes First Visiting Scholar in Economics Program

The program is made possible by a gift from globally recognized leader in infrastructure investment and economic policy, Board Member, Dr. Sadek Wahba

Boater navigates Florida Bay, surrounded by mangroves. Photo by The Everglades Foundation.

August 4, 2024 — The Everglades Foundation is proud to announce the creation of its first named visiting scholar position, made possible by a generous endowment gift from Board Member Dr. Sadek Wahba, a globally recognized leader in infrastructure investment and economic policy.

“This endowment is a visionary investment in the long-term sustainability of America’s Everglades,” said Eric Eikenberg, CEO of The Everglades Foundation. “By establishing this Scholar Program, Sadek is helping to elevate fact-based research in shaping sound policy and restoration strategies. This program will deepen our understanding of the Everglades as a natural economic asset that contributes, ensuring that protection efforts are informed, effective and enduring.”

The Everglades Foundation, in collaboration with Earth Economics, recently released a first-of-its-kind economic analysis that values the Everglades as a $1 trillion asset to the state of Florida. This new initiative builds on the Foundation’s growing body of economic research supporting Everglades restoration. The Wahba Visiting Scholar in Economics will have the opportunity to build on this work, collaborating closely with the Foundation’s science team to further quantify the economic and ecological value of America’s Everglades and help inform policy, investment, and long-term restoration strategy.

“The Everglades are not only a unique ecological treasure but also a powerful economic engine for Florida and the nation,” said Sadek Wahba. “There is the urgent need to support rigorous, data-driven research that deepens our understanding of the Everglades' economic value and informs smarter, long-term decisions to protect and restore this irreplaceable natural resource.”

Dr. Sadek Wahba

The newly established Wahba Science & Economics Scholar Endowment Fund will support visiting economists whose work deepens understanding of the economic value and impact of America’s Everglades. The visiting scholar will work in residence alongside the Foundation’s team of Ph.D. scientists. Together, they will work to advance research that strengthens the measurable links between the Greater Everglades ecosystem and South Florida’s economy.

This effort represents a major milestone in the Foundation’s FOCUS 2030 strategic plan, which prioritizes expanding its science and research capacity through a visiting scholars program. The Wahba Visiting Scholar in Economics will be the first in a series of scholar appointments that aim to enhance the Foundation’s mission-driven work through interdisciplinary collaboration and high-impact research.

Dr. Wahba is Chairman and Managing Partner of the Miami-based global infrastructure investment firm I Squared Capital. His distinguished career includes serving as an economist at The World Bank, a former member of the White House’s National Infrastructure Advisory Council, and being named Global Infrastructure Personality of the Decade by Private Equity International.

Additional details and application instructions will be made available on the Foundation’s website when the application period opens later this year. 

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