The founding document
The whole idea,
in Liz’s words.
The October 2026 proposal brings the institute’s science, values, people, and practical possibilities into one working document. Explore its original wording below, or download the complete 27-page PDF.
This is a working proposal. It retains draft names, preliminary figures, and proposed roles so the source can be read in full. The main site presents an edited introduction to that vision.
- About the instituteThe concept, mission, and seven-generation vision.pp. 2–3, 6–7
- Why freshwaterThe biodiversity crisis, infrastructure gaps, and the case for independent science.pp. 3–6
- Our valuesSeven core values and the ethics that guide the proposed institute.pp. 8–9
- Our peopleFounder, founding board members, and potential collaborators named in the pitch.pp. 10–14
- Research & conservationSpecies recovery, conservation propagation, monitoring, and applied freshwater ecology.pp. 15–16
- Education & communityPublic outreach, hands-on training, mentorship, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge.pp. 16–17
- Partnerships & governanceThe proposed board, Youth Council, safeguards, and regional role.pp. 9–10, 18
- The facilityThe proposed location, laboratories, propagation systems, and future infrastructure.pp. 19
- Funding the missionThe draft business plan, startup estimates, and potential revenue streams.pp. 20–24
- Future goalsProposed five-to-ten-year outcomes and potential flagship species.pp. 25
- ReferencesThe complete literature cited in the source document.pp. 26–27