Mission: To champion the integration of sustainable urban development with marine conservation, ensuring that coastal communities thrive both economically and environmentally and to foster resilient, vibrant cities that coexist harmoniously with the surrounding marine ecosystems, benefiting current and future generations.
About: The Blue Urban Project is a nonprofit organization founded in St. Petersburg, Florida, with a mission to bridge the gap between sustainable urban planning and marine conservation, particularly in coastal communities. BUP is dedicated to addressing the environmental and social challenges that arise from rapid urbanization in coastal areas. BUP focuses on creating resilient urban environments that are in harmony with marine ecosystems. The organization's initiatives include policy advocacy, community education, original research, and support services for veterans. By leveraging a network of experts in sustainable urban planning and marine conservation, BUP aims to influence local and national policies, promote environmental stewardship, and support economically disadvantaged communities in coastal regions. BUP's programs are designed to be adaptable, responding to the evolving needs of the community, shifts in policy, and the impacts of natural disasters.
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Kirsten Hutchings
Co-Founder
Kirsten, a Florida native, has always been connected to her environment, sparking an early interest in becoming an environmentalist. While that goal would come to fruition two decades later, her journey first took her into the military and then the federal government for the past 20 years focusing on policy analysis. In the subsequent years she embraced a new chapter focused on marine conservation and sustainable urban planning. This passion ultimately led to the founding of the Blue Urban Project, where she continues her commitment to preserving both sustainable urban planning and marine ecosystems in coastal cities. Kirsten’s hobbies include scuba diving, traveling, reading, and spending time with her fur kids. Kirsten has a Master of Science in Sustainable Energy from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Political Science from Eckerd College.