Victoria Sagrera Bourque
I Hope: Visions for a Sustainable Future in Coastal Louisiana
The goal of CWPPRA’s "I Hope" Project is to hear from Louisiana residents whose lives are touched by our coastal wetlands. Each advocate has a unique story as they share their hopes for coastal Louisiana's future.
Kacie Wright
Lauren Leonpacher
Victoria Sagrera Bourque, born on December 31, 1990, in Lafayette, Louisiana, is a passionate advocate for coastal restoration in Louisiana. She grew up in Mouton Cove, a small area just south of Abbeville, Louisiana, and north of Intracoastal City, in a family with strong agricultural roots. Her childhood memories are filled with experiences on the farm, from following her grandfather around to testing the soil for salinity after storms. These experiences, coupled with her coastal upbringing, fueled her passion for coastal restoration. Victoria's concern for the future of the coast was sparked by witnessing the changes on the coast over a short span of 20 years, including the disappearance of grassy spots that were once hotspots for fishing. Today, she serves as the executive director of Restore or Retreat, a nonprofit coastal advocacy group that works to implement large-scale, long-term restoration solutions in the Barataria and Terrebonne Basins of Louisiana, which is the Bayou region.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Victoria Sagrera Bourque, conducted by Lauren Leonpacher on October 28, 2021, provides an in-depth look into Victoria's experiences, memories, and hopes for a sustainable future for coastal Louisiana. The interview begins with Victoria sharing about her childhood in Mouton Cove, her family's agricultural background, and how these experiences shaped her passion for coastal restoration. She then discusses her current role as the executive director of Restore or Retreat and the organization's efforts in implementing restoration solutions in the Barataria and Terrebonne Basins of Louisiana. Victoria also shares her observations of the changes on the coast over the years and her concerns about the implications of these changes for the coast and communities. Towards the end of the interview, Victoria expresses her hopes for the future, particularly for her child and future generations, to have the same coastal upbringing and opportunities that she had. The interview concludes with Victoria expressing her optimism for the future and her belief that their efforts are making a difference.
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