The Institute of Environment (IoE) represents one of the largest collections of faculty and students associated with water and environmental science in the United States. Increased concern over the preservation of Florida's natural areas and resources has created a critical need for accurate, unbiased scientific information for those who must make decisions affecting the sustainability of these fragile resources. This Preeminent Program includes the Southeast Environmental Research Center, Center for Coastal Oceans Research and the Medina Aquarius Program, the Florida Coastal Everglades Long Term Ecological Research Program, plus an NSF-funded Center of Excellence on aquatic chemistry and ecotoxicology. It also includes the newly established Sea Level Solutions Center, bringing together faculty from nearly every college and school at FIU to address challenges posed by rising seas. In addition, the Institute features organized research units on the Sustainable Built Environment and Informatics, InWE International Program and Socio-ecological Systems. From the wetlands of the Everglades to the coral reefs in the oceans, institute researchers are helping to preserve freshwater and marine resources for future generations.