Free Green Guide No2

(CNS): A local law firm and NGO dedicated to marine research and education have partnered to produce a booklet to highlight the impact of human activity and climate change on the reefs of the Cayman Islands. The first copies of the Green Guide to the Cayman Islands: Special Publication No. 2: Climate Change and The Sea Around Us, produced by Ogier and the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), will be available on 1 March at a Family Fun Day taking place at Dart Park, South Sound between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm, and will continue to be distributed islands-wide throughout March.

According to a release from CCMI, the Green Guide Special Publication No2 provides a brief summary of the alarming evidence that both human neglect and the changing climate is having a negative impact on reefs and oceans in the Cayman Islands. It follows a similar format to the first with informative easy to read content coupled with vibrant photography, and aims to provide a valuable resource for all businesses, residents and visitors of the issues facing Cayman’s fragile marine ecosystem.

“Our economy depends on tourism from the thousands of visitors who come to our islands to experience the crystal clear waters, perfect coral reefs and abundant sea life and we need action now to help preserve the bio diversity of our islands,” the release says.

“Ogier is pleased to provide continued support to the CCMI in its mission to protect and preserve Cayman’s marine environment," said Ogier Managing Partner, James Bergstrom, "We are fortunate to live and work in the CaymanIslands, where the accessibility of the ocean makes it a vital part of our daily life. This guide willhelp everyone understand and appreciate the threats we are facing and the ways in which we can all work towards protecting our islands for future generations,” he continued.

“Our continued partnership with Ogier has allowed us to launch a campaign in the Cayman Islands to preserve our planet. This issue of the Green Guide will share the message while offering resources to live in a more eco-friendly manner,” comments Jim O’Neill from the CCMI Executive Board

Ogier, one of the leading providers of offshore legal and fiduciary services recently initiated a number of charitable task forces run by its staff and assisted by the firm.. The environmental group (E-force) headed by Neil Kandelaars advocates change at the individual, firm and community levels by raising awareness of sustainability principles. E-force has taken the lead on finding ways to reduce the firm’s consumption of resources, and has already made significant impact on energy consumption and waste reduction.

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute was incorporated in 1998 as a non-profit 501c3 organization. CCMI was established as an international charitable organization after becoming incorporated in the Cayman Islands (2002) and in the UK in 2004.

Since its first years, CCMI has proven a valuable asset to the effort of understanding changing coral reef and tropical marine environments, and its research and education programs have established a solid foundation for future reef education and awareness in the Caribbean and for students and researchers from around the world.

To participate in any of CCMI’s Education programmes, please email coppage@reefresearch.org

Photo: (L-R) Ogier Partner Peter Cockhill; Ogier Counsel and President of the Ogier Environmental Committee, Neil Kandelaars; Ogier Business Development and Marketing Deputy Manager, Jayne Aiken; CCMI Sales and Event Coordinator, Kellie Shoemaker; CCMI Executive Board Member, Jim O’Neill.