Lawyers sponsor green book

(CNS): Highlighting what it says are some of the shocking threats to the localenvironment the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is now working on its third edition of the Green Guide series. Illustrating how everyday life is inextricably linked to the natural environment the institute says it is hoping to inspire individuals to make changes that will have a positive impact on the environment. The book is being sponsored by local law firm Ogiers and will be available in April.

Ogier said it was delightedto once again partner with the new Green Guide (#3) which follows on from CCMI’s earlier two guides, which set the stage for building more interest in a local green movement.  The first guide worked to build local interest and establish a fundamental understanding of what is threatened and show that what we do on these islands has important implications for the surrounding ocean.  The second Green Guide’s purpose was to illustrate that climate change is a natural and important earth process, which is being altered by human activity.  The implications for coral reefs on a global scale were outlined along with an international “Call to action.” 

 The third guide aims to focus on sustainability and take a comprehensive look at the challenges facing the Islands; offering simple and practical steps that organisations and individuals alike can take to contribute towards preserving their beauty and the future. 

Ogier partner, Peter Cockhill, said “Ogier believes that continued education on the vulnerability of the Cayamn Islands will assist in ensuring they can be enjoyed for generations to come. “I know willingness exists to seek environmentally friendly and energy-efficient ways to protect the islands natural resources and combat high-energy costs.  In turn, simple but appropriate measures will help reduce waste, greenhouse gas emissions, pollutants, and the need for creating additional disposal facilities.  It is therefore vital that we all play a key role in having a positive impact on the local environment and understanding how, collectively we can really make a difference,” he added.

The Green Guide series sets out to illustrate how our everyday life is inextricably linked to the natural environment and to expose some of the shocking threats to our most critical infrastructure.  CCMI’s Managing Director, Brenda Gadd said the guides have been an important community building project.

“Ogier has been a key partner in this movement, which aims to engage all who live and visit the islands with the overall global issues that the earth is facing today,” she stated. “The new Green Guide to the Cayman Islands: Sustaining our Oceans and Islands will illustrate some of the important choices we will need to make in order to reduce the pressures on the local marine environment.”   

CCMI’s President and Director of Research and Conservation, Carrie Manfrino added that the guide describes some of the paradoxes we face as humans behind the ideal of sustainability.  “We are asking questions that should be close to home, like: What is our environmental consciousness? Are we living sustainably? What are the scenarios for a sustainable island, and how can Cayman become more sustainable?” she said.  

Copies of the Green Guide will be available on 15 April from schools, associated retail outlets, government buildings and tourist attractions.