Beer company to help turtle conservation

(CNS): SABMiller the company that produces MillerLite has developed a strategic partnership with the non-profit Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST), aimed at saving local Caribbean sea turtle populations through advocacy, research, education, and volunteer programs – including beach clean-ups and other community-based activities that impact sea turtle habitats. The Cayman Islands department of Environment said the funding would help the department to buy resources such as light shields to stop baby turtles going the wrong way in nesting season.

WIDECAST is an expert network of biologists, community leaders, and educators in more than 40 Caribbean nations and territories committed to the recovery and sustainable management of depleted sea turtle populations. They network is represented by the Department of Environment (D.O.E.) in the Cayman Islands.

“The Department of Environment is grateful for the support of SABMiller and Cayman Distributers in raising awareness about sea turtles and fundraising to assist in their conservation,” said Janice Blumenthal, Research Officer at the D.O.E. “Sea turtle populations in the Cayman Islands are critically endangered and face many threats to their survival. Funds raised by Miller will allow us to purchase much-needed materials to assist in protecting our turtles – including supplies for underwater cleanups and shields to prevent lights near the beach from leading baby turtles in the wrong direction.” 

SCott Schaier, SABMiller’s Manager of Caribbean operations said getting involved with the conservation was about becoming a valued member of the community and proactively promoting causes that are important to its customers, business partners, and their families.

“We see this as an ideal extension of our “Island Flavor” advertising campaign. And we feel fortunate to be able to partner with WIDECAST and look forward to helping increase community support for endangered sea turtles, raising environmental awareness, and promoting a stronger sense of community within the Caribbean,” he added.
 
Cayman Distributor's General Manager Frank Roulstone said the firm was proud to be associated with such a worthy cause. “We believe this important partnership with WIDECAST will make a tremendous difference in helping to preserve our coastal environments. Few places in the world owe as much to sea turtles as do the Cayman Islands,” he added.