Buy-a-Brick Campaign to Support Marine Education Centre Expansion
CCMI LAUNCHES BUY-A-BRICK CAMPAIGN FOR THE EXPANSION OF MARINE EDUCATION AND RESEARCH CENTRE TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF OCEAN CONSERVATIONISTS
Bloody Bay Wall on Little Cayman. Image of Dr Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley and Sabrina Weber (intern) undertaking research dives from the new planned site location. Photo credit: CCMI.
3rd October 2024, Little Cayman, Cayman Islands — The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is excited to announce the launch of its Buy-a-Brick campaign, a community-driven effort to raise $2.9 million for the expansion of the current site to a, state-of-the-art education and research centre. With $1.85 million already raised or pledged, CCMI is inviting the public to help us reach our goal by purchasing personalised tiles that will form part of the enhanced facility, creating a legacy for generations to come.
Groundbreaking at the new site with His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh – the land has been gifted by Peter Hillenbrand. Photo credit: CCMI.
This expansion will allow CCMI to increase its programmes, offering transformative educational experiences for young students while continuing its cutting-edge coral research. This dual capacity is critical to increase CCMI’s ability to educate more than 800 local and international students annually, fostering a new generation of ocean conservationists. Once complete, scientists, educators and students from across the Cayman Islands, the Caribbean and internationally, will be able to visit Little Cayman to conduct research and learn about marine science on some of the most beautiful reefs in the Caribbean.
The first phase of the project, which the Buy-a-Brick campaign supports, will enable CCMI to build two 2,800 sq. ft. buildings on Little Cayman, close to our existing site. The new buildings will provide housing for 32 students, chaperones, interns, and staff, alongside new teaching and dining spaces. CCMI’s current site will continue to house the research labs, classrooms and accommodation, and soon the new U.S National Science Foundation mesocosm and molecular labs.
CCMI Board discussing the expansion plans at the new site on Little Cayman in February 2023. Photo credit: CCMI.
What makes this campaign special is its direct impact on young minds and the future of ocean conservation. Every tile purchased supports the construction of a space where children, young adults and early career scientists can immerse themselves in the wonders of marine science.
Head of Biology at Malvern College, Natalie Watson, described the CCMI experience as “a once in a lifetime trip to the most inspiring place on Earth,” highlighting the profound impact that CCMI’s work in marine conservation has on students and educators alike.
The expansion of CCMI’s facilities comes at a poignant time, as the reefs are in peril. Mass bleaching events and increased coral disease are negatively impacting reef health – and therefore planetary health. Increased knowledge and impactful solutions are required urgently, in tandem with increased ocean stewardship.
Ocean explorers: Identifying marine life in Little Cayman’s waters
“As advocates for sustainable tourism and protecting our environment, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism are proud to support CCMI’s ‘Buy-A-Brick’ fundraising initiative. Healthy reefs are central to the success of our tourism industry, attracting visitors from across the globe to experience the natural beauty of our vibrant marine ecosystems at our many award-winning dive sites. By investing in this initiative, we are safeguarding the resources that make the
Cayman Islands a premier destination for eco-tourism.” – Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.
By doubling the provision of classrooms, labs and accommodation, CCMI can become more impactful, at a critical time for the environment while showcasing the Cayman Islands as a leader in marine conservation. The final stages of CCMI’s planned expansion will include two more buildings to house staff and visiting researchers, as well as developing an education auditorium.
CCMI Students dive into discovery: Hands-on marine education in Little Cayman. Photo credit: CCMI.
Watch the campaign launch video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9co9o-1Q1k
All interested donors and supporters can get in touch with CCMI via [email protected], or via the Buy a Brick campaign website page: https://reefresearch.org/who-we-are/about-us/coralfund/
Support This Campaign
For supporters, this isn’t just a donation—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact. Your tile will be inscribed with your name or message, becoming a permanent part of the facility and a testament to your role in preserving our oceans.
CCMI’s commitment to coral reef conservation and marine education spans over two decades. With coral reefs under increasing threat, the need to foster future generations of scientists and conservationists has never been more critical. The Buy-a-Brick campaign offers everyone—from families to businesses—the chance to be a part of this important mission.
Join us in making a difference – one tile at a time, order your personalised tile here:
US based supporters – https://donate.brickmarkers.com/ccmi
International supporters – https://www.brickmarkers.com/donors/ccmi/
ABOUT CCMI
The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 1998 with a mission to protect the future of coral reefs. Through pioneering research and education programmes, CCMI is dedicated to reversing the decline of coral reefs and ensuring vibrant oceans for future generations. The institute’s cutting-edge research and innovative conservation strategies are shaping the future of marine ecosystems, while its hands-on educational initiatives inspire young people to become active stewards of the ocean.
For more information, visit: https://reefresearch.org/who-we-are/about-us/coralfund/
