EXCITING NEWS!

2nd May 2022 – The National Trust for the Cayman Islands (NTCI) is excited to announce that it has entered into a new partnership with the US-based non-profit organization Mangrove Education (ME) as part of the NTCI’s mangrove protection programme with Island Offsets.

The NTCI partners with the local NGO, Island Offsets, to provide an avenue for local businesses and individuals to offset their carbon footprint by donating to the mangrove fund for the purchase of this vital habitat. After emissions are reduced as much as possible, what remains can be offset through the purchase and protection of this carbon-rich ecosystem to achieve net-zero or carbon neutrality. Funds raised by Island Offsets are used to purchase land that would otherwise have been deforested. The trees are therefore saved to sequester and store carbon for generations to come. This project also provides important co-benefits, including the conservation of critical habitat for Cayman’s unique biodiversity, the protection of the Islands’ natural beauty from indiscriminate development, and increasing the resilience of the Cayman Islands to the effects of a changing climate. Mangroves are famous for their ability to protect neighboring communities from tropical storms and hurricanes which are forecast to become even stronger in the future. Mangroves also create their own rainfall, just like the Amazon, thereby counteracting expected longer periods of drought. In addition, they act as sponges to absorb excess rainfall, forecast to occur more frequently. Finally, these trees create their own microclimate, thereby significantly lowering temperatures in the face of expected heatwaves.

The NTCI and Island Offsets are now collaborating with Mangrove Education (ME) to more easily allow for international donations to be made to the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. Thus, allowing US citizens a tax deductible. Their donation will support the National Trust for the Cayman Islands in our effort to purchase critical mangrove habitats. ME, which is a charitable 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, was incorporated in the United States in September 2019 to provide environmental education, primarily focusing on mangrove ecosystems. This programme is therefore an ideal way for ME and its partners to help educate the public on the benefits of mangrove forests, the value these ecosystems have in sequestering carbon, and how preserving these areas can play an integral role in battling climate change.

“Now that international organizations can support the work of the National Trust in the purchase and protection of this vitally important ecosystem, we are excited to partner with such a like-minded organization” stated Chairman of the NTCI, Olson Anderson.

ENDS
For more information on how to donate via Mangrove Education please contact

[email protected]

About the National Trust for the Cayman Islands

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is a non-governmental organization whose mandate under the National Trust Law (2010 Revision) includes the preservation of the historic, natural and maritime heritage of the Cayman Islands for present and future generations.

About the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme

The Blue Iguana Recovery Programme began in 1990 with only 30 dedicated Blue Iguanas and the primary goal to restore the wild population to 1,000 Blue Iguanas, encouraging viable population in the long-term. Having met its primary goal in 2018, the initiative formally transitioned to the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme in 2019 with a new focus of sustainably conserving the native species of Grand Cayman.

About the National Trust’s Environmental Programme

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands’ environmental programme was founded on the concept that the protection of native plants and animals is best achieved by protecting the natural areas in which they depend.

About the National Trust Conservation Programme

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands’ conservation programme strives to protect Cayman’s native species and the habitats in which they live, and includes the endemic Blue Iguana of Grand Cayman, the Sister Islands Rock Iguana and Cayman’s native bat species.

About the National Trust Historic Preservation Programme

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands introduced the launching of its Historic Preservation Fund at its Annual General Meeting in September 2021 for the purpose of inviting increased support of its continuing efforts to encourage the preservation and protection of historic homes and buildings for present and future generations of the Cayman Islands.