(November 8, 2023) – The National Trust for the Cayman Islands (NTCI) is proud to be once again participating in the COP international climate conference with young Caymanian youth delegates. This year, COP28 will be taking place in Dubai from 30 November-12 December 2023. This will be an important year to attend the COP international climate conference. The Cayman Islands Government is sending an official delegation this year and Dr Sylvia Earle, the renowned oceanographer, has announced that she will accompany the Cayman delegation. This is an excellent opportunity for the National Trust and its youth delegates to be part of this critical discussion. Nature-based Solutions (NBS) to the climate crisis require the preservation and restoration of ecosystems, especially wetlands like mangroves, positioning the NTCI as animportant voice in climate conversations.

Young Caymanians 18-25 years who have finished high school and are interested in climate change and increasing Cayman’s climate resiliency are invited to apply to the National Trust for the Cayman Islands by midnight on 12th November 2023. Application details are available on www.nationaltrust.org.ky/news. The students are fully sponsored by the community and spaces are limited. If you would care to sponsor these youth delegates, please contact the Trust at [email protected]. Cayman National Bank and CUC have committed to the first sponsorships – they will receive regular personal updates during COP28 to hear firsthand from the youth delegate about their experience at the event.

The National Trust is tasked with preserving Cayman’s natural and historic heritage for future generations. Aside from unsustainable development, there is no greater threat to our heritage than climate change. Stronger storms, sea level rise, more frequent flooding events, bleached coral reefs, greater wildfire risk, and extreme heat threaten our delicate ecosystems and built heritage. The National Trust “protects the future of our heritage” and the future lies with the next generation. Cayman’s young people must understand the challenges that lie ahead and be prepared to meet them. COP28 is an excellent opportunity for our youth delegates to speak to a global audience, leading conversations while sitting next to world leaders.

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.