Nominations open for conservation awards
Governor Helen Kilpatrick (front, centre) with the 2014 award winners
(CNS): The National Trust for the Cayman Islands, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office, is calling for nominations for the biennial Governor’s Conservation Awards, with the awards ceremony set for Tuesday, 8 November. The awards recognise conservation leaders in five categories: Conservationist of the Year, Corporate Conservation, Tourism Industry Conservation, Heritage Preservation and the Lois Blumenthal Youth Conservation Award.
Ideal candidates for the Conservationist of the Year category will have implemented or significantly contributed to a conservation project aimed at protecting biodiversity, wildlife, endangered species or places of environmental significance.
Dr Katrina Jurn won this title in 2014 as leader of the Save the Ironwood Forest campaign, Protect South Sound community group and co-founder of the environmental advocacy group Sustainable Cayman.
The Corporate Conservation Award recognises organisations that have made major strides to reduce their environmental impact and carbon footprint. Divetech Cayman Islands received the award for being a Green Globe internationally certified business that focuses on solar power, renewable energy, recycling and water conservation.
The Tourism Industry Conservation Award is geared towards organisations or individuals who offer environmentally friendly visitor services and easy access to outdoor nature activities. Compass Point Dive Resort was the 2014 recipient in this category for providing nature-based outdoor activities along with ongoing education initiatives which highlight the importance of protecting the reefs in the Cayman Islands.
The Heritage Preservation Award honours organisations or individuals who demonstrate a commitment to the preservation of built, written or cultural elements of Cayman’s history. Swanky Kitchen Band was the 2014 recipient of this accolade for its commitment to preserve traditional kitchen dance music for future generations.
The Lois Blumenthal Youth Conservationist Award was added in 2014 to recognise a young person between the age of 15 and 25 for conservation work with native species. Marine biology student Cody Panton was the recipient of the inaugural award for his volunteer work with marine life.
Governor Helen Kilpatrick said of the conservation awards, “I am pleased once again to host this prestigious awards programme. These awards help us to focus on protecting and conserving the environment and heritage of the Cayman Islands by recognising those who are making an exceptional contribution.
“The work of the National Trust is vital to ensuring that our precious surroundings are preserved for future generations and I particularly welcome the work the National Trust is doing with young people to inform and encourage them to protect our natural and historical assets.”
Trust director Christina Pineda added, “It was encouraging to see such a great number of individuals and businesses who are doing their part to preserve Cayman’s environment and history in the 2014 awards.
“Given the growth of environmentally minded companies and organisations over the past two years, we expect the competition to be that much fiercer this year. We are looking forward to this year’s nominees being recognised by HE Governor Kilpatrick for their commendable efforts.”
For online nomination forms, email the National Trust or go to its website. The deadline for nominations is Friday, 21 October 2016
Category: Environment
