BUEI Talks To Hold ‘Island SOS’ On August 27
The seventh installment of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute’s [BUEI] eight-part Island SOS [Sustainable Ocean Strategies] series is slated to take place at BUEI on Saturday, August 27 at 4.00pm.
A spokesperson said, “This month’s island nation being highlighted is the Bahamas, with a presentation by Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, Executive Director of the Bahamas Reef Environment Foundation [BREEF]. BREEF is an organisation dedicated to educating Bahamians and visitors about the importance of protecting the coral reefs that safeguard the island.
“Ms. McKinney-Lambert will share the ways that BREEF works to protect coral reefs through restoration, education and by influencing policy. The organisation’s successful multi-pronged approach to protecting the marine environment is centered around grass-roots programmes in education, outreach, research, and policy.
“BREEF’s vision of nurturing “a Bahamas where all people appreciate the value of our seas and take action to ensure a healthy marine environment”, is fulfilled through their on-the-ground guidance that empower the Bahamian community to become stewards of the environment.
“Coral reefs have a great amount of biodiversity compared to any other eco system on earth. While reef systems inhabit less than 1% of the ocean floor, they are a natural habitat to more than 25% of our ocean’s marine life. Reefs also provide coastal protection from storms and enhance income for tourism and fisheries. The threat towards coral reefs is increasing consistently from human aspects such as climate change, pollution, invasive species, coastal development and overfishing. Over the last 50 years, 80% of the world’s reefs have been destroyed.
“While both the Bahamas and Bermuda are sub-tropical islands, with 700 islands and a population of 401,000, Bahamas is 257 times larger in size and hosts a population 5 times that of Bermuda. However, the state of the reef systems in Bahamas are deteriorating from similar threats faced here in Bermuda. These factors include the effects of coral bleaching due to climate change, hurricanes, and chemical and nutrient pollution.
“In one lifetime, we have witnessed an alarming decline in the health of the world’s coral reef systems. Bermuda is one of the few remaining locations around the world with relatively healthy reefs, thanks to the work of local organizations and the Government It is our hope that this talk provides an opportunity for more conversation around the importance of reef conservation and restoration.” says Karla Lacey, BUEI CEO.
“Each BUEI Talk: ‘Island SOS’ presentation focuses on a different island and topic, covering subject matters ranging from beach management master planning, and zero waste event management to balancing community and cultural interests. The entire series has been generously sponsored by Chubb Bermuda.
“BUEI Talks take place in front of a live audience in BUEI’s Tradewinds Auditorium, with overseas guests presenting online in real time. Each talk allows interactive Q&A between the presenter and the audience. Scheduled monthly from February through September, other islands to be featured include Bahamas, Isle of Man and Tobago. Tickets to each BUEI Talks: Island SOS presentation are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Email info@buei.bm, or call BUEI’s Ocean Gift Shop at 294-0204 to reserve a space.”
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Category: All, Environment
