KINGSTON, Jamaica, Friday April 24, 2015, CMC – In an effort to preserve coral reefs in Jamaica’s ecosystem, the Sandals Foundation says it will be providing funding for coral reef restoration projects here.
The foundation said the aim is to combat the declining coral reef populations by establishing nurseries across the island.
“The Sandals Foundation is passionate about protecting the environment and particularly marine preservation,” said Adam Stewart, president of the Sandals Foundation.
He said the coral reef nurseries will produce approximately 1,200 coral pieces each year and these will be transplanted to increase coral populations,.
The rate at which coral reefs are declining is very disturbing considering that they contribute so much to the Caribbean’s economy,” Stewart said. “With this year’s Earth Day theme being “It’s Our Turn To Lead”, we call for the region’s stakeholders to take a stand towards preserving our marine ecosystems and our environment as a whole to ensure that future generations have a Caribbean to call home.”
Funding for this endeavour was provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the C-FISH Initiative a project through the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre and implemented by CARIBSAVE.
“Saving the Caribbean’s coral reefs will be critical for the future of the region’s beaches, tourism sector and fishing communities” said Dr. Owen Day of CARIBSAVE.
“We now know that effective marine parks and coral restoration can make reef ecosystems recover faster than previously thought possible. It’s not rocket science; it just requires good management and real partnerships between communities, private sector, government and international donors. Sandals Foundation is fast becoming a regional leader in supporting these efforts.”
