The Central Caribbean Marine Institute is inviting the public to leave their mark on a new education and research building on Little Cayman by buying personalised tiles that will form part of the new site, while at the same time contributing to the enhancement of the facility.
So far, $1.85 million has already been raised or pledged to expand the centre, the organisation says, and now it has launched its ‘Buy-a-Brick’ campaign to raise the remaining funds.
“Personalise your individual tile or array for you or your family, honour or remember a loved one, show your company’s support, or share your passion for the ocean,” CCMI says in its invitation for people to be a part of the project.
“This expansion will allow CCMI to increase its programmes, offering transformative educational experiences for young students while continuing its cutting-edge coral research,” the institute said in a press release. “This dual capacity is critical to increase CCMI’s ability to educate more than 800 local and international students annually, fostering a new generation of ocean conservationists.
“Once complete, scientists, educators and students from across the Cayman Islands, the Caribbean and internationally, will be able to visit Little Cayman to conduct research and learn about marine science on some of the most beautiful reefs in the Caribbean.”
The first phase of the project, which the Buy-a-Brick campaign supports, will enable CCMI to build two 2,800-square-foot buildings on Little Cayman, close to its existing site. The new buildings will provide housing for 32 students, chaperones, interns and staff, alongside new teaching and dining spaces.
The current site will continue to house research labs, classrooms and accommodation, and will soon hold new US National Science Foundation mesocosm and molecular labs. Mesocosms are enclosed outdoor experimental systems that allow a small part of a natural environment to be observed under controlled conditions.
CCMI says every tile purchased in the Buy-a-Brick campaign will support the construction of a space where children, young adults and early career scientists can immerse themselves in “the wonders of marine science”.
The cost of the tiles starts from $250, according to the CCMI website. The sizes range from 6 square inches to 32 square inches.
In the press release announcing the launch of the campaign, Director of Tourism Rosa Harris said, “As advocates for sustainable tourism and protecting our environment, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism are proud to support CCMI’s ‘Buy-A-Brick’ fundraising initiative. Healthy reefs are central to the success of our tourism industry, attracting visitors from across the globe to experience the natural beauty of our vibrant marine ecosystems at our many award-winning dive sites.
“By investing in this initiative, we are safeguarding the resources that make the Cayman Islands a premier destination for eco-tourism.”
The institute says that, by doubling the number of classrooms, labs and accommodation, CCMI can become more impactful, “at a critical time for the environment while showcasing the Cayman Islands as a leader in marine conservation”.
The final stages of CCMI’s planned expansion will include two more buildings to house staff and visiting researchers, as well as developing an education auditorium.
Watch the campaign launch video here.
Interested donors and supporters can contact CCMI by email at [email protected], or through the Buy-a-Brick campaign page on the CCMI website.
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