TCI: Mangrove Planting at Social Media On The Sand

#Providenciales, October 31, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – As part of efforts to increase the resilience of the Turks and Caicos coastline, approximately 25 guests of the Beaches Resort recently joined the Turks and Caicos National Trust and the Sandals Foundation to plant 100 mangroves at Little Water Cay.

The initiative formed part of environmental awareness activities at the Beaches Resorts’ recently held event, Social Media On The Sand.

Executive Director of Sandals Foundation, Heidi Clarke was delighted to have the participants, which included parents and social media influencers take part in the environmental conservation activity.

“We are super excited to have our (Beaches) moms and influencers join us as we work to increase the mangrove coverage along the coastline in Turks and Caicos. Over the years, a major focus of our environmental work has been in marine and coastal protection and conservation. We welcome all guests to share in these projects as we strive to positively impact the precious environment upon which we rely.”

Mangroves are a great network of filters to purify water sources, they are a strong defense mechanism against storm surges, flood and wind and are home to juvenile fish, crab, shrimp and mollusc species.

While speaking at the recent planting exercise, Winema Sanders Penn, Director at the Turks and Caicos National Trust encouraged more nationals to join the conservation efforts by planting mangroves.

“Mangroves are amazing for protecting our coastline, ensuring our environment is safe for future generations. We encourage everyone to go out and plant some mangroves, and if you do not know how to, come down to the National Trust and we will teach you.  ”

The recent mangrove restoration activity forms part of a wider marine conservation program executed by the Sandals Foundation across the Caribbean. Last year, the Foundation partnered with the Grenada Fund for Conservation to out plant close to one thousand mangroves at various locations across the country.

The Foundation manages two fully operational marine sanctuaries and supports five others in Jamaica. It supports coral nursery restoration activities in St. Lucia, Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos as well as spearhead awareness and educational programs in all 7 countries in which it operates.

Release: Sandals Resorts

Sandals Foundation:

The Sandals Foundation is a non-profit organization launched in March 2009 to help Sandals Resorts International continue to make a difference in the Caribbean. All costs associated with administration and management is supported by Sandals International so that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly towards funding impactful and meaningful initiatives within the key areas of Education, Community and Environment.

Captioned Photos – Beaches moms, dads and social media influencers join the Turks and Caicos National Trust and the Sandals Foundation to plant 100 mangroves at Little Water Cay. The initiative formed part of environmental awareness activities at the Beaches Resorts’ recently held event, “Social Media On The Sand”.