On Wednesday, April 26th, the Ambassadors of the Environment program at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman unveiled an innovative collaboration with the Mariner Surf Co, an acclaimed apparel brand, in an evening filled with excitement and environmental inspiration. The event, hosted at the program’s dedicated building – which serves as a beautiful classroom for the kids on the programme if its rainy weather, introduced an exclusive eco-friendly product: a beautifully designed hat made from recycled plastic. This partnership celebrates sustainability and the natural beauty of Grand Cayman while supporting vital conservation efforts.
Nicole Boriski, Director, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program, introduced the collaboration with pride: “Tonight, we are promoting a hat we’ve made in collaboration with Mariner Surf. They make a range of amazing hats, but this one is very special because it’s exclusively sold here at Ambassadors. It’s actually made out of recycled plastics, and the image on the brim is of the mangroves where we take our guests kayaking.”
In addition to its stylish design and practicality, this eco-conscious hat is tied to a cause close to Nicole’s heart. “For every hat we sell, part of the proceeds will go to support Island Offsets, a wonderful non-profit that protects mangroves here locally in conjunction with the National Trust,” she explained. The event also featured a raffle, with prizes like rounds of golf and tennis at the resort, further contributing to Island Offsets.
A Program Open to All
The Ambassadors of the Environment program, created by renowned environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau, provides unique opportunities for both Ritz-Carlton guests and local residents to explore Grand Cayman’s natural wonders. This inclusive initiative allows children, adults, and families to connect with nature through activities like coral reef snorkeling, mangrove kayak tours, and e-bike excursions.
Nicole highlighted the program’s broader mission: “Jean-Michel Cousteau created this program as a way for both local people and hotel guests to explore nature with an expert naturalist. Both children and adults thrive in nature, and we want them to walk away with a feeling of connection and a little more knowledge about how nature works and how we, as humans, can protect it.”
Environmental Education at Its Best
At the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, the Ambassadors of the Environment program stands as a testament to environmental stewardship, offering guests and locals unparalleled experiences designed to foster a deep respect for nature. Guided by marine biologists and conservation experts, participants can embark on underwater photography sessions, sea scooter adventures, and more. Even on rainy days, the learning continues indoors with engaging videos showcasing Cayman’s flora and fauna.
Derek Okinda, Director of Marketing & Communications, emphasized the program’s significance: “We are one of six Ritz-Carltons in the world that have this program. It’s a focus on environmental sustainability programs for kids and adults, all year round.” He added, “These courses are an important part of raising awareness for our brand and ensuring that we are doing our part to conserve the environment.”
Looking Ahead
This exciting collaboration with Mariner Surf is a reminder of the Ambassadors of the Environment program’s innovative approach to conservation. By combining the expertise of environmental educators with the creativity of industry leaders, the program continues to inspire meaningful change and raise awareness for critical issues.
Whether you’re a Ritz-Carlton guest or a Cayman Islands resident, the Ambassadors of the Environment program offers a chance to connect with the world around us and contribute to its protection. Through programs like these, the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman exemplifies how hospitality can be a force for good.
We appreciate your feedback. You can comment here with your pseudonym or real name. You can leave a comment with or without entering an email address. All comments will be reviewed before they are published.
Comments (0)
We appreciate your feedback. You can comment here with your pseudonym or real name. You can leave a comment with or without entering an email address. All comments will be reviewed before they are published.