On Thursday, 14th September, the financial services Spectrum conference opened with the screening of the film “Save Our Wild Isles: Banking on a Wilder Tomorrow,” presented by the National Trust for the Cayman Islands (NTCI). This short film – created by Emmy® award-winning Silverback Films for WWF-UK, RSPB and the National Trust UK explores the relationship between our economic systems and biodiversity loss, while explaining the actions the financial services industry needs to take to reduce their impact. The film was introduced by the Hon. André Ebanks, Minister of Financial Services and Commerce, who stated that the financial services industry should support local conservation efforts in meeting their corporate ESG or NetZero commitments. National Trust representatives at the event included Melanie Carmichael (Council Chairperson), Frank Roulstone (Executive Director), Catherine Childs (Environmental Programmes Manager) and Bella Rooney (Climate Education Officer). The screening was followed by a panel discussion with experts in the financial services industry and environmental sector.
Melanie Carmichael stated, “The NTCI are very grateful to the organisers for providing us with the opportunity to be a part of the Spectrum conference. The Cayman Islands private sector provides thousands of jobs and its resources can make a huge difference both globally and locally. The film helped to highlight that through social impact, environmental sustainability efforts, corporate volunteerism, philanthropy, and more, positive businesses can be a force for good. NTCI are experienced in this space, and we hope that even greater partnerships can be forged for the benefit of current and future society whilst meeting good practice standards in creating new green finance careers and assets.”
The financial services industry has an important role to play in addressing the nature crisis. There is a clear risk to investments and supply chains if nature is negatively impacted and its services are lost. We are already seeing that farmers in the US must now pay to have bees trucked in to pollinate their crops. Countries around the world are beginning to regulate markets to incentivize positive change. Cayman’s financial services industry has the opportunity to lead the world in managing green investments to create a new economic system which works for people and the planet.
There are simple actions that companies can take to help create a more sustainable future including greening their investments, pledging to support the conservation of ecologically significant habitats, offsetting their carbon footprint through local mangrove protection, and more. Contact the National Trust for the Cayman Islands to discuss ways you can help to support conservation. Email environment@nationaltrust.org.ky
Watch film: https://youtu.be/bduT5FcOSTM?si=rndw2SibHX71TxH9
Download NTCI pamphlet: https://nationaltrust.org.ky/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NTCI- Brochure-Event.pdf
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