The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute is excited to announce a new season of BUEI Talks: Island
SOS (Sustainable Ocean Strategies). Resuming on Sunday, March 5th, the series focuses on forward-thinking Ocean Development initiatives from Island nations around the world. Each ‘Island SOS’
presentation focuses on a singular island and topic, covering a variety of subjects including advocating
environmental protections on a community level, zero waste event management and sustainable tourism.
BUEI Talks: Island SOS is made possible by the generosity of Chubb, the exclusive sponsor for the series.
“Chubb is pleased to sponsor the BUEI – Talks Series for another year,” said Samantha Froud, Chief
Administration Officer, Chubb – Bermuda Operations. “At Chubb we recognize that climate change affects
everyone and we are excited to help raise awareness in our community about ocean sustainability
initiatives, and to encourage everyone to help safeguard the oceans around the world.”
The Island of Iceland will be featured on Sunday, March 5th at 3:00pm, with a presentation by Ocean
Missions, an organisation that aims to inspire people to take direct action towards ocean conservation
through a combination of science, education, and adventures.
The organisation hosts biannual expeditions in Sub Arctic and Arctic regions onboard the electric Schooner
Opal, a traditional sailing vessel (tall ship). It is important to note that voyagers onboard the Schooner
Opal are not required to have any previous sailing experience or scientific expertise to take part in the
seasonal research expeditions, encouraging science to everyday citizens.
Belén García Ovide, Founder and Project Manager of Ocean Missions, will share the work being done
through the Citizen Science on the Seas programme. The Iceland native will present the strategy behind
the organization’s biannual expeditions to the Artic and their conservation efforts.
Belén García Ovide is a Junior Fellow at the Safina Centre and Project Manager of Ocean Missions. Holding
a degree in Marine Biology and a Masters in Coastal Management. She leads projects in sustainable
tourism, ocean conservation and citizen science, making science accessible to everyone. Belén is also a
PhD candidate at the University of Iceland and is currently conducting research on how microplastic
pollution is impacting Iceland’s oceans.
Karla Lacey, BUEI CEO said “We are excited to continue this important series and, thanks to ongoing
support from Chubb, to share the unique position and involvement that islands have in the conservation
of our oceans. By highlighting the varied practices undertaken in the safeguarding the ocean of our
respective Islands, we hope that these talks further encourage discussions throughout our community
and inspire all who attend.”
Tickets for BUEI Talks: ‘Island SOS’ are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Students with a valid
ID are free. To become a member, head to our website at www.buei.bm and click on Join and Support.
Tickets can be purchased on the events page of BUEI’s website or by phoning our Oceans Gift Shop on
294-2024.