Press Release: HIGHVERN Cayman Commences Tree Planting Initiative to Offset Carbon Emissions
30 January 2025 — In a committed effort to support local environmental conservation and mitigate carbon emissions, HIGHVERN’s Cayman team recently embarked on a significant tree planting initiative at the southern entrance to the Mastic Trail. The team successfully planted the first 10 of 52 trees, marking the beginning of their ambitious project to partially offset their 2024 carbon emissions by planting one tree for every week of the year.
This initiative is conducted in collaboration with the National Trust for the Cayman Islands as part of their Invasives-to-Natives tree planting project. These native species are integral to restoring and replenishing the natural ecosystem of the area. Our unique flora and fauna are part of an intricate and interconnected web of life and replacing native tree species to this previously damaged region will restore that balance.
The larger Mastic Reserve, encompassing 840 acres, is a vital conservation area that preserves local biodiversity and critical habitat and is a National Trust protected area. The Mastic Reserve was established in 1992 to protect the largest contiguous area of untouched, old-growth forest in Grand Cayman. Located in the rugged interior of central Grand Cayman, the Reserve is of international significance, representing some of the last remaining examples in the region of the Caribbean’s lowland, semi-deciduous dry forest, and is home to a wide variety of animals and plants unique to the Cayman Islands.
Roger Priaulx, Country Head – Cayman Islands, HIGHVERN, said, “We are proud to support this initiative to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Cayman Islands. HIGHVERN is committed to social responsibility and environmental stewardship, as demonstrated by our policy of granting employees time to participate in community support initiatives, including this environmental conservation effort.”
This unique ecosystem is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the Cayman Islands’ native parrot, the West Indian Woodpecker, and the Caribbean Dove. These species, alongside butterflies, lizards, frogs, and other fauna, thrive in this undisturbed environment. On the trail, walkers get the chance to experience a fascinating exploration deep into Cayman’s wild interior, in an area where the woodland has been evolving undisturbed for the last two million years. The pathway is also of historical significance as it served as a major throughfare.
For more information about the National Trust’s Carbon Offset Programme or to make a donation to preserve special places in nature, contact marketing@nationaltrust.org.ky
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