The National Trust for the Cayman Islands was established in 1987 with the purpose to preserve natural environments and places of historic significance for present and future generations of the Cayman Islands.
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Mission- Our primary goal is to ensure that Cayman’s unique history and nature is kept alive forever.
Vision- We envision a community in which the Cayman Islands’ historic, cultural and environmental heritage – which enriches the lives of all residents and visitors – is valued, supported and protected.
Mandate- The National Trust for the Cayman Islands was established in 1987 with the purpose of conserving natural environments, protecting native flora and fauna, and preserving places of historic, natural or maritime heritage for present and future generations of the Cayman Islands.
National Trust Law (2010 Revision)
The purposes of the Trust are-
(a) the preservation of the historic, natural and maritime heritage of the Islands through the preservation of areas, sites, buildings, structures and objects of historic or cultural significance;
(b) the conservation of lands, natural features and submarine areas of beauty, historic or environmental importance which the Trust may have acquired through gift, bequest, purchase, lease or other means; and
(c) the protection of native flora and fauna.
A Legacy Of Conservation
-“The most important thing to remember is that the [National] Trust belongs to the people of the Cayman Islands and everything that the Trust owns belongs to all of us forever.”
Kirkland Nixon, 2nd Chairman of the National Trust.
“Saving Cayman” National Trust for the Cayman Islands video.
Safeguarding Our National Treasures
The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is a non-profit and non-governmental organization, celebrating a legacy of over 37 years of preserving our natural and built heritage and safeguarding our national treasures across all three islands. These sites are protected in perpetuity for everyone, forever. Since 2023, H.E. Governor Jane Owen serves as Patron of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands.
Currently, the National Trust protects just over 3,500 acres of ecologically significant habitats. These special places in nature including mangroves, ancient forests, and other vital areas of land which are key to the survival of our endemic wildlife such as the Blue Iguana, and supporting biodiversity. Our heritage sites serve great importance acting as a lens to the past. The preservation of historical sites allows our community the ability to reconnect with our history, pass on island traditions, enjoy cultural experiences, and keep memories of the past alive.
Together we can work towards protecting Cayman’s unique heritage for everyone and forever.
The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is part of International National Trust Organizations (INTO) a global network.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Our environmental programmes focus on preserving nature sites which are essential for the survival of native plant and animal species across all three Cayman Islands. Currently, the National Trust protects 6% of our environment and our goal is 11%. These critical natural habits including mangroves, ancient forests, and other vital areas of land which are key to the survival of our endemic wildlife, supporting biodiversity.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
We preserve historic sites in order to promote an awareness and appreciation of the Cayman Islands’ built heritage. Our heritage sites serve great importance acting as a lens to the past. The preservation of historical sites allows our community the ability to reconnect with our history, pass on island traditions, enjoy cultural experiences, and keep memories of the past alive. The National Trust’s Heritage Register is a record of the Cayman Islands’ natural, historic and cultural resources which are recognised and designated by the Council of the National Trust as being nationally significant and worthy of preservation. This register is a requirement of the National Trust Law (2010 Revised). View our Heritage Register on our website www.nationaltrust.org.ky
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Our education programme aims to empower people of all ages and to preserve our natural and built heritage through public awareness and by creating opportunities for hands-on learning. We believe our initiatives help shape the way towards a better understanding and increased appreciation for Cayman’s unique biodiversity, built heritage and sustainability.
NATIVE SPECIES CONSERVATION
Scientific field research is conducted routinely to study Cayman’s native and indigenous species in order to further our knowledge and monitor the populations of plants and animals. National Trust initiatives such as the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme and Bat Conservation Programme help protect native species and the habitats in which they live.