Jamie Fitzgerald

At the start of 2023, my team at the nonprofit organization Beneath The Waves signed an exciting new partnership with Bacardi Ltd., putting seagrass and blue carbon conservation research at the forefront of a massive brand’s mission for sustainability. Dive into the behind-the-scenes of the internal partnership launch, which culminated in an unforgettable event at Grand Isle Resort in Exumas, The Bahamas, with a celebration of shared values and a commitment to preserving our oceans.

Setting Sail with Bacardi
The decision to partner with Bacardi was driven by a shared passion for sustainability and a commitment to making a positive impact on our planet, with a central focus on the Caribbean and Caribbean heritage. Bacardi’s dedication to environmental responsibility aligned seamlessly with our mission at BTW, making this partnership a natural fit. Together, we set sail on a journey to amplify our efforts in ocean conservation, leveraging Bacardi’s global reach and influence.

The Exumas Event: A Confluence of Conservation and Corporate Responsibility
To kick off this groundbreaking partnership, we orchestrated a spectacular event on the pristine shores of the Exumas. The Exumas, with their rich biodiversity and crystal-clear waters, provided the perfect backdrop for an immersive experience that blended corporate responsibility with environmental stewardship. Bacardi sponsored the first-ever Blue Carbon Open, a golf tournament to benefit blue carbon research in The Bahamas, hosting key Bahamian partners and healthy competition.

Hosting Corporate Executives
Bacardi’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond lip service; many of their top executives joined BTW in the Exumas to witness firsthand the impact of their new partnership. This personal engagement not only strengthened our collaboration but also fostered a deep understanding and connection between corporate leadership and the vital conservation work taking place on the ground.

Shark Tagging: A Thrilling Conservation Activity
As part of the event, we organized a shark tagging expedition, inviting corporate executives to actively participate in the preservation of marine life. This hands-on experience allowed them to contribute directly to ongoing research while gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of shark conservation in maintaining the balance of ocean ecosystems.

Scuba Research: Exploring the Depths of Understanding
Water sport enthusiasts among the corporate delegation had the opportunity to engage in our underwater marine research activities. Snorkeling and free-diving alongside our research team, fully immersed in the world beneath the waves, they witnessed the beauty of healthy seagrass meadows and contributed to data collection, reinforcing the critical need for preserving these fragile ecosystems.

Seagrass Research: Unveiling the Green Lungs of the Ocean
Our commitment to holistic conservation focused on seagrass research, a often overlooked yet crucial element in marine ecosystems. Through immersive experiences and lectures in the field, corporate partners gained insights into the significance of seagrass beds, the ‘green lungs’ of the ocean, in absorbing carbon and supporting marine life.

Content Creation for Partnership Launch
Capturing the essence of our collaboration, we invested in robust content creation during the Exumas event. From breathtaking visuals of shark tagging to inspiring interviews with corporate leaders, this content will serve as a powerful tool to communicate our shared commitment to ocean conservation and showcase the impact of our partnership when the public launch arrives.

As they navigate the seas of sustainability, I hope the partnership between Beneath The Waves and Bacardi will stand as a testament to the potential of collaboration between nonprofits and corporations. The Exumas event was not just a launch; it was a celebration of shared values, a commitment to action, and a demonstration of how powerful partnerships can drive positive change.