The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute and island airline BermudAir announced a sustainability agreement yesterday geared towards fostering initiatives focused on ocean conservation, environmental education, aviation careers, circular economy practices and community engagement.

The partnership, which was signed at the launch of a special Earth Day event at BUEI, will promote care for the ocean and environment, reduce waste and inspire the future generations of environmental stewards and eco-conscious travellers.

Traci Burgess, the chief executive of BUEI, said: “We are thrilled to be introducing this sustainability partnership to the public and it is aimed at generating local impact and promoting sustainability.

“BUEI’s mission is to nurture appreciation for the ocean around Bermuda.”

She said it was achieved through education, experiences and exploration.

Ms Burgess said BUEI’s mission was complemented by the airline’s commitment to the community, which includes youth development, careers in aviation, the environment and promoting sustainability.

Adam Scott, the chief executive of BermudAir, said that since the launch of the carrier in September 2023, it had been “very committed” to Bermuda and environmental causes.

He said through the bond, the airline planned to promote and increase awareness of sustainability.

Mr Scott added: “Travel plays a powerful role in shaping environmental awareness.

“Through this partnership with BUEI, we are inviting travellers — especially younger generations — to engage in meaningful sustainability initiatives while expanding practical waste-reduction programmes across our operations.”

Ms Burgess said the charity’s partnership with BermudAir was a “major expansion” of its education agenda.

She added: “This creative collaboration allows BUEI’s ocean literacy and environmental education programmes to soar to new heights, extending well beyond classroom walls and launching into the travel experience itself.

“The power of this partnership is in connecting overseas visitors and residents to Bermuda’s unique biodiversity, raising awareness about the importance of caring for the environment and encouraging future generations to embrace their roles as environmental stewards and sustainability ambassador.”

Elements of the partnership include a Stamp for Sustainability Children’s Passport Book, a hands-on educational initiative which encourages children to complete sustainability themed activities and explore the island.

The book, designed in-house by BUEI in collaboration with BermudAir, will be given to all young travellers boarding BermudAir flights inbound to Bermuda.

The education and activity book focuses on Bermuda’s unique biodiversity and animals that migrate to and through Bermuda. It also encourages on-island exploration with a special prize for visiting certain landmarks.

Through the agreement, the carrier will show an in-flight sustainability awareness video, a new feature educating passengers about Bermuda’s marine environment and responsible travel practices.

The agreement also includes a Recycled Glassware Initiative piloted by BermudAir to show transition to glassware produced from locally sourced and recycled materials, reducing waste and supporting circular economy efforts.

The airline has partnered with Solar Sands — a mobile glassmaking company that provides interactive experiences, workshops and custom artisan glass products.

Solar Sands is known for taking discarded glass and turning it into functional, beautiful objects.

The airline intends to introduce the custom recycled-glass pieces as part of its on-board experience in both business and economy service classes.

All glass used in this recycling programme was sourced from 1,500lb of littered bottles that were recovered from the coastline around Bermuda.

The airline thanked Bermudian Karen Plianthos and her family for leading the small team who dived in chilly January conditions to collect each of the bottles by hand.