More than 100 ecosystems are expected to be established across the island as sports players score in the run-up to the island’s fifth Youth Climate Summit.

The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute said it is celebrating the YCS by teaming up with the Bermuda Cricket Board and the Bermuda Football Association.

Their partnership will focus on Trees4Scores, described by BUEI as “a highly impactful environmental and community service programme” that will launch during Cup Match.

The Bermuda National Trust is also involved in the project, which was designed to restore and preserve the island’s biodiversity and promote climate action.

It is anticipated that 130 native and endemic ecosystems will be planted this November.

BUEI said in a statement: “The 130 ecosystems are comprised of 390 trees, plants and ground covers, which are being provided thanks to the generous support of Roots Imperative, a Loren Hotel non-profit initiative, Conduit Re and Catalina Re.

“Planting locations will be co-ordinated at three sites on November 22 — Spittal Pond in Smith’s, Sherwin Nature Reserve at Warwick Pond and High Point Nature Reserve in Southampton.

“Additional sponsors are welcome and volunteers are encouraged to participate in the planting activities.”

The YCS promotes youth leadership and empowers Bermuda’s young people to find their voice and advocate for their future.

The BUEI added: “Trees4Scores is a prime example of local youth leadership in action with ties to a global movement — Trees4Goals, a climate action initiative started by Lesein Mutunkei, a young activist from Kenya.

“At the age of 12, Lesein combined his love for football with caring for the environment and began planting one tree for every goal he scored.

“What began as a single act of environmental stewardship has created a global movement.

“Bermuda has taken up the charge and, thanks to BUEI’s collaboration with the BCB, BFA, St George’s Cricket Club and Somerset Cricket Club we are swinging into action and kicking off the Trees4Scores programme over both days of play during Cup Match.

“Every 50 runs scored or every ten wickets will equal one complete ecosystem of native and endemic trees, plants and ground covers, to be planted during the YCS Community Action Day in partnership with BNT on November 22.

“Cricket runs and wickets will continue to be counted throughout August and September to earn ecosystems across BCB league play and county games, then the ball will be passed to the BFA.

“For football, every two goals scored at local games, to be played across all levels in September and October, will count towards one complete ecosystem.”

Mishael Paynter, the St George’s Cricket Club president, said that the organisation was developing “a greater awareness for sustainability and understanding how sport impacts the environment”.

He added: “Trees4Scores is a fantastic way to combine our love for cricket and football, while instilling the importance of caring for our natural environment, both today and in the long run.

“We are happy to have our Cup Match runs and wickets contribute to planting ecosystems across the island this fall and we encourage our coaches, players and fans to dig into planting with us in November.”

Richard Scott, the president of Somerset Cricket Club, added: “SCC began its sustainability journey a couple of years ago with our Cup Match campaign and it continues to be a work in progress.

“Like SGCC, we look forward to having our Cup Match scores count towards the number of native and endemic trees, plants and ground coverings that will be planted as part of the ecosystems restoration taking place in the nature reserves on November 22.”

Calvin Blankendal, the BCB executive director, said that the partnership with BUEI was “an easy ‘yes’” for the organisation.

“BCB is committed to reducing cricket’s footprint on our environment and to giving back through community service, and Trees4Scores combines both,” he added.

“Over the coming months, we will encourage all clubs and league players to join us on the path to sustainability and demonstrate that our cricket community is committed to environmental stewardship.”

Mark Wade, the BFA president, said: “The BFA joined ‘team green’ earlier this year with the installation of our solar energy system.

“This transformative gift from Aeolus Capital Management helped us to align with Fifa’s commitment to climate action.”

He added: “Participating in the Trees4Scores programme with the Youth Climate Summit and planting complete ecosystems to promote the habitat restoration and balance of Bermuda’s delicate environment is one example of the BFA taking climate action.”

Further details on the programme will be provided to all clubs who have registered teams with the BCB and BFA, and public updates will be provided as the programme progresses.

• To learn more about the YCS, which is planned for November 17 to 22, visitycsbda.comor follow @ycsbda on social media