More than half of the 130 ecosystems targeted for introduction in an environmental scheme based on sporting success have been covered thanks to the achievements of cricketers.

The project was established as the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute teamed up with the Bermuda Cricket Board and the Bermuda Football Association in the run-up to the island’s fifth Youth Climate Summit in November.

Named Trees4Scores, it was described by the BUEI as “a highly impactful environmental and community service programme” and launched 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.

In phase 1 of the “transformative programme”, the BUEI aims to install 130 ecosystems that are native and endemic to Bermuda on November 22.

Comprising 390 trees, plants and ground coverings, the calculations to achieve the ecosystems are being tallied through cricket and football matches.

The BUEI said: “Just like native and endemic species thread through the unique environmental landscape of Bermuda, cricket and football are woven into the fibre of our culture.

“Trees4Scores provides the ultimate framework to bring the two together — sustainable sporting initiatives that produce significant environmental impacts.”

In cricket, every 50 runs scored or every ten wickets equates to one complete ecosystem of native and endemic trees, plants and ground covers, to be planted during the YCS community action day in partnership with the BNT in November.

The BUEI said that matches played from Cup Match through all county and league games so far have resulted in scores to cover more than half of the ecosystems for the planting project.

Cricket runs and wickets will continue to be counted, with the BFA joining the process at the Charity Cup, the official start of the football season this weekend.

The game on Sunday will take place at the North Village Community Club field at Bernard Park.

Throughout September and October, BFA Premier and First Division teams will accumulate one ecosystem for every two goals scored, the BUEI said.

Mark Wade, the BFA president, said: “The BFA gladly takes up the friendly challenge issued by our BCB counterparts as we aim to surpass our goals for phase 1 of this programme.

“Like cricket, the local and international football communities are prioritising sustainability and increasing awareness around the vital importance of caring for the environment.”

He added that the project will “transform the protected landscapes of today and provide greater long-term benefits for future generations”.

Calvin Blankendal, the executive director of the BCB, said: “The Bermuda Cricket Board is committed to enhancing Bermuda’s ecosystems through the support of our member clubs and external stakeholders.”

He added: “We will let the scores tell the story at the end of October as to which national sporting body accumulates the greater number of ecosystems for this inaugural planting event in November.

“One thing is certain, this is one match, challenge and initiative where there will be no losers, just winners.”

The ecosystems will be planted across three locations for the first part of the programme — Spittal Pond in Smith’s, Sherwin Nature Reserve at Warwick Pond and the High Point Nature Reserve in Southampton.

The BUEI said additional sponsors are welcome and volunteers are encouraged to dig in and make a difference.