The Bermuda Zoological Society yesterday unveiled a campaign geared at fostering environmental education and conservation for the next century.

The Aquarium 100 Campaign — a public-private partnership — will see the BZS, the Government and the private sector partnering to build on the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo’s legacy, with a commitment to the island’s students at its core.

The campaign kick-started with a groundbreaking ceremony at BAMZ in Flatts, where work will begin on the redevelopment of a playing field, the first phase of the BAMZ master plan.

Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, said: “Today is about much more than breaking ground on a new playground.

“Today is about ensuring that the next generation of Bermudians has the same opportunity to discover the wonders of our natural world — to develop a love for our environment and to create memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.”

Ian Walker, principal curator at BAMZ, said the campaign was unveiled to coincide with the institution’s 100th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the BZS, celebrated over a two-year window between now and 2028.

Dr Walker said: “Anniversaries matter. They give us a reason to pause and look back, they allow us to remember the people who had the vision to build this place — the generations of staff and volunteers who cared for it and the families, teachers, students, donors and visitors who have made BAMZ part of Bermuda’s history.”

“As we approach a 100 years of BAMZ, we have a responsibility to think seriously about the next 100 years.”

Dr Walker said considerations would include future generations having a place “where they can learn about Bermuda’s natural heritage, understand the fragility of island environments and be inspired to care for the world around them”.

Philippe Bacon, the president of the BZS, said to date more than $14.4 million has been raised through private contributions, complemented by $20 million in government support.

He said the unwavering support of the charity helped to make BAMZ “an institution like no other on the island”.

He said: “It is deep-rooted in promoting education, conservation and community — it is what we do best.”

He added: “This is our living classroom, inspiring curiosity, nurturing a love of the natural world and connecting young Bermudians to the environment that defines our island home.

“By expanding access and modernising our facility and programmes, we are ensuring that future generations have new opportunities to learn, discover and be transformed by this place.

“That is what drives our commitment, and that is what makes this campaign so meaningful.”

Key priorities include new exhibits, modernised facilities, classrooms and infrastructure with state-of-the-art exhibits and teaching technology.

The campaign aims to expand educational programmes, research initiatives and conservation work, deepening community engagement and advancing opportunities for students and staff.

Another objective is building a strong endowment for a lasting financial foundation, with annual earnings directed to support core priorities in perpetuity.

Through the master plan, the BZS said, the redevelopment envisions a modernised campus experience across the aquarium to honour its 100-year heritage while meeting the needs of a new era.

The charity said the transformed campus will be accessible, inclusive and engaging, creating a welcoming destination that reflects Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural identity.