An organisation named after one of Bermuda's wealthiest long-term residents has donated $60,000 to help support three programmes at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) that work to educate the Bermudian youth in conservation and the environment.

The Ernest E. Stempel Foundation, named after the late billionaire, philanthropist, Bermuda resident and former head of American International Group donated the sum to benefit conservation efforts and environmental education.

The total of $60,000 will benefit three projects, the "Power of One" Environmental Youth Conference 2010, the Ernest E. Stempel Student Internship Programme, and the Dive-Site Moorings Programme the helps protect Bermuda's coral reefs.

Lynda Johnson, Development Director at BAMZ thanked the foundation saying: "We are very grateful for the generous support from the Ernest E. Stempel Foundation in making each of these projects possible."

She added: "The gifts demonstrate the foundation's dedication to teaching future generations to become good stewards for our environment, as well as a long-term vision for the protection of Bermuda's natural heritage."