A new boat that will help in conservation efforts at Nonsuch Island was officially christened today.The boat, called ‘Ascendant’, is part of a ten-year partnership between Government and the Ascendant Group Ltd.Last June, Conservation Services and Ascendant Group agreed a public-private partnership to assist with the long-term preservation and restoration of Nonsuch Island nature reserve.Ascendant Group committed to contribute $50,000 annually for ten years to assist with Nonsuch Island and one of the first items on Conservation Services’ list of needs was a new Boston Whaler to transport staff and visitors to the island.The boat was this morning christened by Public Works Minister Derrick Burgess who said: “We are delighted with the new Boston Whaler that will help Conservation Services staff with the work that they do to preserve and restore our national treasure, Nonsuch Island, which is a living museum of Bermuda’s unique natural habitats and native species.“We are pleased to collaborate with Ascendant Group on a project that benefits the entire Island, as environmental preservation is essential to the health and well-being of our community.”Ascendant Group President and CEO Vincent Ingham said: “Ascendant Group is committed to supporting organisations and initiatives that protect and enhance the quality of the environment for present and future generations of Bermudians.“We were very pleased when Government agreed that we would be able to play a role in the ongoing restoration of Nonsuch Island and its adjacent islands. Of course, we are especially pleased to know that, from today, ‘Ascendant’ will transport Conservation Services staff and visitors to and from the islands.”