Recently, a remarkable evening was hosted by Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle at the Speaker’s House in the UK. Attendees gathered for a significant cause: the One Planet Insights project, particularly its 2nd installment titled “Saving the Blues.” It was an event filled with elegance, held in the State Rooms, and centered around a critical theme: conservation.
The Grand Cayman Blue Iguana: A symbol of hope
Amid the refined surroundings, guests were impressed with the inspiring story of Grand Cayman’s Blue Iguana. Once teetering on the brink of extinction, this species has become a beacon of hope in the conservation world. Despite their endangered status, these iguanas have shown us what can be achieved through dedication and effort.
Remarkable recovery: A conservation triumph
In what can only be described as a testament to the island’s unwavering conservation efforts, the population of native Blue Iguanas in Grand Cayman has experienced an extraordinary revival. Evidence of natural breeding marks a significant milestone in collective efforts to protect these unique creatures.
Did you know? In 2001, the blue iguana population had dwindled to fewer than 30 in the wild. Thanks to concerted conservation efforts, these numbers have significantly improved, with the species being downgraded from the “red list” to endangered in 2012. A major highlight was in 2018 when we celebrated the release of the 1000th iguana back into the wild!
A documentary to remember: “Saving The Blues”
To get an in-depth look at the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme and their commitment to the planet, watch the full-length documentary “Saving The Blues: The Road Back From Extinction.”
The Cayman Islands, a biodiversity hotspot with over 3,000 native species, are home to the Blue Iguana and other unique species and habitats. As one of the 14 UK Overseas Territories, the Cayman Islands play a pivotal role in the biodiversity for which the United Kingdom is responsible under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Make a difference
This event was more than just an evening of appreciation; it was a call to action for all of us to continue our efforts in preserving our planet’s precious biodiversity.
For more insights into conservation efforts and to view the documentary, please visit this link.