Bermuda - Eco Tourism Initiatives

In addition to the numerous nature parks and reserves, Bermuda is home to several organizations dedicated to the study and preservation of its ecosystem. In fact, Bermuda passed conservation acts as early as 1616 and 1620 to protect certain birds and tortoises on and around the island. Since then, Bermuda's conservation efforts have continued apace. The Bermuda National Trust was established in 1970 and, along with the Bermuda Audubon Society, is dedicated to preserving the area's natural attractions. The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences was founded in 1903 as the Bermuda Biological Station for Research with a mission to "transform the fields of oceanography, marine science and ocean health" through research, education and knowledge-sharing. To that end, staff members offer free tours of the facility every Wednesday morning.

The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) was created by the Bermuda Parliament in 1992 to promote knowledge of and research into the ocean. The waterfront BUEI features several exhibits including Jack Lightbourn's collection of 1,200 shells of 1,000 species; a treasure room that displays a replica of the mysteriously-disappeared gold-and-emerald "Tucker Cross;" and an interactive "Science at Sea" classroom.