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ABOUT
Ocean Decade
- One Ocean. A Shared Responsibility.
- The Journey to 2030
- Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards
One Ocean. A Shared Responsibility.
A healthy ocean is essential to a healthy planet. Yet coral reefs, some of the most vital ecosystems on Earth, are also among the most threatened, and the window to reverse their decline is rapidly closing.
This is why the United Nations dedicated 2021-2030 “The Ocean Decade”, or rather Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Now with a few years until attention shifts to another crisis, as global funding for scientific research becomes increasingly constrained, CCMI remains committed to making ocean-positive impacts for global conservation and Cayman’s blue future.
The final years of The Ocean Decade, through 2030, represent an opportunity to accelerate conservation impact, strengthen scientific understanding, and inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
At CCMI, we don’t need a single decade to highlight the importance of our ocean and act urgently for its future. For us, every day is dedicated to the ocean. Our work in research, conservation, and education is meant to empower others to take action, too.
We invite companies and individuals to play a defining role in shaping what comes next for Cayman’s marine ecosystems through developing a corporate sustainability plan, joining us at Festival of Seas on 31 October, and becoming our partner in this effort through annual giving programmes.
The Journey to 2030
As The Ocean Decade enters its final years, CCMI has set itself the challenge of increasing its impact. Building on more than 25 years of scientific research, conservation leadership, and environmental education, we are working to strengthen the knowledge, partnerships, and solutions needed to protect coral reefs and the communities that depend on them.
Through 2030, CCMI seeks to secure an additional $1.5 million in unrestricted funding that will provide the flexibility to respond to emerging opportunities, invest in long-term priorities, and accelerate our impact where it is needed most.
What your Support Makes Possible
Scientific Research & Monitoring
Generating the evidence needed to inform science-led conservation action and environmental management.
Ocean Literacy & Education
Creating pathways from primary education through to tertiary and professional development opportunities.
Organisational Capacity
Investing in facilities, equipment, technology, and people that make long-term impact possible.
Conservation Solutions
Protecting and restoring reef ecosystems through monitoring, restoration, and applied science.
Innovation & New Opportunities
Providing seed funding for emerging projects, partnerships, and ideas that advance CCMI’s mission.
Ocean Decade Goal
$1.5M in unrestricted support by 2030
Ocean Decade Partners
Multi-year supporters committed to helping CCMI achieve lasting impact through 2030 and beyond.
Why Unrestricted Support Matters
Multi-year unrestricted support provides CCMI with something project funding cannot: flexibility. It allows us to respond to emerging environmental challenges, invest in new opportunities, strengthen organisational capacity, and support the people and infrastructure behind our work. Most importantly, it allows us to plan confidently and act strategically.
Unrestricted funding helps CCMI:
- Seed new projects
- Expand programme capacity
- Invest in facilities and equipment
- Support scholarships and educational access
- Respond quickly to emerging priorities
- Sustain long-term scientific monitoring
Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards
Recognising Cayman’s Corporate Leaders
Businesses can be a driving force for change, serving as leaders in sustainable activity and as major influences on the health of our oceans through their decisions, the resources they use, the products and services they provide, and their relationships in the community.
Sustainable actions adopted across an organisation and its stakeholders can create a significant positive impact. From reducing pollution and carbon emissions to supporting coastal restoration, sustainable supply chains, innovation, and community involvement, companies have unique and wide-spread opportunities to drive lasting impact at scale.
By embedding ocean-conscious practices into their culture and strategic planning, companies can influence employees, customers, suppliers, and industry peers to act with sustainability in mind. This collective effort is essential to protecting the ocean and marine biodiversity for future generations.
About the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards
The Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards are designed to catalyse Cayman’s business community to take a closer look at their current environmental impact as well as identify practical ways they can further support marine sustainability in the workplace.
Our oceans are impacted by almost everything we do, especially in coastal communities such as the Cayman Islands. Our daily choices matter and can directly impact the health of our ocean: what goes down our drains and washes into the sea, which seafood options we consume, and how we dispose of waste and hazardous materials. The good news is that positive change is often easier than we think, and the benefits can be seen or felt almost immediately.
Now, more than ever, the ocean needs our help, and we believe the Cayman Islands corporate community can lead by example.
Award Categories
Corporations are asked to pick one category from the framework above (Community Connections, Ocean Footprint, and Visionary) per nomination form. More than one application can be submitted for each company.
Community Connections
Ocean Footprint
Recognising organisations that take strong internal action to reduce their environmental impact and improve ocean sustainability through operations, policies, and practices.
Visionary
Celebrating companies that set the gold standard for and are redefining corporate leadership in sustainability through forward-thinking strategies, bold pro-ocean behaviour, and an ocean-conscious company ethos as part of the mission, planning, and long-term goals.
30 x 30 Ocean Decade Corporate Challenge
UN Ocean Decade, which ends in 2030, set forth a challenge to improve ocean stewardship efforts across various segments of communities, which will require collaboration, innovation, and long-term commitment by all stakeholders. Companies who participate and implement meaningful actions into their daily operations and long-term strategies are helping shape a more sustainable future for the ocean and marine biodiversity.
The Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards are one way to participate in making a significant difference to the local marine environment. Companies can review their current activities and long-term goals, sharing innovative and successful efforts publicly to promote best practices in corporate citizenship and inspire other entities to find practical actions they, too, can implement into their corporate actions and ethos.
About Doug Allan OBE
Named in honour of Doug Allan, OBE, the internationally acclaimed filmmaker, photographer, and passionate advocate for the natural world, the awards celebrate businesses that make meaningful contributions toward a more sustainable future for the Cayman Islands through innovation, responsibility, and community engagement.
Doug Allan OBE first collaborated with CCMI as a guest speaker and photography judge at Festival of Seas: Coral Reef Horizons in 2024. He returned to Cayman in November 2025, sharing insights on the interconnectedness of Cayman’s coral reefs with ecosystems around the world. His talks reached and inspired more than 1,000 students and community members over the course of a week! He used his stunning imagery to showcase the importance of Cayman’s marine environment on a global stage. Intertwined with fascinating stories of his adventures in some of the world’s most remote and pristine environments, Doug’s talks brought his audience closer to the wonders of nature, evoking a deep respect for the environment in which we live.
Sadly, Doug Allan passed away on 8th April 2026, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration, adventure, and advocacy for our natural world.
