Aspen and Trunk Island: Putting Down Roots

Aspen is investing money and muscle in mangrove forests on the open-air classroom of Trunk Island. 

The company’s support for the Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) is helping to protect coastal and marine ecosystems, which are critical in mitigating climate change.

What does Aspen do for BZS? Aspen has committed to donating $125,000 over five years to create a coastal red mangrove forest on Trunk Island. Aspen also contributes to the BZS’s educational Living Classroom program. The company’s support for the BZS is helping to protect coastal and marine ecosystems which are critical in mitigating climate change 

Why does it matter? Trunk Island, located in Harrington Sound, has become an essential site for conservation, research, and education in Bermuda, a “Living Museum” dedicated to recreating the island’s native biodiversity while engaging the community. With the help of Aspen’s large donation of $125,000 over the next five years, the BZS will have the capacity to continue its key conservation and education projects. 

Trevor Rawson, Trunk Island Project Coordinator, shared the origins and purpose of Trunk Island: “The aim has always been to recreate an environment similar to what Bermuda would have looked like before invasive species were introduced.”  

He explained how the BZS works to make Trunk a thriving habitat: “We’re clearing out invasives, planting native and endemic species, and creating pockets throughout the island that support biodiversity. We’ve got mangrove forests, longtail nesting areas, and even spaces where endemic species like Bermuda snails and skinks are being reintroduced.” 

Rawson shared how funds from Aspen had been allocated: “The initial funding went into the actual creation of the seawall, and then, of course, into planting. There’s also been a specific seedling drive to create the first stock of seedlings that went into the Micro Forest Project. We know exactly what every part went towards.” 

One of the unique aspects of Trunk Island is its focus on educational programs for children. Rawson described a key class, the Climate Change Heroes course, as a hands-on opportunity for students to learn about environmental science directly in the field.  

“The kids are actually going onto Trunk Island and measuring carbon dioxide, learning about the role of mangroves in sequestering carbon. They’re physically getting to see how vital mangroves are to climate conservation,” he said. The children also participate in activities such as snorkelling around the island, building familiarity with the local marine life.” 

For Adam Barboza, Aspen’s vice president of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, these projects have a broader social impact, fostering connections between Bermuda’s communities. 

“When kids explore and learn, they’re merging cultures within Bermuda. The expatriate kids meet local kids, create lifelong friendships, and mesh some of that cultural aspect, which is really important. It’s about raising awareness and providing educational access and opportunities for all.” 

Aside from these educational initiatives, Trunk Island also hosts camps for conservation and aquatic education. As Rawson noted: “Some kids are learning how to snorkel and use a mask for the first time. Trunk is a safe, comfortable place for them to experience that, and eventually, they get to go out to deeper water like North Rock, where they can experience amazing free diving.” 

Community collaboration 

Another critical aspect of Trunk Island’s success is the collaborative efforts that drive it forward.  

Rawson highlighted the dedication of these volunteers, who often take on demanding tasks. “They’re not doing glamorous jobs; they’re weeding, digging in the mud, especially with the mangroves.

It’s not just a quick, clean task; it involves walking across Hungry Bay, which isn’t accessible by land. For these employees, it’s a break from the office, an opportunity to experience the nature they’re helping to protect,” he explained, adding: “They often say it was the best experience—even if they’re sweaty, hot, and tired.” 

Long-term legacy 

Giselle Yeung, Aspen’s vice president of environmental social and corporate governance, appreciates the “educational aspect” of the partnership, which: “aligns to some of our company values and enables our employees to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the local aquaculture and biodiversity that surrounds us. Supporting the Trunk Island project allows our colleagues to better understand the local environment we operate within, and how it supports our employees’ families, and our community’s health and wellbeing. 

”This focus on conservation education aligns closely with Aspen’s commitment to long-term environmental stewardship.”  

Barboza explained: “This project meets many of our values and goals in terms of alignment with UN Global Compact Sustainable Development Goals, including education, life on water, life on land, climate action and reducing inequalities. Our commitment extends over five years to ensure it has a lasting impact.” 

For Barboza, Aspen’s “small drop in the bucket helps to create ripples that touch a lot of social elements and create education around environmental issues, such as the Youth Climate Summit, where kids are putting up their hands in school and saying they want to be champions of sustainability or conservation.” 

A commitment to sustainability 

“This contribution highlights the commitment that Aspen is making to sustainability. We don’t have all the answers, but we would like to be a part of the solution and less a part of the problem.” 

Aspen’s involvement in Bermuda’s environmental projects goes hand in hand with its core business focus. Barboza added: “As a re/insurance company, we’re on the front lines of climate-related issues. We see the impacts of environmental degradation probably before most, especially in property and property catastrophe insurance.” 

Yeung said: “Planting mangroves several years ago and then revisiting them to observe their growth and prosperity is one method of how we measure our success: i.e. the environmental impact. Employee satisfaction – how we get our employees involved and culturally-aligned – represents another method, as measured through Aspen’s annual Employee Engagement Survey.” 

Barboza captured the essence of this approach: “It’s about giving. We continually try new methods, see if they work, and when they do, share that success. Bermuda is small, but that gives us the chance to do some incredible things on a manageable scale.” 

This article is an abridged version of a feature story that originally was published online by the Bermuda Re + ILS media outlet. Read the original article:  Aspen and Trunk Island: Putting down roots | Bermuda Re