LMAX Group, the leading independent operator of institutional execution venues for FX and crypto currency trading, has partnered with Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PRRCFI).
This partnership, ‘Actions for Communities and Environment’ (ACE), will help PRRCFI in its mission of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
The one-year ACE programme, made possible by the assistance and support from LMAX Group, will strengthen PRRCFI’s initiatives for environmental conservation and benefit the entire community in the marine protected area of Danjugan Island, Brgy. Bulata, Cauyan, Negros Occidental.
The programme will focus on sustainability scholarships, environmental education activities, conservation research, livelihood and ecotourism capacity-building sessions as well as equipment support.
The ACE programme is instrumental in growing the next generation of conservationists and citizen scientists through experiential marine and wildlife camps, educating them on sustainable development.
By providing training sessions in sustainable livelihood and ecotourism and through the provision of tools to support local ecotourism livelihood services, the programme recognises the crucial role of the community in all conservation efforts.
Commenting on the programme, David Mercer, CEO of LMAX Group said, “We are delighted to support the ACE programme as PRRCFI continues to inspire the conservationists and leaders of the future. At our own company, we strongly believe in playing an active role in developing young people and our ambition is to drive positive change, not just across global capital markets but more broadly in the world around us.
The Philippines and PRRCFI’s Danjugan Island reserve is central to global marine biodiversity for coral reefs, but it is also highly vulnerable to climate-related weather events and threats brought about by habitat alteration and a lack of economic opportunities.
The fantastic work carried out by PRRCFI is putting conservation and sustainable development on the agendas of schools, local government and community leaders.
This education will help them to make informed decisions, engaging them in turn to appreciate, save and preserve biodiversity towards a sustainable future.”
Gerardo Ledesma, president and founder of PRRCFI added, “We at PRRCFI immensely appreciate the assistance of LMAX Group in the much-needed intervention to the mainland communities, starting with Brgy Bulata, whose sustenance and marginal fisherfolk impact the Danjugan Marine Reserve and Sanctuaries. With ACE and its sustainable livelihood program, it is hoped fishers may start on their terrestrial-based income-generation initiatives, minimising and eventually eliminating poaching in the marine protected area.”
