Sustainable Cayman is pleased to announce the appointment of young Caymanian environmental researcher and accomplished Olympian Charlotte Webster as Climate Resilience Programme Lead & Ambassador, commencing 1 November 2026.
The appointment marks the beginning of a three-year programme supported by the John Ellerman Foundation, in partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), to advance the long-term protection and climate resilience of Grand Cayman’s Central Mangrove Wetland.
Charlotte brings specialist academic knowledge of the Central Mangrove Wetland, having undertaken her undergraduate research examining how legal protection influences mangrove ecosystem resilience in Grand Cayman. Her research used satellite vegetation data and time-series analysis to investigate differences between protected and unprotected mangrove areas. And her Master's thesis explored public support for mangrove protection through a series of surveys and interviews across Cayman.
Her appointment represents an important step for Sustainable Cayman in strengthening its in-house research capacity and bringing specialist environmental knowledge directly into community education, conservation planning and public policy discussions.
From Research to Practical Action
The Central Mangrove Wetland plays a vital role in Grand Cayman’s natural drainage, biodiversity, carbon storage and coastal resilience. Its ecological connections extend through Little Sound into North Sound and the surrounding marine environment.
Over the next three years, Charlotte will lead work to assess the wetland’s climate resilience, bring together existing research and environmental data, and identify priorities for further investigation and protection. She will also work with researchers, conservation organisations, public agencies and the wider community to share findings, strengthen public understanding and translate scientific knowledge into practical recommendations for the wetland’s long-term protection.
The programme will draw upon the RSPB’s technical expertise and wider conservation experience while building local capacity to support informed environmental decision-making.
Investing in Local Environmental Expertise
The appointment reflects Sustainable Cayman’s commitment to investing in young Caymanian talent, strengthening local environmental research capacity and ensuring that specialist knowledge of our islands is translated into practical conservation action.
“Charlotte brings a valuable combination of specialist research knowledge, an established understanding of the Central Mangrove Wetland and a genuine commitment to Cayman’s natural environment,” said a Sustainable Cayman spokesperson. “Having someone with master’s-level research experience focused directly on our own mangrove ecosystems is a significant benefit. We want that knowledge to be accessible, not confined to academic papers, so it can help inform how Cayman plans for development, manages flood risk and protects its natural heritage.”
The programme will encourage collaboration between scientists, government agencies, community organisations and residents, recognising that effective conservation requires both sound evidence and public participation.
Charlotte is also an accomplished Olympian who has represented the Cayman Islands in sailing and is working towards qualifying for another Olympic Games. Sustainable Cayman is proud to support her continued sporting ambitions through flexible working arrangements. Her international sporting profile also provides an opportunity to share Cayman’s environmental story beyond our shores, raising awareness of the islands’ natural heritage, climate resilience challenges and conservation efforts with a global audience.
Looking Ahead
Over the next three years, Sustainable Cayman aims to strengthen understanding of the Central Mangrove Wetland’s role in climate resilience and support a more informed approach to its long-term management.
The programme will place particular emphasis on translating scientific findings into practical information that communities and decision-makers can use.
“Protecting the Central Mangrove Wetland is not simply about conserving an area of mangroves. It is about understanding the natural systems that help protect Grand Cayman and ensuring that knowledge informs decisions about our island’s future,” said Charlotte Webster.
Sustainable Cayman thanks the John Ellerman Foundation and RSPB for supporting the programme and welcomes Charlotte to her new role.