PartnerRe has donated $200,000 to support a sustainability programme devised by the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS).

It will involve research into the local environment and resources with a focus on developing sustainable technologies and practices to better protect Bermuda.

The programme seeks to influence society at all levels from the renewable algal diesel research that could inform scientists and policy formers globally, to the training of Bermudian school children in how to look after their shores.

Jaime Masters, Chairperson of PartnerRe's charity committee, said: "The sustainability of Bermuda is important to PartnerRe and we are proud to sponsor BIOS in their research to find alternative renewable sources of energy.

"The algal biodiesel is a practical alternative for Bermuda's increasing energy needs while also ensuring that we minimise our ecological footprint."

He said PartnerRe's generous support of the BIOS Sustainability Project shows a conscientiousness for the health of our planet, and was a good example to all companies for how to tackle issues such as climate change by thinking globally and acting locally.

BIOS Senior Research Scientist Gerry Plumley said: "PartnerRe's willingness to support algal biodiesel work, especially at the very basic level, shows tremendous insight into issues that impact Bermuda and our global environment."

He said green technologies not only provided alternatives to dwindling supplies of petroleum, they also help ameliorate issues related to emissions of green house gases and global climate change. Mr. Plumley added: "BIOS enthusiastically supports 'going green' and sustainability, both locally and internationally, and is happy to have PartnerRe as a partner in this research."

BIOS is an independent marine science organisation.

It was founded in 1903 as the Bermuda Biological Station by scientists from Harvard and New York University to take advantage of Bermuda's ideal location for deep-ocean and coral reef research and education.