An insurance company has given a $75,000 grant to the non-governmental organisation BioQuest.

A statement said the grant, provided by the Global Atlantic Re Foundation, will “fund BioQuest’s vital work in preserving and protecting Bermuda’s distinctive biodiversity”.

Funding will mainly benefit the NGO’s Bermuda skink reference genome, Bermuda petrel population study and Bermuda cedar tree reference genome.

Reference genomes are assembled by scientists as the representative sample of genes for a species.

In connection with the grant, BioQuest will show Global Atlantic employees the genetic research process and how to identify species through DNA.

The statement added: “Global Atlantic employees may also have the opportunity to select specific Bermuda signature species, from a shortlist aligned with conservation needs of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, on which BioQuest will focus its research in upcoming years.”

Darryl Herrick, president of Global Atlantic Re and co-head of reinsurance, explained: “This collaboration forms an ideal alignment with one of the three key pillars of the Global Atlantic Re foundation, embracing our commitment to environmental sustainability initiatives throughout the island.

“We look forward to the partnership’s contributions to help preserve our local environment for future generations, along with the educational journey for our employees and extended community engagement.

“We have a shared vision with BioQuest on the meaningful work we can accomplish together with lasting impact.”

Jean-Pierre Rouja, cofounder and executive director of BioQuest, said: “This grant will significantly enhance our ability to carry out essential biodiversity projects in Bermuda, particularly those targeting our signature species.

“By focusing on these keystone species, we are not only protecting individual species but also the broader ecosystems that rely on them.”

He added: “We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on both our biodiversity projects and the wider community.”

• Visit bioquest.world to learn more about the NGO