Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda Third Sector Spotlight: BUEI
The below opinion piece was submitted by Traci Burgess, CEO of Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) and Summer Wood, Head of Education at BUEI.
“People protect what they love, and they love what they understand.” — Jacques Cousteau
“People need connection to the ocean to care about it. BUEI connects caring with learning and doing.” Traci Burgess, CEO
When you live on an island, the ocean isn’t just scenery—it’s life. The ocean shapes Bermudian culture, supports biodiversity, drives our economy and connects us to the world. However, the ocean around Bermuda is changing rapidly and our ability to respond effectively must start with education.
Bermuda needs consistent, affordable and accessible programmes that promote ocean literacy, environmental education and climate action. From primary school to adult programmes, BUEI provides opportunities for everyone to connect with the ocean, learn from it and act to protect it.
The ocean regulates Earth’s climate, accounts for 97% of the planet’s water supply, produces 70% of our oxygen, supports 350 million jobs and provides natural compounds for medicine. Humans are severely damaging the ocean and accelerating climate change. It is urgent that everyone understands what is happening to our ocean, why it matters and what we can do about it.
UNESCO reports the ocean has absorbed more than 90% of excess heat caused by greenhouse gas emissions, largely due to burning fossil fuels for electricity and transportation. This heat absorption is driving sea level rise, fuelling extreme weather events like stronger hurricanes and bleaching coral reefs, which are vital for marine life to survive.
Small island nations like Bermuda are feeling this impact firsthand and vulnerable coastal communities are hit the hardest. Climate change threatens all forms of life, compromises coastlines and puts economic livelihoods at risk. Yet, the science behind climate change is often taught too late—or not at all.
BUEI’s year-round educational programmes offer proactive approaches that connect learning with doing whilst promoting our vision where the ocean around Bermuda is widely understood, appreciated and protected. In 2024, BUEI delivered over 24,000 hours of educational programming through 5,750 encounters with public and private school students ages 5 to 22. Students engage in classes, labs, workshops, and camps tailored to Bermuda’s public school curricula, which is adaptable for private schools.
