In making the link between how climate change affects communities and network resilience, Digicel Jamaica is throwing its support behind the 2023 Swim for the Sanctuary eco-fundraiser.

The collaboration, dubbed, a “winning combination”, will see Digicel sponsoring efforts to ensure the continued protection of the White River Fish Sanctuary – a “no-fishing” zone of over 370 acres, covering approximately three-and-a-half miles of coastline from St. Ann to St. Mary.

As a nature reserve, the sanctuary acts as a breeding zone for a variety of reef fish that eventually leave for deeper waters and are later caught by fisherfolk.

To promote its sustainability, Digicel joined forces with organisers, Jamaica Inn Foundation and several other firms focused on corporate climate action, at the launch of the third edition of the open water swim event, held at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston last Tuesday (October 24).

Speaking at the event, Elon Parkinson, head of communications and corporate relations at Digicel Jamaica, emphasised the significance of the partnership.

“This event enables us to closely examine our own resilience and environmental protection efforts, while we help others with managing the impact of climate risks.”

He added, “Climate-related weather events that are worsened by the degradation of coral reef ecosystems can have far-reaching impacts on our operations, in the same they affect our fisherfolk and others whose livelihoods depend on the marine ecosystem. With this in mind, we are supporting a community-based management approach toward protecting the fish sanctuary, by using the power of our vast fibre and LTE mobile networks to keep everyone involved better connected.”

Notably, since its establishment in 2001, Digicel has consistently supported local fisherfolk by opening access to mobile technology and ensuring that they enjoy seamless connectivity for several miles at sea.

This level of accessibility and network availability enables marine users to leverage the power of digital technology to quickly access critical data on climate change risks and events.

The eco-friendly partnership comes months after the Digicel Foundation’s “Good Energy, Clean Environment” grant initiative was launched. The initiative has already awarded 846 grants, that are impacting over 250,000 people across the island.

Registered community groups, youth and farm groups, educational institutions, and social enterprises are invited to apply for a share of J$35 million in grants to fund their environmentally sustainable projects.

In welcoming Digicel to the event’s impressive lineup of sponsors, director of the Jamaica Inn Foundation, Kyle Mais, commented, “We have received an incredible amount of support from our sponsors and join hands in the commitment to the restoration of the blue economy, and raising awareness of the protection of Jamaica’s marine environment.”

Swim for the Sanctuary will be held on November 11 at White River House, Shaw Park Beach in Ocho Rios.