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Bristol-Myers Squibb and The Nature Conservancy Partner to Map the Biodiversity of Puerto Rico ARLINGTON, VA — July 31, 2002 — The Nature Conservancy today announced a one-year partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb that will help protect Puerto Rico’s rich biodiversity. A $100,000 grant from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation will enable the Conservancy to develop an ecoregional plan, which is a first step in ensuring the long-term survival of plants, animals and natural communities. The plan helps conservationists prioritize where action needs to be taken first. With the funding, the Conservancy will be able to bring together local experts to identify key sites as well as conservation requirements for significant species and natural communities within Puerto Rico. This process and the resulting ecoregional plan provides a systematic, scientific basis for improving and expanding Puerto Rico’s present system of protected areas. The island is home to many threatened and endangered species found nowhere else in the world. “This ecoregional plan will provide us with a better idea of what’s left on Puerto Rico and in what condition so that we can start to work with local communities and partners to conserve those remaining special places,” said Steve Volkers, Director of Corporate Programs for The Nature Conservancy. “By supporting the development of such a plan, Bristol-Myers Squibb is making a tangible difference for all of the island’s species.” Employee volunteers from Bristol-Myers Squibb will play a large role in a number of expert workshops and in communicating the importance of the ecoregional plan to the general public. The company has maintained a presence on Puerto Rico for many years and its employees are actively involved in the local community. Among other things, the company will share the results of the ecoregional plan with the island’s youngest generation through its K-8 education initiative. “Bristol-Myers Squibb has set an ambitious goal of encouraging each of its facilities and businesses to help protect local endangered species and habitats by 2010. Through this partnership with The Nature Conservancy, our company is demonstrating its own concern for and commitment to protecting the natural heritage of Puerto Rico,” said Susan Voigt, Vice President, EHS and Corporate Product Quality Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. |
