Protecting Malportas Pond

Sebastien Nehme

Real Estate Agent

A Natural Place to Begin

When you live in Cayman, it’s easy to feel connected to nature. It is part of our daily life. So when I learned about the National Trust’s plans to expand the Malportas Pond Bird Sanctuary in North Side, it immediately felt like something worth supporting. Malportas Pond has always been a favourite spot of mine for wildlife photography. The calm, the variety of birdlife and the sense of quiet make it a special place.

Through Property Cayman Cares, our internal community fund, I proposed a donation to help make the project possible. The team voted unanimously in favour, and together we were able to support the protection of one of Cayman’s most important wetland habitats.

Why this project mattered

Malportas Pond is a vital ecosystem. It supports migratory birds, native plants and a living piece of Cayman’s natural history. Preserving it means future generations can enjoy the same sense of wonder many of us feel when we visit. One moment that stays with me is seeing a flamingo at the pond in late 2023. My family and I went straight there with the camera. It reminded us how rare and meaningful these natural encounters are.

How Property Cayman Cares made it happen

Property Cayman Cares is our in-house community fund, created in 2021 to give back to Cayman in practical and meaningful ways. The fund grows through a portion of agent’s commission, matched contributions from the company, and fees from services such as notary work. Over time, this has allowed our team to support a wide range of local initiatives, from clean-ups and home-repair projects to youth programmes and conservation efforts.

Because Property Cayman Cares exists, we were able to respond quickly when the National Trust began working to secure more land around Malportas Pond. Our contribution supported the acquisition of an additional 2.5 acres, now known as Flamingo Point, helping ensure the area remains protected and accessible to the public.

What it means for the community

Expanding the sanctuary does more than safeguard wildlife. It creates opportunities for learning, volunteering and reconnecting with nature. It is a space where residents and visitors can slow down and appreciate what makes Cayman unique.

For our team, it is a reminder that small, collective actions can lead to long-term impact.

Looking ahead

We are proud that Property Cayman Cares could play a part in this project, and we will continue to look for ways to support causes that reflect our shared values. Protecting places like Malportas Pond helps ensure Cayman’s natural landscape remains part of our future, not just our past.

If you would like to learn more about the National Trust’s conservation work or explore how to get involved, their website is a great place to start. The community can also support the National Trust by visiting their store at Dart Park in South Sound and purchasing books or memorabilia. Memberships and donations, big or small, help fund the Trust’s ongoing conservation initiatives.