A donation of SR45,000 has been made by Cable & Wireless Seychelles to buy marine equipment for conservation projects in Seychelles waters. In a short ceremony on the 14th of August 2008, Charles Hammond, Chief Executive Cable & Wireless Seychelles, presented a cheque to Mary Stravens, Chief Executive of the Island Conservation Society. Mr. Hammond said: "The effects of climate change have led to a high level of coral mortality and bleaching and the recovery process is quite slow. There is a need to focus and find ways to help in these recovery programmes." As a result of climate change, various problems have arisen that have affected the coral reefs and other marine habitats. "We now have to manage the surrounding marine areas, so with the equipment that will be purchased using the SR45,000, the marine programme will be able to kick off!", said Mrs. Stravens. Working under the slogan 'A helping hand for a stronger community" the CWS Foundation is committed towards supporting the local communities and being responsive to their needs and is continuously looking at areas where it can provide assistance.