Giles Cadman 
Ever since it became cool to go green everyone has become an environmentalist. And that isn’t a bad thing! However, I’m proud that Cadman Capital has been an environmentally-conscious and sustainable company from the beginning.
Pragmatic environmentalism definition
Environmentalists often get stereotyped as being too idealistic. Being a pragmatic environmentalist simply means I’m realistic and I don’t expect change to happen overnight. Instead of discussing how unfair and cruel the world is, I like to promote pragmatic solutions. These solutions include sustainable aquaculture, supporting local business and communities, and supporting green initiatives, such as growing mangroves in the BVI.
My personal philosophy
My personal philosophy is that change needs to happen but it needs to happen slowly. We don’t want to create change too quickly because we need to focus on the important things today and slowly introduce what will influence tomorrow.
In my opinion, it takes a generation to see results. An example of this is the consumption of turtle in the Caribbean. I remember thinking how horrible it was to hunt a turtle when they’re just so endangered. People from the older generation would make lovely turtles into soup! But, I knew if I made a big fuss about it, the elders would push back. And rightly so who is an outsider like me to tell a local what to eat and what to do with their catch?
My feeling was that if we didn’t try to make rules, then turtle fishing would eventually be phased out. Grandparents in the BVI enjoyed eating turtles, but eventually as life progresses, the tradition would hold less and less influence over time. Naturally, the next generation would not be interested they would rather eat McDonald’s.
Don’t believe me? Just look at smoking.
My advice to you
If you’re interested in pragmatic environmentalism, the key is to not create barriers. If you force change too quickly, it will work in the opposite way you want it to. Focus on the important things today and then slowly introduce the change you seek for tomorrow.
Giles Cadman is Chairman of The Cadman Capital Group, a group of cohesive, complementary companies, operating in the international trade, retail, leisure, and investment markets. Learn more about Giles.
