Kerzner International Limited, which through its subsidiaries is a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotel properties, has announced a plan to invest more than $5 million over five years to support the Kerzner Marine Foundation (KMF), a newly-established, non-profit foundation that seeks to foster the preservation and enhancement of global marine ecosystems through scientific research, education and community outreach.

The Foundation's focus is to protect the integrity of tropical marine ecosystems and priority projects will involve the development and management of marine protected areas (ocean sites that enjoy a level of protection similar to U.S. national parks), coral reef and cetacean conservation and local and global research. The Foundation will fund programs that will produce specific and measurable results related to its strategy of preserving marine habitats.

According to Butch Kerzner, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the formation of KMF marks an important step for the Company's marine conservation initiatives. He explains, "We have long been aware of the threats facing our oceans, and for many years we have been dedicated to promoting ocean awareness, conservation and education to our many guests through development of innovative marine life exhibits and programs. Our Company has succeeded in bringing more than five million visitors in contact with over 250 marine species at Atlantis, Paradise Island, helping them to better understand our oceans' ecosystems. We felt it was very important to strengthen our impact on marine conservation by increasing our financial commitment and supporting significant research projects in this increasingly-important field."

KMF's first major grant will be made to The Nature Conservancy and its local partners Bahamas National Trust and Bahamas Sportfishing Conservation Association, which together protect the ocean life and habitat of Andros Island in The Bahamas. The waters surrounding Andros Island support a rich variety of fish and other marine animals. The Nature Conservancy plans to work with The Bahamas government to establish and maintain a marine protected area. KMF's funding of this project will allow for one of the largest concerted conservation efforts in history in The Bahamas.

"The pristine waters around Andros Island are a phenomenal natural treasure for the people of The Bahamas and indeed for the rest of the world, but they need protection to remain healthy and beautiful," said Eleanor Phillips, Bahamas Country Program Director for The Nature Conservancy. "By acting now, with the support of the Kerzner Marine Foundation, we have a priceless opportunity to make sure everyone can enjoy and benefit from this treasure for generations to come."

Other areas of geographic focus for KMF include the Caribbean, Middle East and Southeast Asia. In addition, the Foundation will promote education and outreach to local communities where the programs are implemented. Grants will be awarded quarterly from solicited proposals. More information on the foundation can be found online via the organization's website, www.kerznermarinefoundation.org.

The Foundation will be overseen by Debra Erickson, Executive Director of KMF, along with a Board of Directors. Erickson was a former Executive Director and Conservation Director of Orangutan Foundation International and the Director of International and Environmental Communications at Anheuser-Busch Companies. The Board of Directors will initially be comprised of Howard Karawan, President and Managing Director of the Destination Resorts segment of Kerzner International Limited; John Allison, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Kerzner International Limited; Frank Murru, Chief Marine Officer of Kerzner International Limited; and Dr. Paul Dayton, one of the world's foremost marine scientists, who will serve as the Foundation's Vice President and Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee. (E-11.02.05)

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