Last week Saturday marked a historic day for environmental conservation in The Bahamas. The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) in collaboration with the Sandals Foundation (SF) and community members planted 1,000 native trees at Gold Rock Beach in the Lucayan National Park. This single-day activity made a significant stride on the road to recovery for the country’s second-most-visited national park.

The goal of this planting activity was to help restore the iconic beach after the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. The trees planted were all native coastal plants that will help to stabilise the dune, create native habitat, and promote sand recovery on the popular beach. Along with restoring the natural areas that were damaged, the trees, once mature, will also build resilience against future storms.

Miss Ann Marie-Carroll, one of the main event organisers remarked, “Gold Rock Beach has been plagued with invasive casuarina trees for decades and because of this, it has been susceptible to severe erosion during hurricanes like Hurricane Matthew and Dorian. These native coastal trees we’re planting are adapted to survive these environments and protect these coastlines from erosion. The BNT has a small team in Grand Bahama, so volunteer events like this are a great help to us. Volunteers of this project can take pride in knowing they helped to restore a world-renowned beach in their own community.”

Over 40 enthusiastic volunteers including local residents, students, and environmentalists showed up to get their hands dirty. The activity was also graced by the presence of Miss Universe Bahamas 2023 Melissa Ingraham, and Miss Supranational Bahamas 2023 Maliqué Maranda.

Miss Bahamas Universe 2023, an environmentalist whose platform is focused on climate action shared, "Our islands are a paradise, but they are also very vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as intense storms like Hurricane Dorian. Today, we've not only planted native trees to help this coastline recover, but we have sown hope for a more resilient future. I'm honoured to be part of this journey towards restoring the beauty and biodiversity of Gold Rock Beach."

The Sandals Foundation, known for its commitment to Caribbean communities, provided funding for this activity and other BNT restoration initiatives on the island.

“As a Caribbean organisation, the Sandals Foundation believes very strongly that it is our duty to protect the region’s breathtaking ecosystems. This mandate also rings true for The Bahamas National Trust, which works intently in raising environmental awareness, developing effective conservation practices, and empowering communities and the next generation. Together, we can do more to preserve our islands’ natural treasures for generations to come.” said Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation.

“Our islands’ coasts form part of our very identity as a region. The pristine waters, health of coral reefs, mangrove network, marine biodiversity, and fish populations are the source of livelihood for countless families. Therefore, coastal restoration for us at the Sandals Foundation is the preservation of life and livelihoods as we know it. Especially in this vastly changing climate, we are committed to doing our part to build the resilience of our islands and the people who call this region home.” she continued.

This activity complements and supports other restoration initiatives under the Global Environment Facility Full Size 2020 Project and The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund Restoration Project.

After the volunteer activity was finished and as the sun set on Lucayan National Park, the newly planted trees stood as symbols of hope, community spirit, and a commitment to a sustainable, resilient future.

The BNT thanks all the volunteers who came out to support the activity, and the Sandals Foundation for supporting environmental recovery and resilience in Grand Bahama.

Last week Saturday marked a historic day for environmental conservation in The Bahamas. The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) in collaboration with the Sandals Foundation (SF) and community members planted 1,000 native trees at Gold Rock Beach in the Lucayan National Park. This single-day activity made a significant stride on the road to recovery for the country’s second-most-visited national park. The goal of this planting activity was to help restore the iconic beach after the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. The trees planted were all native coastal plants that will help to stabilise the dune, create native habitat, and promote sand recovery on the popular beach. Along with restoring the natural areas that were damaged, the trees, once mature, will also build resilience against future storms. Miss Ann Marie-Carroll, one of the main event organisers remarked, “Gold Rock Beach has been plagued with invasive casuarina trees for decades and because of this, it has been susceptible to severe erosion during hurricanes like Hurricane Matthew and Dorian. These native coastal trees we’re planting are adapted to survive these environments and protect these coastlines from erosion. The BNT has a small team in Grand Bahama, so volunteer events like this are a great help to us. Volunteers of this project can take pride in knowing they helped to restore a world-renowned beach in their own community.” Over 40 enthusiastic volunteers including local residents, students, and environmentalists showed up to get their hands dirty. The activity was also graced by the presence of Miss Universe Bahamas 2023 Melissa Ingraham, and Miss Supranational Bahamas 2023 Maliqué Maranda. Miss Bahamas Universe 2023, an environmentalist whose platform is focused on climate action shared, "Our islands are a paradise, but they are also very vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as intense storms like Hurricane Dorian. Today, we've not only planted native trees to help this coastline recover, but we have sown hope for a more resilient future. I'm honoured to be part of this journey towards restoring the beauty and biodiversity of Gold Rock Beach." The Sandals Foundation, known for its commitment to Caribbean communities, provided funding for this activity and other BNT restoration initiatives on the island. “As a Caribbean organisation, the Sandals Foundation believes very strongly that it is our duty to protect the region’s breathtaking ecosystems. This mandate also rings true for The Bahamas National Trust, which works intently in raising environmental awareness, developing effective conservation practices, and empowering communities and the next generation. Together, we can do more to preserve our islands’ natural treasures for generations to come.” said Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation. “Our islands’ coasts form part of our very identity as a region. The pristine waters, health of coral reefs, mangrove network, marine biodiversity, and fish populations are the source of livelihood for countless families. Therefore, coastal restoration for us at the Sandals Foundation is the preservation of life and livelihoods as we know it. Especially in this vastly changing climate, we are committed to doing our part to build the resilience of our islands and the people who call this region home.” she continued. This activity complements and supports other restoration initiatives under the Global Environment Facility Full Size 2020 Project and The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund Restoration Project. After the volunteer activity was finished and as the sun set on Lucayan National Park, the newly planted trees stood as symbols of hope, community spirit, and a commitment to a sustainable, resilient future. The BNT thanks all the volunteers who came out to support the activity, and the Sandals Foundation for supporting environmental recovery and resilience in Grand Bahama.

The Ministry of Transport & Housing has launched an investigation into the appearance of an oil slick in waters at the Buck Eye Terminal in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

The Port Department was notified of the oil slick around 7:00am today.

Upon receiving the notification, the Ministry of Transport & Housing immediately executed itscontingency plan including the activation of The National Oil Spill Advisory Committee.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Transport & Housing and the Ministry of the Environmentand Natural Resources from New Providence are expected to arrive in Grand Bahamatomorrow morning to assess the impact and to investigate the source of the oil slick.

The departure of the team for Grand Bahama is contingent on the dissipation of a weathersystem near the island.

Meantime, a team from the Port Department in Grand Bahama is currently monitoring theresponse efforts.

Further updates will be provided to members of the public as the investigation progresses. 

The Ministry of Transport & Housing has launched an investigation into the appearance of an oil slick in waters at the Buck Eye Terminal in Freeport, Grand Bahama. The Port Department was notified of the oil slick around 7:00am today. Upon receiving the notification, the Ministry of Transport & Housing immediately executed its contingency plan including the activation of The National Oil Spill Advisory Committee. Senior officials from the Ministry of Transport & Housing and the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources from New Providence are expected to arrive in Grand Bahama tomorrow morning to assess the impact and to investigate the source of the oil slick. The departure of the team for Grand Bahama is contingent on the dissipation of a weather system near the island. Meantime, a team from the Port Department in Grand Bahama is currently monitoring the response efforts. Further updates will be provided to members of the public as the investigation progresses. 

Environment and Natural Resources Minister the Hon. Vaughn Miller underscored the government’s commitment to safeguarding and management of the nation’s natural resources.

Said Minister Miller, “Small Islands Developing States are united in their effort toward climate action, sustainability and natural resource management and, although these states vary in geography, topography, weathering and landscape, some factors remain the same such as unique, lush environments, diverse nutrient rich ecosystems and bountiful oceans.

“The Government of The Bahamas, through my Ministry and having BAIC as a strategic partner, is tasked with safeguarding and management of the valuable natural resources within the country, including promoting the indigenous crafts trade and the usage of non-timber forestry products such as silver top palm and or cascarilla bark and its oil. 

Natural resource management in The Bahamas is eclectic in nature and requires a multi-faceted approach. We know this important work cannot be done in isolation and we remain committed to achieving our Sustainable Development Goals by empowering local communities to act.”

He affirmed the Government’s commitment saying, “We are committed to doing our part. Each and every one of you has a key role to play in this collective, to find ways to sustain not only our livelihoods for today, but, for livelihoods in Small Islands Developing States for many years to come.”

Minister Miller welcomed delegates from St. Lucia to The Sustainable Livelihood Technical Exchange initiative Monday, July 24, 2023 at Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation Training Centre.

“Today, we welcome 11 persons from St. Lucia to participate in the exchange -- Bahamian-Style. You will also participate in classroom and in-field training. However, we will introduce you to the world of straw plaiting, weaving and tie dying. You will explore with us the unchartered territory of wine making from the seeds of the Silver Top Palm and other value added processes.”

The opening ceremony was attended by the Hon. Clay Sweeting Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs; Dr. Rhianna Neely, Director, Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, board members and staff of BAIC, John Calixe, St. Lucia representative and various stakeholders.

In an overview of the project, Minister Miller noted that an eight-member delegation from The Bahamas travelled to St. Lucia in March for a week to participate in field training, classroom studies and breakout session. He said the delegation learned the importance of making use of every portion of the resource, as there is value to be found and benefits to be received from all of it.

He explained that a Bahamas Pine Islands Project was developed and crafted to assist The Bahamas in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 13 - Climate Action, and Sustainable Development Goal 15 - Life on Land, while meeting the needs of the Convention on Biological Diversity and supporting local communities. 

The goals are also shared and interwoven with local project partners and with regional partners, the St. Lucia delegation. 

The Pine Islands project is focused on forest integration and innovation within the country.  One hundred acres of land in Hard Hill and another five acres in Spring Point, Acklins were aquired for the Pine Islands Project, which focuses on “Sustainable Livelihoods” for Cascarilla bark cultivation and processing of Cascarilla oil in Acklins and Crooked Islands.

Minister Miller noted that to aid in the management of natural resources, the Government has put forth several laws. They include:

-The Access to Benefit Sharing, Traditional Knowledge Act 2021, to protect its precious biological, genetic and traditional knowledge resources;

- The Amendments to the Protected Trees Order, 2021, speaks to the country’s commitment to protect and preserve endemic and endangered or significant plant species in The Bahamas;

- The Climate Change and Carbon Markets Initiatives Act, 2022  designed to tap into the lucrative Carbon Market, while protecting critical ecosystems from the impact of development.

Minister Miller thanked the Forestry Unit, BAIC, Food and Agriculture Organization (Bahamas) and other project partners for their efforts to date. “We realize that integration and innovation do not occur in a vacuum. We need strong partnerships to complete our work. As we learn more, experiment more, succeed more, we will share our knowledge and experience, to build the collective.”

He also acknowledged the Small Business Development Center, the Bahamas Development Bank and the United Nations Environmental Programme for their support. 

Environment and Natural Resources Minister the Hon. Vaughn Miller underscored the government’s commitment to safeguarding and management of the nation’s natural resources. Said Minister Miller, “Small Islands Developing States are united in their effort toward climate action, sustainability and natural resource management and, although these states vary in geography, topography, weathering and landscape, some factors remain the same such as unique, lush environments, diverse nutrient rich ecosystems and bountiful oceans. “The Government of The Bahamas, through my Ministry and having BAIC as a strategic partner, is tasked with safeguarding and management of the valuable natural resources within the country, including promoting the indigenous crafts trade and the usage of non-timber forestry products such as silver top palm and or cascarilla bark and its oil.  Natural resource management in The Bahamas is eclectic in nature and requires a multi-faceted approach. We know this important work cannot be done in isolation and we remain committed to achieving our Sustainable Development Goals by empowering local communities to act.” He affirmed the Government’s commitment saying, “We are committed to doing our part. Each and every one of you has a key role to play in this collective, to find ways to sustain not only our livelihoods for today, but, for livelihoods in Small Islands Developing States for many years to come.” Minister Miller welcomed delegates from St. Lucia to The Sustainable Livelihood Technical Exchange initiative Monday, July 24, 2023 at Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation Training Centre.   “Today, we welcome 11 persons from St. Lucia to participate in the exchange -- Bahamian-Style. You will also participate in classroom and in-field training. However, we will introduce you to the world of straw plaiting, weaving and tie dying. You will explore with us the unchartered territory of wine making from the seeds of the Silver Top Palm and other value added processes.” The opening ceremony was attended by the Hon. Clay Sweeting Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs; Dr. Rhianna Neely, Director, Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, board members and staff of BAIC, John Calixe, St. Lucia representative and various stakeholders.   In an overview of the project, Minister Miller noted that an eight-member delegation from The Bahamas travelled to St. Lucia in March for a week to participate in field training, classroom studies and breakout session. He said the delegation learned the importance of making use of every portion of the resource, as there is value to be found and benefits to be received from all of it.   He explained that a Bahamas Pine Islands Project was developed and crafted to assist The Bahamas in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 13 - Climate Action, and Sustainable Development Goal 15 - Life on Land, while meeting the needs of the Convention on Biological Diversity and supporting local communities.  The goals are also shared and interwoven with local project partners and with regional partners, the St. Lucia delegation.  The Pine Islands project is focused on forest integration and innovation within the country.  One hundred acres of land in Hard Hill and another five acres in Spring Point, Acklins were aquired for the Pine Islands Project, which focuses on “Sustainable Livelihoods” for Cascarilla bark cultivation and processing of Cascarilla oil in Acklins and Crooked Islands.   Minister Miller noted that to aid in the management of natural resources, the Government has put forth several laws. They include: -The Access to Benefit Sharing, Traditional Knowledge Act 2021, to protect its precious biological, genetic and traditional knowledge resources; - The Amendments to the Protected Trees Order, 2021, speaks to the country’s commitment to protect and preserve endemic and endangered or significant plant species in The Bahamas; - The Climate Change and Carbon Markets Initiatives Act, 2022  designed to tap into the lucrative Carbon Market, while protecting critical ecosystems from the impact of development. Minister Miller thanked the Forestry Unit, BAIC, Food and Agriculture Organization (Bahamas) and other project partners for their efforts to date. “We realize that integration and innovation do not occur in a vacuum. We need strong partnerships to complete our work. As we learn more, experiment more, succeed more, we will share our knowledge and experience, to build the collective.” He also acknowledged the Small Business Development Center, the Bahamas Development Bank and the United Nations Environmental Programme for their support. 

White Bay Cay, Exuma, a privately owned island within the boundaries of the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park (ECLSP), will be implementing a project that entails improvements to a roll-on roll-off (RO/RO) dock, boat ramp, as well as beach nourishment and dune restoration activities. This project is set to commence by the end of July 2023.

The BNT is working closely with the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), the White Bay Cay Island Managers and the project technical team to ensure the project’s activities are conducted responsibly and with minimal impact on the environment. The BNT appreciates the project team’s cooperation during this process. A part of BNT’s role as park managers includes working with private landowners within national parks to ensure they comply with park regulations and apply best practices. No extractive activities will take place during this project.

The ECLSP is a global model for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and a stronghold for biodiversity. BNT's Science Officers and Park Wardens will monitor project activities regularly to ensure adherence to agreed-upon development guidelines. The BNT is dedicated to open and honest communication regarding our roles and responsibilities in all such activities.