In his remarks at the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens, Greece, the Hon. Zane Lightbourne, State-Minister in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, pledged The Bahamas’ unwavering commitment to the practice of sustainability and emphasized that the nation remains dedicated to the development of innovative measures to adapt to, and mitigate harm to the oceanic environment. 

He shared challenges and successes of The Bahamas as a leader in sustainable tourism as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS). The conference was held April 15-17, 2024 on the theme “Our Ocean - An Ocean of Potential” . It marked the official launch of Sustainable Tourism in the Mediterranean.

The conference focused on these topics:
*Sustainable tourism in coastal areas and Islands
*Reduction of marine plastic and micro-plastic pollution
*Green transition in the Mediterranean Sea and
*Green Shipping

Minister Lightbourne told participants that the health of The Bahamas’ seas, oceans and marine ecosystems is threatened by:

*Unsustainable practices, such as illegal discharges into the marine environment
*Marine litter, such as discarded fishing gear and micro-plastics
*Illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing
*Unsustainable shipping and tourism activities

He said, “We must have a common response to these challenges that propel us into action both separately and collectively – and to determine the most effective sustainable initiatives that will serve as the antidote to our common, global, environmental threat.”

He noted the effects of rising ocean temperatures, the exposure of residents to threats, hurricanes and extreme coral bleaching.  “The crippling impact to our coastal communities have put our country at the forefront of the climate crisis, with immediate responses needed to alleviate calamity.

“We have built resilience in these areas by implementing ecosystem-based solutions. The government has adopted a No Net Loss approach to mangroves, corals and pine forests.  We have enacted a ban on selected single-use plastics that prohibits these items from import. We are training and retooling professionals across sectors to address our local, regional and international challenges.

“The Bahamas is investing millions of US dollars to the effective management of our Marine Protected Areas, which includes equipping Protected Area Managers to patrol, protect and conserve our natural environment,” he said.

State-Minister Lightbourne also outlined some of the initiatives that have been launched in The Bahamas in alignment with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #14 — Sustainable Oceans/Life Below Water.

They are:

1. Mission for Mangroves
In 2022, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation launched Mission for the Mangroves which promotes mangrove stock replenishment and regeneration. Mangroves are also a protected species in country since 2021, under the Forestry Act.

2. The Coral Reef Restoration Project  
Launched in 2023, the project facilitates the establishment of Coral Nurseries through a network of dive operators who offer out-planting packages to visiting divers. The project aims to establish and maintain 50 Coral Nurseries across the Bahamian archipelago.  

3. Economic Growth/Decent Work – SDGs 8,11, 13
The Andros Community-based Tourism Cluster Project seeks to position Andros as the premier ecotourism destination within the country, fostering economic diversification within tourism.  

4. Nature-based services at BAMSI (Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute)
BAMSI is a tertiary institution for Marine Science that offers nationally accredited certification courses in flats-fishing and nature tourism, particularly for youth.  To underscore the Government’s commitment to Sustainable Tourism, legislation has been enacted that requires flats-fishing guides in The Bahamas, to be certified and licensed.  In January of this year, 40 trained and newly certified Guides graduated from BAMSI.  These projects are transformative and focus on creating a tourism sector that is environmentally sustainable, intent on preserving nature, communities, and culture.

In his remarks at the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens, Greece, the Hon. Zane Lightbourne, State-Minister in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, pledged The Bahamas’ unwavering commitment to the practice of sustainability and emphasized that the nation remains dedicated to the development of innovative measures to adapt to, and mitigate harm to the oceanic environment.   He shared challenges and successes of The Bahamas as a leader in sustainable tourism as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS). The conference was held April 15-17, 2024 on the theme “Our Ocean - An Ocean of Potential” . It marked the official launch of Sustainable Tourism in the Mediterranean.   The conference focused on these topics: *Sustainable tourism in coastal areas and Islands *Reduction of marine plastic and micro-plastic pollution *Green transition in the Mediterranean Sea and *Green Shipping Minister Lightbourne told participants that the health of The Bahamas’ seas, oceans and marine ecosystems is threatened by: *Unsustainable practices, such as illegal discharges into the marine environment *Marine litter, such as discarded fishing gear and micro-plastics *Illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing *Unsustainable shipping and tourism activities   He said, “We must have a common response to these challenges that propel us into action both separately and collectively – and to determine the most effective sustainable initiatives that will serve as the antidote to our common, global, environmental threat.” He noted the effects of rising ocean temperatures, the exposure of residents to threats, hurricanes and extreme coral bleaching.  “The crippling impact to our coastal communities have put our country at the forefront of the climate crisis, with immediate responses needed to alleviate calamity.   “We have built resilience in these areas by implementing ecosystem-based solutions. The government has adopted a No Net Loss approach to mangroves, corals and pine forests.  We have enacted a ban on selected single-use plastics that prohibits these items from import. We are training and retooling professionals across sectors to address our local, regional and international challenges. “The Bahamas is investing millions of US dollars to the effective management of our Marine Protected Areas, which includes equipping Protected Area Managers to patrol, protect and conserve our natural environment,” he said. State-Minister Lightbourne also outlined some of the initiatives that have been launched in The Bahamas in alignment with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #14 — Sustainable Oceans/Life Below Water. They are: 1. Mission for Mangroves In 2022, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation launched Mission for the Mangroves which promotes mangrove stock replenishment and regeneration. Mangroves are also a protected species in country since 2021, under the Forestry Act. 2. The Coral Reef Restoration Project   Launched in 2023, the project facilitates the establishment of Coral Nurseries through a network of dive operators who offer out-planting packages to visiting divers. The project aims to establish and maintain 50 Coral Nurseries across the Bahamian archipelago.   3. Economic Growth/Decent Work – SDGs 8,11, 13 The Andros Community-based Tourism Cluster Project seeks to position Andros as the premier ecotourism destination within the country, fostering economic diversification within tourism.   4. Nature-based services at BAMSI (Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute) BAMSI is a tertiary institution for Marine Science that offers nationally accredited certification courses in flats-fishing and nature tourism, particularly for youth.  To underscore the Government’s commitment to Sustainable Tourism, legislation has been enacted that requires flats-fishing guides in The Bahamas, to be certified and licensed.  In January of this year, 40 trained and newly certified Guides graduated from BAMSI.   These projects are transformative and focus on creating a tourism sector that is environmentally sustainable, intent on preserving nature, communities, and culture.

The Nassau Cruise Port has donated $1.95 million towards projects that will assist the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources in its aim to increase food security for The Bahamas.

The donation officially occurred at the Ministry’s offices recently, where Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Hon. Jomo Campbell, Minister of Labour Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle, Permanent Secretary Neil Campbell and Nassau Cruise Port CEO Mike Maura listened to a number of presentations including one for a poultry programme for schools, a chicken broiler production programme, the redevelopment of the Blue Hill Road Farmers Market and an Authentic Bahamian Cultural Concept Store,

Mr. Maura said he was impressed by the presentations.

“I had the privilege to listen to the presentations and review presentations that touched on food security and the need for us to be self-sufficient, which as a Bahamian I support completely. At the Nassau Cruise Port, we get excited about the prospects of offering more authentic food to the millions of visitors that we have each year,” he said.

“And then, in addition to that, we had presentations around the further development of our artisans, which is so important to us as well. The guests visiting our shores are looking for something that really touches The Bahamas and can’t be found somewhere else. The Nassau Cruise Port has made a pledge to BAIC and its affiliates. We will be supporting the projects that were presented and we can’t wait to get started.”

Minister Glover-Rolle, who is also the Member of Parliament for Golden Gates, hailed Nassau Cruise Port as a “great community partner.”

“Thank you for the opportunity to not only present but agreeing to participate. Our Minister of Agriculture has a goal of reducing food imports by 25 percent by the year 2025 and our project in the Golden Gates Community speaks to that,” she said.

“We have a number of backyard farmers, farmers and fishers in our community in Golden Gates. Being able to use the Blue Hill Road Farmers Market, which is going to be dubbed the ‘Fish Fry of the South,’ as a hub for food security but also a hub where artisans and handicraft persons can come and sell their wares is wonderful. So, we are happy that you have agreed to partner with us and we look forward to a partnership and we hope to welcome some of your visitors when this amazing renovation is done.”

Minister Campbell also lauded the Nassau Cruise Port for its efforts.

“I would like to say thank you to the presenters for the presentations that are several steps in the right direction for our country, to Mr. Maura and his board at the Nassau Cruise Port and I would like to say thanks to God for this partnership and bringing us all together as we move forward, upward, together in building a better, brighter, future for The Bahamas,” he said.

The Nassau Cruise Port has donated $1.95 million towards projects that will assist the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources in its aim to increase food security for The Bahamas. The donation officially occurred at the Ministry’s offices recently, where Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Hon. Jomo Campbell, Minister of Labour Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle, Permanent Secretary Neil Campbell and Nassau Cruise Port CEO Mike Maura listened to a number of presentations including one for a poultry programme for schools, a chicken broiler production programme, the redevelopment of the Blue Hill Road Farmers Market and an Authentic Bahamian Cultural Concept Store, Mr. Maura said he was impressed by the presentations. “I had the privilege to listen to the presentations and review presentations that touched on food security and the need for us to be self-sufficient, which as a Bahamian I support completely. At the Nassau Cruise Port, we get excited about the prospects of offering more authentic food to the millions of visitors that we have each year,” he said. “And then, in addition to that, we had presentations around the further development of our artisans, which is so important to us as well. The guests visiting our shores are looking for something that really touches The Bahamas and can’t be found somewhere else. The Nassau Cruise Port has made a pledge to BAIC and its affiliates. We will be supporting the projects that were presented and we can’t wait to get started.” Minister Glover-Rolle, who is also the Member of Parliament for Golden Gates, hailed Nassau Cruise Port as a “great community partner.” “Thank you for the opportunity to not only present but agreeing to participate. Our Minister of Agriculture has a goal of reducing food imports by 25 percent by the year 2025 and our project in the Golden Gates Community speaks to that,” she said. “We have a number of backyard farmers, farmers and fishers in our community in Golden Gates. Being able to use the Blue Hill Road Farmers Market, which is going to be dubbed the ‘Fish Fry of the South,’ as a hub for food security but also a hub where artisans and handicraft persons can come and sell their wares is wonderful. So, we are happy that you have agreed to partner with us and we look forward to a partnership and we hope to welcome some of your visitors when this amazing renovation is done.” Minister Campbell also lauded the Nassau Cruise Port for its efforts. “I would like to say thank you to the presenters for the presentations that are several steps in the right direction for our country, to Mr. Maura and his board at the Nassau Cruise Port and I would like to say thanks to God for this partnership and bringing us all together as we move forward, upward, together in building a better, brighter, future for The Bahamas,” he said.

The Rotary Club of South Ocean extended an invitation for Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister to join them for planting of Breadfruit Trees at Anatol Rodgers High School, April 15, 2024 in observation of Rotary International's celebration of the Environment during the month of April. 

Mrs. Davis, pictured giving an address of the school assembly, has herself advocated environmental sustainability and food self-sufficiency by conducting Breadfruit Tree planting at schools in The Bahamas, extolling the benefits of the Breadfruit plant. 

A FOREST fire in North Andros has forced some residents to leave their homes over health concerns and affected the sleep patterns of people protecting their homes from the raging blaze.

Some residents, like James Storr from San Andros, say the fire is out of control. They have called on the government to send more resources to the island. He said the island’s one fire truck is not enough. Government officials on the island have expressed a different view, insisting the fire is mostly contained to the forest and that no additional help is needed. Chief Superintendent Bradbury Styles, the officer in charge of the Andros district, said the fire can’t be accessed. “There’s nothing you can do,” he said. “You have to allow the fire to burn out. No homes, no properties, no business is in any imminent danger.” A Monday morning video by Mr Storr showed pockets of fire burning in his backyard, with thick plumes of white smoke blanketing the area. Some residents have also published live videos on social media, showing the fire from their homes and asking for prayers for the community. According to Mr Storr, the affected areas include Mastic Point, Lowe Sound, Conch Sound, Nicholls Town, San Andros, Queen’s Highway, and Fire Road, with more than 1,500 people living in those areas. Vanda Rahming, another North Andros resident, said she stays home to avoid inhaling the smoky air, which could worsen her sinus issues. “Here in Nicholls town where I live, I don’t think most of us have to stay on guard because it’s on the outskirts of Nicholls Town, so like on the highways, and so all of those persons on the highway from San Andros into Nicholls Town proper highway, then going into that stretch, persons like those are staying on guard,” she said. Mr Storr admitted the fire is better than it was two days ago but not under control. He claimed ten residents with health issues left the area while others were taking shifts to watch the blaze. “What’s happening is plenty Androsians over the last few days haven’t catch more sleep,” he said. “They’re watching their house and some watching their building or apartments. It’s like we’re doing shifts, people rotating to help watch the fire.” “It’s been around both of my buildings, my house and my apartments and I been up all night until about 11 and 12 o’clock and I go to bed around 7.” “In fact, when I was heading home last night, if me and my brother didn’t stop First Baptist Church on Queen’s Highway, I’m sure that was going to be smack this morning because last night the breeze was blowing.” He said residents want the government to send heavy-duty equipment to clear a path to extinguish the blaze. The blaze also affects residents’ everyday lives, with some working reduced hours to avoid the smoke. Residents said some parents were keeping their children home from school. The fire has been burning since Thursday, but officials said it does not pose an immediate threat to nearby homes. “We have been vigilant every night making sure that the areas that are close to the buildings have been contained,” North Andros administrator Beverley Laramore told The Tribune on Sunday. “You can maintain the outer edges, but it can flare up again depending on the winds.” “Even if we have ten firetrucks, they cannot maintain that fire because it is hard to reach. It’s in the middle of the forest.”

Some residents, like James Storr from San Andros, say the fire is out of control. They have called on the government to send more resources to the island.

He said the island’s one fire truck is not enough.

Government officials on the island have expressed a different view, insisting the fire is mostly contained to the forest and that no additional help is needed.

Chief Superintendent Bradbury Styles, the officer in charge of the Andros district, said the fire can’t be accessed.

“There’s nothing you can do,” he said. “You have to allow the fire to burn out. No homes, no properties, no business is in any imminent danger.”

A Monday morning video by Mr Storr showed pockets of fire burning in his backyard, with thick plumes of white smoke blanketing the area.

Some residents have also published live videos on social media, showing the fire from their homes and asking for prayers for the community.

According to Mr Storr, the affected areas include Mastic Point, Lowe Sound, Conch Sound, Nicholls Town, San Andros, Queen’s Highway, and Fire Road, with more than 1,500 people living in those areas.

Vanda Rahming, another North Andros resident, said she stays home to avoid inhaling the smoky air, which could worsen her sinus issues.

“Here in Nicholls town where I live, I don’t think most of us have to stay on guard because it’s on the outskirts of Nicholls Town, so like on the highways, and so all of those persons on the highway from San Andros into Nicholls Town proper highway, then going into that stretch, persons like those are staying on guard,” she said.

Mr Storr admitted the fire is better than it was two days ago but not under control.

He claimed ten residents with health issues left the area while others were taking shifts to watch the blaze.

“What’s happening is plenty Androsians over the last few days haven’t catch more sleep,” he said. “They’re watching their house and some watching their building or apartments. It’s like we’re doing shifts, people rotating to help watch the fire.”

“It’s been around both of my buildings, my house and my apartments and I been up all night until about 11 and 12 o’clock and I go to bed around 7.”

“In fact, when I was heading home last night, if me and my brother didn’t stop First Baptist Church on Queen’s Highway, I’m sure that was going to be smack this morning because last night the breeze was blowing.”

He said residents want the government to send heavy-duty equipment to clear a path to extinguish the blaze.

The blaze also affects residents’ everyday lives, with some working reduced hours to avoid the smoke.

Residents said some parents were keeping their children home from school.

The fire has been burning since Thursday, but officials said it does not pose an immediate threat to nearby homes.

“We have been vigilant every night making sure that the areas that are close to the buildings have been contained,” North Andros administrator Beverley Laramore told The Tribune on Sunday.

“You can maintain the outer edges, but it can flare up again depending on the winds.”

“Even if we have ten firetrucks, they cannot maintain that fire because it is hard to reach. It’s in the middle of the forest.”