Government and private-sector stakeholders attend a training workshop on Ecosystem-Based Development for Andros Island, at the Harry C. Moore Library, College of The Bahamas, on February 24, 2016.

Andros is getting a lot of attention these days. It has become the focus of an ecosystem-based project that may be the model that is needed to move the island into an upward economic spiral for years to come with a focus on preservation and protection of the natural environment as an income generator for local residents and potential investors alike.

The project is being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank and is spearheaded by the Office of the Prime Minister. The final goal of the project is to develop a Master Plan for the island with input from and consultation with the local residents. The project consists of several components to ensure an integrated approach:

Inter-American Development Bank Representative for The Bahamas Ms. Florencia Attademo-Hirt brings opening remarks, during a training workshop on Ecosystem-Based Development for Andros Island, at the Harry C. Moore Library, College of The Bahamas, on February 24, 2016.

1.          Data collection of ecosystem services;

2.          Analysis of future development scenarios;

3.          Outreach and capacity building;

4.          Production of a Master Plan.

Programme Manager in the Bahamas Government's Economic Development and Planning Unit Mr. Brett Lashley speaks during a training workshop on Ecosystem-Based Development for Andros Island, at the Harry C. Moore Library, College of The Bahamas, on February 24, 2016.

A team headed by Stanford’s University Natural Capital (NatCap) Project leads the data collection and analysis of future development scenarios. SEV Consulting Group, a local environmental consulting firm is leading the outreach components of the project and facilitates the local community meetings and training workshops, both in Andros and New Providence.

The outreach component of the project began last July when the project team conducted a series of planning and strategy meetings. A technical advisory committee made up of environmental professionals, heads of government departments, the College of The Bahamas and local government administrators offers guidance, recommendations on best practices and networking opportunities for on the ground support and participation in the outreach activities.

Science Officer at the Bahamas National Trust Lindy Knowles speaks on the topic "Spatial Planning for Conservation", during a training workshop on Ecosystem-Based Development for Andros Island, at the Harry C. Moore Library, College of The Bahamas, on February 24, 2016.

To date, several community consultation sessions have been held in North Andros, Central Andros, Mangrove Cay and South Andros. During some of these sessions, participants worked in small groups and mapped areas of local importance, areas they felt needed to be preserved and areas they consider potential opportunities for future development. These mapping exercises were led by the SEV team using maps produced by NatCap and were designed to elicit feedback from stakeholders on ecosystem services in order to create future development scenarios that can be used by policy makers and the Government for the future development of the island.

Andros is poised to benefit from this ecosystem-based development approach being the largest island in The Bahamian archipelago and one of the largest islands in the Caribbean region. To date, its residents depend largely on the natural environment to support their livelihoods as 80% of all economic activities on the island is generated from the use of natural resources. From the production of straw goods in Red Bays to sponging in South Andros, a thriving bonefish and commercial fishing industry throughout the island, the Government of The Bahamas is committed to a multi-dimensional approach to this island’s development.

By Bahamas Information Services

Project Co-ordinator for Caribbean Coastal Services, Ltd., Ms. Crystal Hanna speaks during a training workshop on Ecosystem-Based Development for Andros Island, at the Harry C. Moore Library, College of The Bahamas, on February 24, 2016.

 Planner in the Department of Physical Planning Ms. Kimberley Stuart speaks on the topic "Spatial Planning for Development, during a training workshop on Ecosystem-Based Development for Andros Island, at the Harry C. Moore Library, College of The Bahamas, on February 24, 2016.'

  Inter-American Development Bank Representative for The Bahamas Ms. Florencia Attademo-Hirt brings opening remarks, during a training workshop on Ecosystem-Based Development for Andros Island, at the Harry C. Moore Library, College of The Bahamas, on February 24, 2016. (BIS Photos/ Eric Rose)

Conservation Economist with Duke University / Conservation Strategy Fund Dr. Venetia Hargreaves-Allen speaks on the topic "Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services: The Valuation Process as a Tool in Decision-Making -- Case Studies from The Bahamas", during a training workshop on Ecosystem-Based Development for Andros Island, at the Harry C. Moore Library, College of The Bahamas, on February 24, 2016.

Participants and instructors pose during a training workshop on Ecosystem-Based Development for Andros Island, at the Harry C. Moore Library, College of The Bahamas, on February 24, 2016.

Participants break down into small groups for an exercise on "Using Master Planning in Decision Making", during a training workshop on Ecosystem-Based Development for Andros Island, at the Harry C. Moore Library, College of The Bahamas, on February 24, 2016.