Why Sustainability Is a “National Passion” in The Bahamas
Restoring mangrove forests to protect low-lying communities. “Climate disaster tagging” to provide data on climate change spending. The world’s first ever protected “seahorse” park.
Sustainability has been a big buzz word in the Caribbean in recent years, with a greater emphasis particularly in the tourism industry on conservation, preservation and community impact.
One destination has been putting sustainability at the forefront: The Bahamas, where officials say it’s not just a buzz word — it’s a “national passion.”
Bahamian officials are in New York for Climate Week this week, putting the country’s sustainability efforts in the spotlight with a delegation led by Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis.
In recent years, the country has made sustainability a focus, from the aforementioned mangrove planting to the work on marine conservation led by the Atlantis Paradise Island and Baha Mar resorts.
At the latter, for example, the property has developed a program for conservation education within its protected marine habitat.
That’s along with the recent designation of the Joulter Cays National Park as a new marine protected area, and the oversight of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park as a sanctuary for seabirds and other marine life.
The country is even home to a hotel we’ve called the most sustainable hotel in the Caribbean (in Eleuthera), part of a strong push for sustainability in the hospitality sector.
Earlier this year, Caribbean Journal highlighted the myriad sustainability initiatives in the country with its Travel and Sustainability Awards.
“Now more than ever, sustainability is a priority for all involved in travel & tourism across The Bahamas, and we are excited that Prime Minister Davis will have an opportunity to speak at Climate Week NYC and promote the important efforts from our government and partners that are taking shape in every part of the country,” said Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.
