BAHAMAS ECO JUNE 2013 EXPLORE OUR NATIONAL PARKS
25+ parks across the archipelago!
HOUSING MATTERS providing value for money Caribbean Challenge Initiative
Photo Essay exuma land & sea park tour & CLIMATE CHANGE protecting nature; protects our future
Ministry of The Environment & Housing 1 TURNTURN OFFOFF THETHE LIGHTSLIGHTS
WHENWHEN NOTNOT
ININ ACTIVEACTIVE USEUSE
EnvironmentallyEnvironmentally Friendly...... SavesFriendly...... Saves YouYou MoneyMoney
Ministry of the Environment and Housing
2 BAHAMAS INFORMATION SERVICES 2013 MESSAGE from .
MIN KENRED DORSETT
pon taking office as Minister of the Environment and Housing I committed myself to beginning a campaign to inform the Bahamian people of the benefits of conservation Uand other subjects relative to the environment. I envisioned having as apart of the campaign an external newsletter for my ministry that would present to the public information of the work being done by the ministry on a quarterly basis. This idea over the past year has morphed into a full blown magazine. The publication that you now hold in your hands or are reading electronically is the first issue of Eco Bahamas. A magazine produced by the Ministry of the Environment and Housing with contributions from various islands and organizations within this country.
T his inaugural issue serves as an introduction of my ministry and it’s partners. Our associates and partners in the work of environmental research, conservation, and protection have sent in articles that will educate members of the public on the work that they were created to do and are doing presently. These organizations such as the Nature Conservancy, the Bahamas National Trust, the Bahamas National Pride Association, the Bahamas Reef Environment Education Foundation and others have agreed to contribute to every issue of this magazine and I would like to extend my gratitude to them for their cooperation. Also in this issue you can read of a young woman’s first time at the Nassau Botanical Gardens, a place that I envision will become the Central Park of Nassau where our people will be able to retreat from the hustle of the city and commune with nature. Dr. Rhianna Neely of the BEST Commission informs us of climate change and its effects on The Bahamas . And we are fortunate to have essays written by students of the Bishop Michael Eldon School on Grand Bahama who participated in BORCO and Statoil’s after school programme on Petroleum and Measurement Products. Also in this issue we introduce several of the posters that are apart of my ministry’s conservation campaign and announce our 4 for 40 initiative.
You can look forward to this publication becoming bigger and better as we continue this work. In future issues we will have feature interviews and will be offering advertising space for companies and other interested persons and organizations. I sincerely hope that this publication will fulfill the purpose for which it was created, which is to educated and encourage Bahamians on the preservation of our environment and to keep the nation abreast of what is going on within the Ministry of the Environment and Housing.
I am pleased to present to you EcoBahamas Magazine.
3 CONTENTS
23 (BNT) BAHAMAS NATIONAL TRUST 12 Cape Eleuthera Island School
38 Credits PHOTO ESSAY : Executive Editor EXUMA LAND & Minister Kenred Dorsett 18 SEA PARK Managing editor FRIENDS OF THE Joette Penn ENVIRONMENT MAGAZINE DESIGNER Toneka Neely Design Associate D’Asante Beneby ARTICLE Contributors 44 Bahamas National Trust OPERATION Bahamas National Pride 22 Assoc. DERELICT VEHICLES Island School, Eleuthera Borco Friends of the & Statoil Environment Andros Conservancy & Trust Dr. Rhianna Neely B.R.E.E.F Ah-Manda Campbell- Simmons 48 Estrella Brown Photos HOUSING Joette Penn MATTERS Eleanor Philips Bahamas Information Services Bahamas National Trust Hadassah Ward Brian Kakuk Island School Eric Carey BORCO/Statoil
4 my first trip toBOTANICALGARDENS o there I was a grown woman on her way expansive roots that made the man standing to the Nassau Botanical Gardens, never beside it seem like a child instead of the fully having been there before, although I grown man that he was. It was simply majestic pass the entrance almost every single in stature and stood there with the presence of Sday. I had just joked the other day with a steadfast guardian daring any wind or other someone that the gardens was just a plot of weather element bold enough to come try it. grass, not knowing that I was going to find out just how wrong I was. Of course as I always do I called before I went and arrived a few minutes after that call. When I entered the gates, which I found out later was actually the rear entrance, I met a lovely lady at the guard house who asked if I would like a tour. After looking at me, her next question was, “did you bring flat shoes”. I outfitted myself in the spare pair of shoes that are always in my car and we were off to walk around in the grass....I thought.
The first thing I saw was a giant cotton tree with
[ cont’ on pg.8 ] 5 The Caribbean Hotel Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Action –Advanced Program- CHENACT -AP
REPORTER: LaToya Johnson - M.B.A., M.S.E. | Project Manager EMAIL: [email protected]
Efficiency measures in any average hotel could provide potential savings of up to 30-50% in energy usage and 50% in water consumption. These energy efficiency actions concurrently have the ability to diminish the costs on utilities and by extent, contribute to a competitive industry. On the other hand, energy efficiency measures also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions derived from the sector’s activity. Since hotels extensively operate appliances that use Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) such as air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, implementing energy efficiency measures will result in the reduction of Ozone Depleting Substance agents at the same time. “ Energy cost is a major The adoption of standardized Energy Efficiency concern for hotels in practices will assist with making the tourism the Caribbean due to industry more competitive and promote “green” tourism, through lower energy costs which are a the region’s dependence significant portion of a hotel’s operational costs, on imported fuels for and a positive environmental footprint that can electricity generation.” be marketed to reach environmentally aware customers. The introduction of Renewable Energy technologies will relieve some of the pressure on energy generation by diversifying the energy matrix for the energy provider. The net impact of these measures on the economy will be reflected on the overall regional energy costs that are highly correlated with oil and gas international prices and fluctuating supply. The energy matrix of the Caribbean is 90% composed of fossil fuels as most electricity The Caribbean Hotel Energy Efficiency and generation in the region comes from imported Renewable Energy Action –Advanced Program oil. The cost of electricity has skyrocketed in (CHENACT-AP) aims to promote energy efficiency the last few years due to a dramatic surge in (EE) in the hotel industry, with the participation oil prices with expected volatility and price of a number of organizations and donors increases evident in the very near future. These interested in the sustainable development of issues have raised concern within the regional the sector. The first phase of the CHENACT hotel industry since the high utility price directly Project was initially started in Barbados in 2009. impacts fares for final consumers. In this light, The second phase of the project, CHENACT-AP, any energy savings is directly reflected on a lower was activated in 2012 in The Bahamas, Barbados, utility bill and a more competitive cost structure. and Jamaica and will also aim to bundle the Studies have shown that implementing Energy carbon emission reductions (CERs) from all three
6 countries, as a result of the energy efficiency measures and renewable energy applications. The Project will eventually develop a Program of Activities as climate finance instruments to bundle the CHENACT-AP reduced emissions and he Honorable Kenred Dorsett M.P., provide carbon credits for sale in the international carbon markets. Additionally, there will be Minister of Environment and Housing positive impacts to the environment in terms of declared his full support of the reductions in greenhouse gases and ozone layer depletion. The overall objective of the CHENACT- T Project at the launch on Thursday, AP Project in The Bahamas is to improve the February 7th, 2013 by stating that his Ministry competitiveness of small and medium sized hotels through efficient use of energy, with the and the Government will support the objectives emphasis on Renewable Energy and Micro- of the CHENACT-AP in the following ways: Generation. The Project will be managed in stages. The first stage will involve energy audits The Introduction of a Renewable Energy Act of participating hotels and recommendations on how to improve energy savings. The energy The Introduction of Net Metering with the Grid audits will then be transformed into financial proposals that can be presented to international The Creation of an Independent Regulatory or local financial institutions to obtain funding for implementation. The audits will consist of Entity for the Energy Sector thirty (30) comprehensive energy audits, thirty The Development of an Energy Unit within (30) walk-through assessments and a demo renewable energy installation on at least one the Ministry of the Environment property. The Project is being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and The Provision of a Business License Tax Credit it is being executed by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) with the technical support for hotels that had energy audits performed of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association The Further Reduction of Customs Duties on (CHTA) and Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST). It is also sponsored by the Renewable Energy Equipment and Devices Ministry of Tourism (MOT) of The Bahamas and the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association The Review of Existing Regulatory Framework (BHTA), the Center for Development of Enterprise (CDE), and the United Nations Environment for the Energy Sector Programme (UNEP). The first phase of the CHENACT Project included detailed energy audits mainly in Barbados, but also included a few audits in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. One of the main objectives was the establishment of investment plans for the hotel industry to assist with reducing its energy demand through the implementation of energy efficient appliances and renewable energy micro generation. It also aimed to receive potential carbon credits from GHG emission reductions. The results of the CHENACT Phase I project demonstrated a potential Energy Efficiency savings for the hotel sector in Barbados of up to 32,600 MWh per year. This amount translated CHENACT Project Launch to 36% of their total hotel sector energy consumption and 3% of the total electricity consumption in the country. All hotels audited to date have potential savings of up to 30-50% in energy usage and 40-50% in water usage.
7 BOTANICAL GARDEN’S cont’d from pg.5
s we walked along the nice lady told me that she had been working at the gardens for seventeen years and how much she loved being there. After passing what looked like a concession house Aof some kind and a spot that she said was popular with photographers, we came to the base of a long winding double staircase. Between the twin staircases was a cascading waterfall that was not in service but even so I could tell just how beautiful it must be when operational. e walked to the front entrance that faces I looked up the staircase and thought to myself, “Lord how Bay Street. There stands a monument in the world am I going to make it to the top of all these which was given to the Bahamian stairs”. You see I had started the squat challenge last month people in celebration of the country’s and had just done one hundred and eight five squats the Windependence. The monument is shaped like a steeple night before. I took a deep breath and started up the and is inscribed with the country’s motto, Forward, stairs. I was grateful when I got to what I thought was the Upward, Onward, Together and these words, “to the top only to be told by the “nice” lady to keep going. At the people of the Bahama Islands at the birth of their top of the stairs there is a landing resembling a tree house nation July 10th, 1973 from the people of Delta Airlines.” that is referred to as the Sir Milo’s Loft that had a grand Continuing ahead there is the front arch which is where view of the surrounding neighbourhood. Apparently this a commemorative plaque can be found identifying spot was popular for weddings but can no longer be used the gardens as a historical site. On that plaque the because it has been deemed unsafe. following words can also be found, “once known as the ‘pit’ these gardens were an old rock quarry supplying stores for roadways and Fort Charlotte. The idea for the gardens was conceived in 1951 by Oris Russell, then The monument is shaped like a of the Ministry of Agriculture. Opened at the time of steeple and is inscribed with Independence July 10th, 1973 – the gardens provide a the country’s motto, Forward, tranquil retreat for nature loving residents and visitors. Upward, Onward, Together and these words, “to the people of the Bahama Islands at the birth of their nation July 10th, 1973 from the people of Delta Airlines.”
s we continued walking along the nice lady pointed out the indigenous trees and flowering plants. She speaks of the glory days of the gardens and tells me how she wishes she had Abrought her photo album so that I could see the gardens in its hay day. She pointed out Kamalame and Chinese Guinep Trees and spoke of how the gardens used to be so lush with flowers. We came to an arch and she said to me, “you know I should have taken you the other way so that you can really see the arch”. I thought to myself already sweating in my work clothes and pantyhose, “the other way??”. The other way although longer took us directly to what is the ‘Conch Shell Arch’ a stone grotto like structure whose ceiling is made of conch shells, a magnificent sight indeed. It was well worth the walk....the other, longer way.
8 9 learned a lot from this nice lady, that loves her job, even though as I write I can not recall her name. She taught Ime about something that as a Bahamian I should have known. The Nassau Botanical Gardens consists of eighteen acres of land south of the Fort Charlotte. It is a tranquil site of indigenous trees and flowering plants, including the national tree and flower, the Litum Vitae and Yellow Elder respectively. The gardens house several waterfalls and fountains on this beautiful parcel of land in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city.
hen we were done with the tour, the nice lady said to me, “we just walked all Weighteen acres”. After hearing this I thought to myself, “no squats tonight”. She invited me to come back in June when the flowers are in bloom and I will definitely be taking her up on that offer.
Cotton Tree - Botanical Gardens 11 The Cape Eleuthera [ [ Island School
Ashley Akerberg INNOVATION S The Cape EleutheraE Island School (CEIS) Cand its component organizations: The Island I School (IS), Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) and the Deep Creek Middle School (DCMS) developed out of a vision to serve The Bahamas through education and research that would pioneer regional leadership and innovation towards a more sustainable future. RESOLUTIONS Located on the southwestern tip of Eleuthera, The Island School was founded in 1999 as a semester abroad program for high school students from The United States, The Bahamas, and around the world. All courses are explicitly linked through education grounded in principles of place-based curriculum, so students and faculty can examine complex academic topics that support a holistic approach to solving local, regional, and global problems. Now with almost fifteen years of expanding programs, local service and regional partnerships, the Cape Eleuthera Island School is recognized for its collaborative approach to problem solving.
12 AWARENESS The Bahamian Environmental Steward Scholars (BESS) program was developed by The Island School and the Bahamas Reef Environmental Education Foundation (BREEF). It offers Bahamian high school graduates a scholarship to attend an Island School semester as well as an internship with partnering organizations in the field of marine sciences. The opportunity promotes awareness of environmental concerns within The Bahamas through hands-on learning and training. S The Deep Creek Middle School and Resource Center opened in 2001 and developed out of the community outreach and mentoring programs of The Island School. DCMS is the only independent middle school in The Bahamas recognized by the Ministry of Education and the first Green Flag eco-certified school in the Caribbean. DCMS shares the teaching philosophy and works collaboratively with both The Island School and the Cape Eleuthera Institute. DCMS students are actively engaged in understanding and protecting their fragile home environment. This promotes academic growth and responsible citizenship to prepare students to be “the future leaders of The Bahamas.”
13 CAPE
14 ELEUTHERA Island School EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS CEI collaborates with University of Miami CEI was founded in 2006 to administer The RSAMS and corporate partners using cutting Island School’s research program with study areas edge technologies to make warm-water, open related to tropical ecology, marine biology, and ocean aquaculture a reality. sustainability. It also hosts visiting educational programs and field courses for students from The aquaponics system is demonstrating Pre-K to PhD and models “green” technologies how fresh water fish and leafy greens can be that promote self-sufficiency and inform new produced within a single, sustainable system, policies. Research at CEI addresses several here in The Bahamas. In 2011, CEI built the first issues relevant to The Bahamas and other small bio-digester in The Bahamas, a model ideal for islands, including waste systems, food security an archipelagic nation with fragmented waste and renewable energy production, supporting management systems. The technology exemplifies CEIS’s goal of promoting regional sustainable CEIS’s vision of problem solving by taking sewage, development. an unwanted waste product, and transforming it into usable outputs. Both the rich fertilizer and Alongside the organization’s zero-waste goal, usable methane gas created by the bio-digestion campus technologies are developed out of a vision process, serve as solutions to energy dependence. to serve as a laboratory for innovative sustainable design. CEI couples wind energy produced by a CEIS looks forward to a future of problem campus turbine with power harnessed from the solving and continued collaboration with largest solar array in The Bahamas to run the labs regional partners and invites educators, scientists, and campus. Most recently, CEI is working with government officials, planners, developers, resort BEC to develop a system to accurately measure operators, and stakeholders Thursday, April 18, how much power is produced and sent back to 2013 to attend A Symposium on Tourism and the grid. The sustainable aquaculture program Coastal Development, with the goal of “Working works to explore solutions to regional food together to define the economic opportunities for scarcity issues. Eleuthera.
15 FRIENDS friends of the environment
COPYRIGHT BRIAN KAKUK
Friends of the Environment (FRIENDS) was In addition to our focus on education, FRIENDS created in 1988 by a group of Bahamians and residents has four programmatic goals: Ensuring all primary who lived in Hope Town and were concerned about habitat types in Abaco are represented in protected the natural resources of the country - fish were areas; Reducing human impact on marine ecosystems; getting smaller, conch were getting harder to find, Reducing litter, and Significantly reducing Hawaiian and fishermen were having to travel further to get Seagrape in commercial and residential properties their catch. Over the last 25 years FRIENDS has with a long term goal of reducing Hawaiian Seagrape grown from Hope Town to encompass all of Abaco in Abaco. and is working to protect and preserve both land FRIENDS hopes to work with the Ministry and sea through education and grassroots programs of Environment and Housing on the first goal and to be a resource to businesses and government of protecting all primary habitat types in Abaco. councils and Ministries on sustainability and FRIENDS and our partners in conservation conservation topics. In the last four years FRIENDS currently have three proposed protected areas before has provided over 6,000 educational opportunities Government for consideration. Each of these areas to local students by providing field trips, summer represents key habitats in Abaco that are important camps, after school programs and partnerships with to the future of its natural resources. As such the habitat restorations. FRIENDS works with all 27 proposals are to protect the habitats themselves, schools in Abaco to get students out of the classroom not to keep people from continuing to use them for and into the environment. activities like bonefishing, birding or boating. What follows is the conservation profile for each area.
16 East Abaco Creeks South Abaco Blue Holes Proposed National Park Proposed National Park Friends of the Environment and The This proposal was developed through the Bahamas National Trust worked in partnership with efforts of Bahamas Caves Research Foundation, the community to create a National Park proposal and The Antiquities Monuments and Museums which includes the Snake Cay creeks, the Bight Corporation with the support of Friends of the of Old Robinson and Cherokee Sound in Central Environment and The Bahamas National Trust. Abaco. This is an extensive wetland habitat connected Reaching more than 8 miles in length and lying under hydrologically through blue holes. A proposal based on 5,000 acres of land, these caves are now repainting community suggestions was filed with The Bahamas the picture of Bahamian natural history with the National Trust in 2009 and submitted to Government. fossil remains of ancient human and animal species This proposal aims to protect vital wetland habitat as well as many newly discovered living species. These in the East Abaco Creek system, while still allowing unique, natural treasures found nowhere else on earth fishing within existing limits of the law. are threatened by pollution and water contamination, deforestation, development and unrestricted diving. “Over 6,000 National Park designation was chosen as the goal in order to address the needs for proper management educational and sustainability of the area. The proposal was opportunities to submitted to The Bahamas National Trust in 2010. local students” THE KAYAKERS enjoying East Abaco Creeks
Cross Harbour Proposed Conservation Zone
This proposal was initiated by The Abaco Fly Fishing Guides Association and has advanced with help of Friends of the Environment, The Nature Conservancy and other partners who are working to protect this area by applying for 1,800 acres of crown land from Blackwood Point to Cross Harbour Point to be declared a Conservation Forest (no-build zone). This proposal was submitted to The Ministry of The Environment and The Forestry Department in October 2009.
17 he Nature Conservancy is the world’s largest non-profit organization, Tworking in all 50 United States and over 30 countries including the Bahamas using scientifically-sound methods and a non-confrontational approach to protect natural resources to support human life. The Conservancy along with support from its members and active participation from its conservation partners has protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Additionally, the Conservancy is involved with more than 100 marine projects globally.
n 2008, The Nature Conservancy and key Caribbean leaders launched Ithe Caribbean Challenge, to date the largest multi-national conservation effort that aims to build political support and generate long-term funding to protect at least 20 percent of participating countries’ marine and coastal habitats by the year 2020. This initiative takes a comprehensive approach to protecting biodiversity and preserving human livelihoods in the insular Caribbean through a network of sustainably managed protected areas that are resilient to climate change and other natural and human induced threats. Since its launch, ten countries have committed to the Challenge, including The Bahamas.
ithin the Bahamas, the Northern Caribbean Office has provided Wleadership, technical, financial and in-kind support to partners including the government, academia, businesses, and local NGOs to help safeguard The Bahamas’ biodiversity and promote sustainable resource use. Some major accomplishments include: > Worked with The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) and stakeholders to develop protected area management plans for Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Abaco National Park and Andros West Side National Park; > Worked with the US Forest Service and BNT to initiate the Kirtland’s Warbler Research and Training Project which provided financial assistance to College of the Bahamas students to further their education (up to the Bachelor of Science level)in conservation related fields;
> Provided resource specific training opportunities for BNT staff and other local natural resource managers involved in forestry management and Marine Protected Area management;
> Provided technical assistance and galvanized community support for a national marine reserves network, including the development of the Marine Reserves Management Plan;
> Led the development of The Bahamas National Protected Area System Master Plan, which includes an Ecological Gap Analysis, assessment of Protected Area Management assessment, a Capacity Action Plan and a Sustainable Finance Plan;
> Assisted the Government with drafting legislation to establish the Bahamas Protected Area Fund;
> Led rapid ecological assessments of the west side of Andros, the Ragged Islands, Samana Cay, Plana Cays and Mayaguana
>The development of a coral nursery in New Providence and Andros growing 1000 fragments of staghorn and elkhorn corals
> Conducted a socioeconomic survey and an evaluation of the natural resources of the Island of Andros;
> Participated in the development of a proposal to expand the Andros West Side National Park which was successfully done in October 2009 and;
> Worked with the Department of Marine Resources, Bahamas Marine Exporters Association, Friends of the Environment on Abaco, World Wildlife Fund and other NGOs to coordinate and execute activities that support improving management of spiny lobster populations in the Bahamas. BORCO AND StAtoil
Petroleum Products and Measurement Course Pilot Programme
last September, jobs of future by provided By: Ah-Mandah Campbell-Simmons Minister Dorsett attended the them with marketable skills As the world and its facilities progresses official launch of BORCO and and education.” The launch so does the demand for petroleum products. Statoil’s Petroleum Products was also attended by Petroleum or ‘Crude Oil’ is a compound mixture and Measurement Course Minister for Grand Bahama, of hydrocarbons in its natural state before being Pilot Programme. The Hon. Michael Darville and refined. It is normally classified as a viscous, dark course is geared towards Minister of Education, colored liquid that is highly flammable or simply high school students to Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald. called a ‘dirty product’. Crude oil can be sent to educate them on the career The pilot programme refineries through pipelines to produce many other opportunities available within participants were ten students products such as jet fuel, kerosene and gasoline. the petroleum industry. While of the Bishop Michael Eldon In recent days petroleum products has became an at the launch Min. Dorsett School on the island of Grand essential part of our everyday lives because, living stated that programmes Bahama. Below are essays in a world that depends highly on electronics, such as this one, “is to by two of the students who without the products it would be impossible to prepare them (referring to were apart of this initiative charge our devices, use air conditioners in the the participants) for the chronicling their experience. summer months and preserve our food items.
Being a part of the petroleum class I have learned from the many presenters that this is an industry that constantly strives and that the career paths are endless in this field. Depending on an individual’s qualifications and knowledge their career position would differ ranging from engineers (electrical, mechanical, civil, chemical or design) oil inspectors that constantly test the oil for numerous factors such as presence of water, impurities and oil levels, marine pilots that steers ships in and out of harbors, health safety& environment managers ensure that each employee take correct precautions get the job done efficiently, oil movement managers and several others. Despite the difference in the career positions each field has the same goal which is to
20 protect themselves and those around them and to the program, different presenters have spoken on secure and transport the products to the best of their specific field of expertise or specific aspects their ability. of the Oil Industry. A few presenters were, Mrs. Tanya Seymour- Health Safety Security and The effects the industry has on the community Environment (HSSE), Makarios Rolle - Marine can be both positive and negative. It can cause the Manager, Kyle Ward- Marine Pilot and Ryan fluctuation of gas and food prices, when the oil Henry- Engineer. Through these presentations, is being imported and exported it tends to give I gained knowledge about things such as the off a foul odor that can be toxic to those in close basic six (6) different types of fee based ancillary proximity causing different health problems also services to health and safety precautions which if the operation is not properly managed an oil are very important in the industry. The Petroleum spill can occur. The fumes of jet fuel and other and Measurement Pilot program also entailed a gases can cause pollution to both the land and sea. view of samples of grades of crude oil, as well as However in order to survive this movement of live demonstrations of oil and water testing and importing and exporting oil must be done. It allows flashpoint. During these demonstrations, the individuals opportunities to travel for leisure or presenters made sure we were involved and got a business, provides details for cars, shampoos and first class experience. even toothpaste. Therefore the community must endure the negativity to improve their lives. The field trip to BORCO and Statoil allowed my peers and I to see the labs and equipment used The Petroleum & Measurement class has exposed for testing crude oil. During these field trips, they me to different aspects of life and how it takes one capitalized on safety and made it known that it basic product to create a wide variety of items. I must be top priority. During the BORCO field was briefed with the history of the industry, rules trip, we got a chance to take a trip on a tug boat and codes followed by persons of different titles, to the jetty. The sea was a little rough and rocky. the type of weather conditions one must work in I believe this is when many students realized and the modern industry and the ways in which that maybe marine piloting is not their calling. it had become an asset to our lives. This course Nevertheless, I personally thought the experience also enhances my drive to one day be a part of the was very exciting. Marine pilot Mr. Kyle Ward production and to put the information taught to informed us on some basic things such as: the me to good use. mooring process when ships come in, sea trade, pilotage as well as situations where pilots are out By: Estrella Brown at sea for a week. The knowledge of the Oil Industry for most people is limited to the gas that fills the Throughout the course of the program, we were tank of their vehicle. Despite this, the fact still given a few written tests and assignments to keep remains that the oil industry is one of, if not the our minds fresh and to see what we had learned most important industry in the world today. The thus far. Each presentation and field trip was Oil Industry consists of many different fields and educational as well as interesting. During each aspects. It provides job opportunities in broad session, I learned something new whether it was fields such as: operations, health safety security possible career choices from the oil industry or and environment, marine piloting, maintenance, that you get more out of your gas if it is bought information technology, finance and human during a cool point in the day. In a nutshell, the resources. Having said this, I along with others, Petroleum and Measurement Pilot Program has have been able to embark on the amazing journey been a very beneficial experience. It has taught of the oil industry through the “Petroleum and me the effects of the oil industry on society, as Measurement Pilot program”. well as the wide variety of careers within the oil During the first few weeks, we were taught industry. Most importantly, it has shown me how general and basic facts about the oil industry and important it is for citizens and young people of petroleum itself. Within the general teachings, we the Bahamian community to invest in an industry were taught about hydrocarbons, blending, the that can greatly enhance our nation. refining process, shipboard operations, oil trade patterns and so forth. Throughout the course of
21 THE Bahamas National Trust Managing the National Parks of The Bahamas
A primary function of the Bahamas privately owned collection of rare National Trust is to build and manage palms, the largest uninhabited island the national parks and protected areas in the Wider Caribbean existing in of The Bahamas. a natural, undisturbed state, and 250 acre wetland in south central New This responsibility, mandated by the Providence that is home to more than Bahamas National Trust Act 1959, 100 bird species and is the largest makes the Trust unique as the only roosting area for Herons and Egrets self-funded, non-governmental on New Providence. organization to manage a country’s Currently the Trust manages 27 entire national park system. parks and protected areas throughout Within these parks and protected the 700 islands of The Bahamas areas are many unique features: the comprising a total of more than 1.6 world’s largest breeding colony of million acres. West Indian Flamingos, one of the Collectively, our national parks world’s most extensive underwater and reserves are an impressive cave systems, the world’s first park representation of tropical island to encompass land and sea areas that ecosystems and resources. As such they is also one of the first marine fishery are source of tremendous pride and reserves, one of the world’s most enjoyment for the Bahamian people successful marine turtle research and of paramount importance to facilities, one of the world’s largest tourists and conservationists.
22 23 Grand Bahama Lucayan National Park: Established 1977 ; on Grand Bahama. It is a well known birding Size: 40 acres hot spot, especially from October to May when The park ( located between Freeport the resident bird population is augmented by and Freetown at Gold Rock Creek) features an wintering songbirds. Known for its nature trails underwater cave system that has been charted for and public education programmes, the Centre up to six miles. Other attractions include elevated acts as a community resource for environmental walkways through the mangrove wetland, a concerns. The Glory Banks Art Gallery provides magnificent unspoiled beach, one of the highest a venue for Grand Bahama artists to display their coastal dunes on the island, and a diverse range work. of fish and waterfowl. Lucayan skeletons were discovered in one of the caverns and other pre- Peterson Cay Park: Established 1968; Size Columbian artifacts have been found. Only 1.5 acres certified cave divers are permitted to explore the This low-lying limestone cay is located cavern system. about 15 miles east of Freeport and a mile offshore. It offers a spectacular snorkelling experience and Rand Nature Centre: Established 1992; is popular picnic spot. It is often an important Size 100 acres seabird nesting site in the summer months. The Rand Nature Centre in Freeport is the headquarters of the Bahamas National Trust ABACO Abaco National Park: Established 1994 ; Size 20,500 Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park Established to protect the major habitat of Established: 1972; Size 2,100 acres the Abaco population of the endangered Bahama Located 8 miles north of Cherokee Sound, Parrot, the Abaco National Park comprises Great Abaco, this 2,100 acre land and sea area is a 20,500 acres in Southern Abaco. The park is sister park to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. dominated by Caribbean pine forest, but it also It contains beautiful undersea caves, extensive contains substantive acreage of broadleaf coppice, coral reefs and abounds with terrestrial plant and the other major habitat required by the parrot for animal life. foraging. Tilloo Cay Reserve Established: 1990; Size Fowl Cays National Park: Established 11 acres 2009; Size: 3 sq.miles Eleven acres of wild and pristine natural Set aside by the Bahamian government as a environment that provides nesting for Tropicbirds national Land and Sea Park, this (approximately) as well as other seabirds. 3 square mile reserve is conveniently reached from most central Abacos cays and settlements. The reefs and three 25’ to 40’ dive spots in untouched water are truly spectacular.. With a variety of tunnels and towers to explore, the sea life is abundant --almost as if it knows it is protected. Walker’s Cay Marine Reserve of Blue Holes in the world. This park was Established: 2002; Size 3,840 acres established to protect a large area of blue holes The northernmost island in Thewith their surrounding coppice and pineland Bahamas, Walker’s Cay is fringed by its own forests and part of Andros’ extensive fresh- barrier reef. The stunning coral formations and water lens. surrounding marine environment host schools of pompano and amberjack, large marine Northern and Southern Marine Parks predators, such as sharks and barracudas, Established: 2002; Size 64,834 acres multitudes of colorful tropical fish, turtles Andros has the third largest barrier reef and eagle rays. Renowned for underwater in the world. These two parks were established cathedrals teeming with fish, visibility that to help preserve parts of this valuable reef reaches 100 feet and an endless variety of ecosystem. marine life, this acre underwater paradise is a mecca for divers. Crab Replenishment Reserve Established: 2002 Black Sound Cay Reserve Established: Identified as the best land crab habitat 1988; Size 2 acres in central Andros, this area is designated to Located off Green Turtle Cay in Abaco, ensure a sustainable land crab population for this miniature park comprises a thick stand future Androsians. of mangrove vegetation and is an important habitat for waterfowl and other birds which West Side National Park Established: winter in the region. 2002 Expanded 2012 The West Side National Park is a vast andros area of coastal mangrove habitat that is an important nursery area for conch, crawfish Blue Holes National Park Established: and many fish. It is also a very important 2002; Size 33, 235 acres Bone fishing area and is utilized by many bird Andros has the highest concentration species, including the Caribbean Flamingo.
25 26 27 neW PROVIDENCE Harrold and Wilson Ponds island, providing a protective, National Park Established nutrient rich habitat for juvenile 2002 stocks of fish, crawfish, and Located in South Central conch. This area supports a wide New Providence, Harrold and variety of waterfowl and an Wilson Ponds encompass 250 important variety of Bahamian acres. An especially important flora. The wetland itself provides habitat for waterbirds and home critical protection from storm to more than 100 avian species. surges to communities along It hosts the island’s highest New Providence’s southern shore. concentration of herons, egrets, The educational and ecotourism ibises and cormorants as well as potential of this wetland area is the endemic Bahama Swallow. significant. The Trust has recently The area is considered to be added a 600 foot boardwalk and indispensable habitat for bird viewing platform which provides life on New Providence and has access for teachers and students been deemed an internationally studying mangroves. accredited Important Bird Area. An exceptional educational and Primeval Forest ecotourism site, a stone’s throw Established: 2002; Size 7.5 from the nations capital and acres tourism hub, these areas are This small remnant tropical an invaluable addition to the broadleaf forest is remarkably country’s national park system. relatively undisturbed. This old growth forest is representative The Retreat Established: of the early tropical hardwood 1985 Size 11 Acres forests of The Bahamas. Located An 11 acre garden of in the southwest portion of New rare and exotic palms and native Providence, the forest features coppice in residential Nassau. sinkholes; unique limestone Housing one of the largest “caverns” up to 50 feet long, private collections of palms in 30 feet wide, and in some cases the world. An important green 30 feet deep. Similar features space in heavily urban eastern elsewhere in The Bahamas have New Providence,and as such is provided fossil and subfossil of critical importance for both remains of Bahamian fauna as resident and migratory birds on well as Lucayan and Bahamian the island. The Administrative artifacts. headquarters of The BNT is located on the grounds.
Bonefish Pond National Park Established: 2002 Size: 1,280 acres Bonefish Pond lies on the south central coast of New Providence. It is an important marine nursery area for the eleuthera Leon Levy Native Plant has been documented to support Preserve: Established 2011 significantly higher populations The Leon Levy Native of marine life, especially Plant Preserve, a 25-acre sanctuary commercially important species. created jointly by the Bahamas In some instances, grouper tagged National Trust and the Leon Levy in the park have been found in Foundation. The Preserve is the Southern Long Island, more than first National Park on Eleuthera a hundred miles away. ECLSP and has already injected more than is also home to a diverse seabird $2 million into the local economy. population that includes large The Preserve was designed by world numbers of Audubon’s Shearwater, renowned landscape architect Puffi nusiherminieri and the Raymond Jungles and subtropical White-tailed Tropicbird, Phrethan plant expert, Dr. Ethan Freid. The lepturus and has been identified as Preserve features over 171 species an Important Bird Area (IBA). of indigenous plants and more than 34 species of birds, including Moriah Harbour Cay the Antillean Bullfinch. Over 100 National Park: Established: varieties of medicinal plants and 2002; 13,440 acres more than 25 different economic Moriah Harbour Cay and plants are among the 2,000 native its marine environs are a vital trees, shrubs and herbs recently part of the ecosystem between added to the site. Great and Little Exuma. It encompasses pristine beaches, sand dunes, mangrove creeks, and sea grassbeds. A variety of birdlife nests there, including gull- billed and least terns, nighthawks, exuma plovers, oyster catchers and ospreys. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea The mangroves serve as important Park: Established: 1958; Size nursery habitat for juvenile stocks 176 sq. miles of fish , crawfish , and conch, This 176 square mile park gray snappers, yellowtails and was the first of its kind in the groupers. Landward, palmettos, world and is famous for its pristine buttonwoods, bay cedar, and sea beauty, oats work in concert, providing outstanding anchorages and stability, nutrients, and beauty to breathtaking marine environment. the ecosystem. Moriah Harbour It is the first marine fishery reserve Cay is an outstanding example of established in the Caribbean. the Bahamian coastal zone and is Since being declared a no-take and important part of the national marine area in 1986, the park park system. conception island Union Creek Reserve: Established: 1965; Size: Established: 1964; Size 2100 acres 4,940 acres Historically, Conception Island National Park is signifi The Union Creek National Reserve is seven square miles cant as one of the three islands where Columbus landed of enclosed tidal creeks on Great Inagua’s northwest in the New World. Today it is an unspoiled island shore. This shallow creek serves as prime habitat for sanctuary for migratory birds and a nesting site for young Green Turtles, Chelonia mydas (typically when Green and Hawksbill Turtles. Located on its own bank they are about 25 cm in length), where they may remain west southwestof San Salvador, the island was established for decades. Union Creek National Reserve is a critically as a national park in 1964. During Spring and Summer important research site for sea turtles, with special seabirds useit as a breeding cay and experts believe emphasis on the Green turtles which has been studied that Conception Island has the largest concentration there since 1974. Some of the most important scientifi c of nesting Tropicbirds in The Bahamas and that Booby data on this endangered turtle has been provided through Cay off the northwest corner of the island is one of studies conducted jointly by the Bahamas National Trust the largest Sooty Tern and Brown Noddy colonies. The and the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research at island has been designated an Important Bird Area by the University of Florida. Birdlife International.Conception Island National Park is also significant as a marine protected area with a vast Inagua National Park: Established: 1965; Size: Montastraea reef lies to the north of the island and is 183,740 acres the largest continuous example of such habitat in the Inagua National Park is internationally renowned as the Caribbean. The lagoon also has mangrove stands and and site of the world’s largest breeding colony of West Indian extensive beds of Laurencia red algae, many of which fl amingos. Today the population numbers approximately provide key nursery habitat for young Nassau Grouper 50,000 birds after having made a 40-year journey back and spiny lobster. from the edge of extinction. As early as 1905, concern for the West Indian Flamingo in the Caribbean was GREAT HOPE intense. The hunting of fl amingos coupled with Great Hope House and Marine Farm: Established: disturbances of the bird’s habitat led to a drastic decline 2002; 3.6 acres in the population. With the creation of the Bahamas Located on the west coast of Crooked Island on 3.6 acres National Trust and the effective management of its of land, these two Loyalist compounds include a military habitat, the flamingo population is now vibrant and battery and a plantation with main house and kitchen. thriving. The success of the Inagua National Park is Marine Farm is 4.5 miles north of Great Brine Pond and evident in the repopulating of other islands in The mile northeast of Landrail Point. Bahamas - Andros, Crooked Island and Acklins Island - as well as Cuba, Turks and Caicos Islands and Grand INAGUA Cayman. The flamingo is not the only star of Inagua Little Inagua National Park: Established: 2002 National Park. The native Bahama Parrot, the endemic Size: 31, 360 acres & seabed to the 10 fathom mark Bahama woodstar hummingbird, Bahama pintails, Remote and inaccessible and with no fresh water, Brown pelicans, Tri-colored herons, Snowy egrets, Little Inagua is by far the largest uninhabited island Reddish egrets, Stripe-headed tanangers, Cormorants, in the Caribbean. It exists in a undisturbed state and Roseate spoonbills, American kestrels, and Burrowing the biodiversity implications and values are enormous. owls abound in the Park’s interior. Wild Donkeys trot Oceancurrents flow through The Bahamas from amongst the mangroves, freshwater terrapins inhabit southeast to the northwest. As a result, Little Inagua the ponds, and natural bonsai forests grace its interior. is upstream of the rest of the country. It’s surrounding In 1997, the Inagua National Park was designated a waters contribute to the supply of fisheries, eggs and Wetland of International Importance, as The Bahamas larvae and sub adults that are swept into the parts of the became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on Bahamas marine territory. Park designation increases the Wetlands of International Importance. Inagua National percentage of marine ecosystems under protection for Park is a birders paradise qualifying it as an Important fishery replenishment purposes. Bird Area based on Birdlife International’s criteria.
30 CLIMATECHANGE DR. RHIANNA NEELY Our world is a constant cycle of change. Times change, seasons change, people change, weather changes, even our climate has changed in the past. However the climate change that we are experiencing now has mainly been found due to the emission of warming gases known as greenhouse gases (GHGs) into our atmosphere. Climate refers to the average weather conditions of an area over many years. For example, in The Bahamas we experience a tropical marine climate that is moderated by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Climate change is slated to have many different effects on the planet and indeed The Bahamas, some of them yet unknown. Likely changes include increases in average temperature and decreases in average rainfall, among others (CARIBSAVE, 2012). For those changes that we anticipate, we can prepare to address them in the most efficient manner. The Bahamas’ government has dedicated countless resources to preserve our way of life in the face of climate change. There are also simple steps everyone can take to reduce our contribution to climate change. This article will outline a few that also have money saving potential.
sea-level and rainfall will present different challenges. Potential Climate Other anticipated effects on The Bahamas are given below:
Change Impacts 1. Submergence of coral reefs and flooding of
wetlands and coastal lowlands, The relatively small size of our country and our dependence on the tourism industry make us vulnerable 2. Loss of marine diversity and fisheries productivity to economic fluctuation the tourism market. The because of rises in ocean temperatures Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas 3. Damage to coral reefs accepts the findings of the Inter Governmental Panel 4. Loss of terrestrial biodiversity resulting from rises in on Climate Change (IPCC) and of other expert scientific temperature bodies, that global temperatures are increasing due to 5. Changes in seasonality of rainfall the release of GHGs into the atmosphere as a result 6. Depletion and pollution of potable ground water of the burning of fossil fuel and other human activities supplies (Bahamas, 2005; IPCC, 2007; Landsberg, 1958; 7. Loss of agricultural land and reduced agricultural Mann, et al, 1998). The government further accepts the productivity from salinity scientific predictions that this trend of global warming 8. Heat stress-related syndromes will likely continue for several decades, even if causative 9. Increases in coastal erosion and infrastructure activities were to cease immediately (IPCC, 2007a, damage Increased frequency and intensity of 2000). The government further accepts that global tropical storms, hurricanes and storm surges. warming will result in climate change which may be manifested in several ways. We may be particularly vulnerable to sea level rise, leading to loss of coastal ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE lands, seasonal flooding, changes in marine conditions, As we contribute only a very small amount of total due to archipelagic nature and the consequent extended GHG emissions, but face disproportionate levels of coastline and low elevations, changes in rainfall patterns, risk from the impacts, due to our geography and more frequent and/ or more severe weather events. dependence on the tourism industry, The Bahamas The government further recognizes that our signed the United Nations Framework Convention vulnerability crosses different sectors of the on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992 and ratified economy and will impact our normal way of life. For in 1994. Given the government’s limited capacity to example, there are no rivers in The Bahamas and we reduce GHG emissions, and its vulnerability to the derive the majority of our freshwater from underground impacts of climate change, it must place an emphasis aquifers, which are climate sensitive. Fluctuations in on adapting to global climate change.
31 CLIMATCHANGEE
continued
ases The UNFCCC perceives vulnerability as a “starting point” rather than the “end point” and it is assumed to be a measurable trait (O’Brien, et al., 2004b; GSmit and Wandel, 2006). In accordance with this commitment, the National Policy for ousethe Adaption to Climate Change (NPACC) was fostered, with the aim to guide a national Hplan of action formulated in a coordinated and holistic manner, to address short-, medium- reen and long-term effects of climate change (Bahamas, 2005). The policy will ensure to the greatest possible extent that the quality of the life of Bahamians and opportunities for sustainable development Gare not compromised.
There are many aspects to the adaptation policy, however there is particular focus on the industries expected to be adversely affected by climate change. Agricultural production is important for national food security as well as for the generation of employment and foreign exchange (Bahamas, 2005). The policy directives concerning energy are of particular importance to The Bahamas. While several gases are contributing to the alteration of the planet’s climate, carbon dioxide is the largest single source (Bloom, 2010; Hansen and Sato, 2001); with its primary source being the combustion of fossil fuels. Electrical power in the Bahamas is generated by the importation of liquid fossil fuels. In fact, imported petroleum products satisfy over 99% of the consumer energy demand (Bahamas, 2008). This also accounts for some 65% of The Bahamas’ carbon dioxide emissions and consume a substantial quantity of foreign exchange (Bahamas, 2005). The demand for electricity is only expected to increase in response to climate change and the impending rising temperatures. The government of The Bahamas is moving to achieve energy security and promote energy efficiency and conservation through the implementation of the Bahamas National Energy Policy (Bahamas, 2008).
The government of The Bahamas also collaborates with other entities on climate change and sustainable development matters, including, but not limited to the Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change (CPACC), Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to better prepare The Bahamas and its citizens for the impacts of climate change and to preserve The Bahamas for future generations of Bahamians. There are also steps individuals can take to reduce their fossil fuel consumption and dependence, many of which have a personal economic benefit attached. For example: 1. Purchase/ Drive a fuel efficient vehicle 2. Carpool or use public transportation more often 3. Reduce household energy use by using the clothes-line or tank-less water heater 4. Use fans and wear cool clothes in the summer as much as you can instead of using the a/c 5. Turn off lights and small appliances when not in use 6. Unplug chargers when they have finished charging 7. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs 8. Consume less and find new uses for old products.
We as Bahamians may not be able to contribute much to the reduction of GHG emissions into the atmosphere. The Bahamas we experience today may be undergoing changes that remain to be seen, with that in mind, we can still take measures to reduce our reliance on activities that lead to GHG emissions by adopting some of the given household changes. Our government is deeply invested in insuring the viability of our nation and the success of Bahamians and the Bahamian economy in these changing times. Let us do our part to ensure a climate change ready, beautiful Bahamas for future generations of Bahamians and visitors alike.
32 Cooling Conservation Tips
*Set to a higher temperature and use fan to circulate the air.
*Use a fan instead of A/C as much as possible
*Be sure windows are closed and the blinds or drapes drawn. *Know the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). A/C systems should be at least 15.
*Set the temperature at 85 degrees or off when nobody is at home.
* Place the condenser in a shaded or cool area to increase efficiency
Environmentally Friendly...... Saves You Money
33
Ministry of the Environment and Housing The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation
BREEF is a non-government, non-profit, Bahamian and Marine Resources, Ministry of Education, Ministry foundation whose mission is to promote a sustainable of Tourism & Aviation and with non-government relationship between Bahamians, visitors and our marine organizations such as The Bahamas National Trust, The environment. We aim to bridge gaps between science Nature Conservancy, Friends of The Environment and research, public education and policy, to inspire action for the Island School/Cape Eleuthera Institute the conservation of marine resources that help to sustain our way of life. BREEF Programmes/Projects (i) Marine Conservation Teacher Training Workshops (i) BREEF was established by Sir Nicholas Nuttall, in & Professional Development Seminars BREEF is 1993 with the objective of developing a wider awareness well-known for it’s week-long experiential Marine of threats to our marine environment, and promoting Conservation Teacher Training Workshops. To date, actions to protect our marine resources. over 600 educators have taken part in a BREEF teacher training workshop. These teachers are now back in their (ii) BREEF is a non-profit Bahamian charity governed by schools, passing on what they have learned to thousands a volunteer Board of Directors with six board members. of students. BREEF also gives staff presentations Full time staff includes the executive director, Casuarina and conducts seminars during school staff/department McKinney-Lambert, office manager/ environmental meetings and professional days. educator, Charlene Carey and outreach manager/Eco- Schools coordinator, Marcia Musgrove. Interns and volunteers assist with research projects, public education (ii) School Curriculum Programmes - In addition to activities, membership and on fundraising committees. teacher training workshops, BREEF supports school During the summer months BREEF has a position instructional programmes: coordinating field trips and available for a high school or college level student as a classroom experiences for students. Each year our school summer intern. presentations reach over 2000 students throughout the country. BREEF also assisted with curriculum (iii) BREEF works closely with government agencies such development for the Ministry of Education’s Marine as Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Agriculture Science Magnet Programme. Minister Dorsett at BREEF’s Virtual Coral Reef Field Trip Workshop
(iii) Eco-Schools Bahamas (ESB) Programme – This (vi) Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars Programme international programme aims to raise students’ awareness – This is a year-long academic and work experience of global and local sustainable development issues through programme for graduating high school students in the classroom study, as well as school and community action. Bahamas interested in the environment, conservation and Schools follow a simple, seven-step process to actively engage sustainable systems/development. Participants take part in students in assessing and improving use of resources on their a four-month paid internship with a conservation-related campuses, related to six core themes - energy, waste, water, organization which may either precede or follow the 14- biodiversity, litter and school grounds. ESB was piloted week academic course of study at The Island School, Cape in 2009 with 7 schools, and in 2013 includes 19 registered Eleuthera. Since its inception in 2008, 24 scholars have schools on 3 islands, with Deep Creek Middle School, Hope participated in the programme. Town Primary and Forest Heights Academy becoming our first three schools to receive the international Green Flag (vii) Conservation Makes Cents Campaign – the public Award in 2010, 2012 and 2013, respectively. awareness campaign consists of a series of multimedia public service announcements and events which link marine (iv) Educational Resources – BREEF produces a variety conservation to the health of the Bahamian Economy. of multimedia educational resources to support classroom instruction and raise public awareness on marine (viii) National Coastal Awareness Month – The activities conservation issues. These include audio and video public during April of each year highlight the importance of the service announcements, brochures/fact sheets, booklets, coastal environment, and increase public awareness of the short films, posters, and lesson plans/activities. threats to our coast and what each person can do to make a positive difference. BREEF coordinates the National School (v) Sustainable fishing programmes - BREEF works with Competition. BREEF is also one of the three organizations the Department of Marine Resources and the commercial that initiated this effort in 2002. fishing industry to promote sustainable fisheries practices, and has held workshops for fishermen on topics such as (ix) Science and Research Projects – BREEF collaborates with Marine Reserves, Nassau Grouper and Reef Fish Spawning local and international scientists and partner organizations Aggregations. BREEF has been instrumental in encouraging to facilitate research that will support the sustainable use of the Bahamian government to designate a network of Marine our natural resources. Past/current projects include wetland Reserves around the country and to implement a closed restoration initiatives, coral reef surveys, Nassau grouper season for Nassau grouper during the fish’s winter spawning spawning aggregation studies, sea turtle tagging, conch period. BREEF also acted to encourage the ban on sea turtle midden studies, crawfish recruitment, lionfish surveys & harvest and on commercial shark fishing in The Bahamas. removal and marine reserves network surveys. ExMinister Dorsett Toursuma Exuma Land and Sea Park
hortly after taking office as minister, Mr. Dorsett took a tour of the Land and Sea Park in the Exumas. He was accompanied by the then Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Housing, Lorraine Armbrister, Philip Weech of the BEST Commission and Eric Carey of Sthe Bahamas National Trust. The minister and his delegation were taken around the Exuma Land and Sea Park by boat driven by Park Warden Andrew Kriz. The delegation was also taken on a tour of the Land and Sea Park Headquarters, where they were shown the gift store, the wardens accommodations, the electricity room and how refuse is disposed of. On the way back to main land Exuma Min. Dorsett was taken to Compass Cay and was taken to see the ‘swimming pigs’.
36 PHOTO ESSAY Exuma Land and Sea Park 38 39
The Bahamas and the Caribbean Challenge Initiative
The Caribbean Challenge Initiative (CCI) was launched in May of 2008 3. Banned long line fishing with Caribbean countries such as The Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Dominican Republic committing to protect twenty 4. Declared our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as the first shark sanctuary in the Americas percent of their respective marine and coastal habitats by the year 2020. This is to be done through the establishment of protected area systems. The CCI 5. Provided significant funding to support the management of our was created to safeguard jobs within the fisheries and tourism sectors for national park system and citizens of the Caribbean, to provide funding for the management of the protected areas and to protect Caribbean biodiversity. 6. Declared under the Fisheries Resources ( Jurisdiction & Conservation) Act five new marine reserves.
At the Ministerial Segment of the Caribbean Challenge Initiative’s The minister went further, outlining the approach that The Bahamas Senior Officials Meeting (SOM 3) held in San Juan, Puerto Rico this past will take to expand our marine and coastal areas as mandated by the March. The previous meeting (SOM 2) was held here in The Bahamas on Initiative. He said, “our approach to expanding our marine and coastal the island of Grand Bahama. Minister Dorsett made a presentation to the areas is to use ALL tools available to us including the Fisheries Act, group assembled in San Juan about the strides The Bahamas has made in expansion of our parks and protected areas; and zoning through the regards to meeting the goals of the Challenge. The minister first reminded Forestry Act to protect our mangrove ecosystems.” the group that The Bahamas has always been committed to environmental protection which is evident in the establishment of the Exuma Land and Accompanied at the meeting by Philip Weech, Director of the Sea Park some fifty years ago. Mr. Dorsett went on to state some of the Bahamas Environment Science and Technology (BEST) Commission accomplishments made by The Bahamas. He said that The Bahamas had: and Eric Carey, Director of the Bahamas National Trust, Minister Dorsett told the other officials that The Bahamas was “endeavoring to 1. Increased our national park inventory to over 2 million acres complete our goal of 2.5 million hectares of land and sea areas being identified as protected under our GEF full sized project.” 2. Enacted and amended several critical pieces of environmental legislation
41 caribbean challenge initiative CCIcontinued the body.
The minister began by thanking the host country’s government and their co-hosts the government of Grenada. He also expressed thanks to Virgin Airlines billionaire Sir Richard Branson who allowed his home on Necker Island to be used for the gathering.
Minister Dorsett continued stating that The Bahamas and its people had been described as, “inextricably linked to the environment, our shallow blue seas and our way of life. The environment sustains our lives and livelihoods. The environment is the very foundation of our economic activity.” He said the government’s support of the Caribbean Challenge Initiative is driven by it’s recognition of this simple truth and that is why it worked so assiduously to bring it (CCI) into being. The minister reaffirmed the country’s commitment to CCI.
As relates to The Bahamas’ progress in the goals of the Caribbean Challenge. The minister said that, “ the government of The Bahamas has approved the finalization of legislation related to the Bahamas Protected Area Fund (BPAF) and it will be presented to Parliament for debate shortly.” He explained that, “BPAF is a model piece of legislation developed with wide stakeholder consultation and input as a sustainable finance mechanism to support protected areas management in The Bahamas.”
Minister Addressing CCI Political and Business Leaders Summit In addition to the introduction of the BPAF legislation that minister said that the “since the launch of CCI The Bahamas has declared six additional marine protected areas” that there Another GEF funded project mentioned by the are more areas to protect. He said that the government intends minister was a project the government of The Bahamas has to expand its national park and protected area system. been implementing “focused on controlling or eliminating the threat of the Invasive Alien Lionfish in protected area.” Minister While at the meeting Minister Dorsett signed the Leaders Dorsett also informed that the Cabinet of The Bahamas has Declaration on behalf of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. before it the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF) Act for He said that, “ Not only will The Bahamas sign the Leaders consideration This act along with other legislation is to aid in Declaration, my government also plans to complete several making the management of protected areas more other strategic activities that will bring The Bahamas closer to financially stable. achieving the goal of protecting twenty percent of its marine environment by 2020.” The Minister ended his presentation by taking issue with the financing mechanism of the Challenge. He mentioned that the criteria being used in the awarding of funds should be considered in regard to The Bahamas which is a unique model. He told the other country and company representatives there, “the future we want cannot be achieved by using any single criteria such as per capita income. The Bahamas, he said, “is an archipelagic nation, though its per capita income is relatively high, it is attributed to populations and economic activities on 3 inhabited islands.... there is no model like ours anywhere in the region, where a government has to replicate infrastructure on every inhabited island.”
CCI Political and Business Leaders Summit 2013
The Caribbean Challenge Initiative’s Political and Business Leaders Summit was held this past May in the British Virgin Islands. The minister of the Environment and Housing Minister signing Leaders Declaration attended the meeting on behalf of The Bahamas and addressed
42 CONSERVANCY the Andro AND TRUSTs
The Andros Conservancy and Trust (ANCAT) Habitat restoration also rides high on Ancat’s was formed in 1997 by local Androsians who agenda, we promote clean ecosystems to stimulate wanted to ensure that the future of Andros’ the production of more marine life by organizing the vast natural resources were protected. Ancat clearing of trash from the environment, especially is a non government, grass roots, non profit trash which ends up in the water, polluting the organization which works to protect, preserve, marine breeding grounds. Ancat has an active restore and enhance the natural resources of educational component with a vibrant Summer Andros and its marine environment, through Eco School offered to local children, presently we education, conservation, and management for are training five young men to scuba dive in our future generations. sustainable livelihoods programme. And recently Ancat and friends completed the construction Peter Douglas, a well know Bahamian of a cabana at Cousteau’s Blue Hole in The Blue spokesperson for environmental issues, is the Holes National Park. Executive Director of Ancat. Peter, along with ten Androsian Board members ensure that Andros is There is always a project on the go the at the forefront of Bahamian conservation efforts. Andros Conservancy and Trust and if you would Over the years the major accomplishments of like more information you can go to our website at Ancat have included helping achieve protection www.ancat.net status for the grouper spawning aggregations, assisting in establishing the 1.3 million acres Central Andros Nation Park System, and in winning and implementing conservation projects on Andros. Ancat’s strength lies in working at both the grass roots level to involve local communities in conservation efforts and in partnership with a variety of national and international partners.
Currently Ancat is working on developing coral nurseries, in which we are growing Elkhorn and Staghorn corals, both of these are listed as endangered species, the corals will eventually be replanted on the Andros Barrier Reef to replace dead coral caused by bleaching.
43 Marshall Road’s EYESORE The Derelict Vehicle Site
Since then the ministry has been working diligently with the Department of Lands and Survey and has identified a site for the removal of the Derelict Vehicle Site from its current location. The Minister says that he is “pleased to inform the general public especially those residents in the immediate area of the existing site such as Misty Gardens and Marshall Road that a parcel of land has been identified for the removal of the Derelict Vehicle Site from its current location. We are now in the process of completing the land allocation, design works The Derelict Vehicle Site Road and the surrounding areas and a time line for capital works on Marshall Road has been in its inclusive of the Anatol Rodgers to enable my ministry to establish current location for many, many school. This is why we moved a time line for the move.” years. Earlier this years after fires quickly to bring resolution to this broke out at the site residents issue. At present we are working The removal of this site will bring and the staff of the nearby high along with the Department of much relief to the people living in school made public complaints Lands and Survey to identify an the area and will bring resolution via the local media. Minister appropriate plot of land on which to a problem that is decades old. Dorsett had previously committed the site can be reloaded. As The Minister of the Environment to the residents that he would soon as this can be done the and Housing was committed look into the removal of the site site will be moved.” At time of bringing such relief to those from its current location. After the the release the minister was in affected and is way on the way occurrence of fires and smoke Cuba on a fact finding mission. to bring this issue to a close. emitting from the site Min. Dorsett announced that the government of the Bahamas had decided to move the site to another location.
He released a statement to the press in February of this year stating, “the government is aware of a fire at the site and the concern of smoke emanating from the site which is being addressed. We also understand that the existence of the sire has been a vexing problem for some twenty odd years to the residents of Misty Gardens, Marshall
44 45 HELP DESK Department of Environmental Health Services Help Desk Established
Minister Dorsett, DEHS Director, Assistant Directors and Help Desk Personnel
In a paper outlining Dorsett, being made aware fully functional. My goal was is off schedule.” He also said, the origin and history of the of the difficulties that the for the general public to have “I have mandated those who Ministry of the Environment DEHS was having with a specific place they could will man this desk to ensure and Housing and the garbage collection and contact concerning garbage that as much as humanly functions of it’s current having been the recipient of collection, and to report other possible every call, email or agencies, Coral Miller many calls from the members environmental concerns. My message is answered and the states of the Department of the public concerning this hope is that this desk will concerns addressed to the of Environmental Health and other issues under the foster better communication satisfaction of all concerned. Services. “The mandatepurview of the DEHS. The and accountability between of the Department of minister committed to the the Department of The minister ended Environmental Health establishment of a Help Environmental Health his comments by saying, Services (DEHS) includes Desk at the department. The Services and the public at “we are here to serve the that investigation of aim of his decision was for large.” Bahamian people and I problems and the institution the people of the Bahamas to sincerely hope that this desk of preventative and remedial have a dedicated place they The minister wentwill assist in serving the measures with respect to could contact and receive further by giving examples people more efficiently.” environmental pollution, resolution to their grievances of the issues that should be the management of solid, as concerns environmental reported to the desk and his One of the liquid and gaseous wastes, issues. mandate for the employees of components of the help desk food and drink management, the desk. He said, “For those that has made it successful nuisances, rodents, insect A few months after whose trash is not collected thus far in fulfilling its pests and general sanitation. making this commitment on time this is the place to mandate as the “first This agency is responsible the minister made an contact. If you have a concern responders” of the DEHS is its for all activities related to announcement that the Help with rodents, mosquitoes, or accessibility through several environmental control, solid Desk had been established. other pests, this is the place different mediums including waste collection and disposal At a press conference held to contact. Persons should social media. Persons can public sanitation, and the in February of this year the also be able to ascertain call, email, facebook, tweet public dumps.” minister stated, “I am pleased on which day their trash is or text the desk five days per this morning to formally scheduled to be collected in week between the hours of Early in his first year announce that the Help Desk order to properly prepare and 9am and 5pm. as minister, Hon. Kenred has been established and it is know when the garbage truck
46 THE BAHAMAS NATIONAL
PRIDE ASSOCIATIONCLEAN CAMPUS WINNERS
PRIMARY SCHOOLS 1st PLACE - GAVIN TYNES -
JUNIOR SCHOOLS 1st PLACE - S. C. MCPHERSON-
SENIOR SCHOOLS 1st PLACE -DORIS JOHNSON -
SPECIAL SCHOOLS 1st PLACE -THE SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND- Our Belief 1. We believe that cleanliness is next to godliness. 2. We believe that it is important to protect Bahamas National Pride and preserve the natural resources of The Bahamas Association is a non-profit for future generations. 3. We believe that the promotion of voluntary organization founded in recycling will reduce littering. 4. We believe that every Bahamian wants to 1995 and is dedicated to live in a clean environment. 5. We believe in the creation of a pristine improving attitudes and environment that is litter free. 6. We believe that public and private behavioral changes that partnership will enhance all of our beautification efforts. will motivate individuals 7. We believe that government policies can control the level of littering and the to preserve an beautify conservation of natural resources, including their Environment. Though the marine environment. our standing communities, BN interested citizens and governmental groups we are able to identify and develop instructive programs and projects. These projects are aimed at combating and promoting litter prevention on a PA continual basis which will result in altered littering behavioral patterns and 8. We believe that education greatly influences pride. Bahamas National public attitudes and behavior about trash handling, recycling and beautification of the Association is an affiliate environment. 9. We believe that a beautiful, clean of Keep America Beautiful environment will have a positive implications for economic development. incorporated (KAB) from 10. We believe that a clean and beautiful Bahamas will promote national well-being. our inception in 1995 and we 11. We believe each and every one of us can hold the same ideologies. make a difference.
48 One of the association’s many programs is the Clean Campus Competition. All Government schools in New Providence are inspected by judges and the winning schools are recognized for displaying and setting standards of environmental pride and excellence by keeping their school grounds and campuses Clean, Green and Pristine. The overall objective of this competition is to inculcate at an early age the positive molding of attitudes and behavior amongst our youth BAHAMAS NATIONAL from kindergarten through Grade 12, creating lifelong habits of cleanliness, responsible PRIDE ASSOCIATION environmental behavior and National Pride.
BN The theme for this year’s “Clean Campus Competition” “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together with Excellence and National Pride”. This is most appropriate as we embark upon our 40th Anniversary as an independent Nation.
Ministry of the Environment and Housing PAMin. Kenred M. A. Dorsett
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mattersuccessive governments have seen the merit in and bad plumbing. These and other repairs have cost the assisting the Bahamian people achieve home bahamian people millions of dollars in addition to the mon- ownership. Institutions such as the Ministry and ies expended on construction and infrastructure installation. SDepartment of Housing as well as the Bahamas There is the also the age old question of how many persons Mortgage Corporation were established to ensure that have applied and are awaiting homes. the government has the mechanism in place to assist low and middle income citizens acquire their own dwelling Minister Kenred Dorsett, having served as Chairman of the home. Over the years the government has developed Housing Commission and being a real estate attorney by pro- many communities or subdivisions consisting of hundreds fession, has made public some of his plans to ensure that the of single family homes . Some of the first communities Bahamian people receive ‘value for money’ from the govern- constructed were Elizabeth Estates, Big Bond and Yellow ment’s housing programme. Elder Gardens. In more recent times there has been the development of Adastra Gardens, Strachan’s Hill The Minister has gotten the ball rolling with the start and Pride Estates. Such communities can be found on and or announcement of several initiatives. To ensure that w w w .dohbaham as.com New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands. persons applying to purchase government built homes can apply simply and be assured that the Department is in pos- Although the housing programme has provided the opportu- session of their applications, the minister launched the De- APPLY ONLINE FOR nity for thousands to purchase homes, it has had its chal- partment of Housing’s online database this past April. This lenges. There has been expressed concern from applicants database will serve several purposes in addition to being an about the long wait for available houses. There has also been easily accessible electronic location for the storage of ap- complaints about shoddy workmanship and questionable in- plicants information. It will also serve as a mechanism by GOVERNMENT BUILT HOMES spections from persons who have purchased homes built by which the ministry can gather pertinent information to make the government. These have become frequent topics for na- informed decisions in regards to the types of homes neces- tional debate on talk shows and in parliament. Stories have sary, the demand for government homes and where these been told of ceilings separating from walls, sinking floors homes are needed.
50
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he minister has also spoken of the governments intention to retain the services of private inspectors who have professional Tindemnity insurance and can be held accountable for their work. He has also said that his ministry will begin to hold contractors accountable for shoddy workmanship and that projects will be granted on a meritorious basis. This means that those who build well will receive additional work and vice-versa. All of this is in an effort to provide the Bahamian people with value for money being respectful of the fact that the housing programme has been mostly funded by the National Insurance Board.
Shortly after assuming office the minister went on a tour of the government’s housing developments where he decided that he wanted to offer the Bahamian people more for their money by way of the design of the houses offered by his ministry. Minister Dorsett then commissioned the design of new housing models that would still be affordable and comfortable but would also have better curb appeal. All of the minister’s plans will no doubt be put to the test when the government begins construction of one hundred and thirty new homes. Minister Dorsett announced recently that the National Insurance Board and the Ministry of Finance had agreed to make the sum of $10 million available for new home construction. Continuing his quest to provide value for money, Dorsett has said that his ministry intends to build on lots and in subdivisions where infrastructure already exists to ensure that as much of the funds as possible is spent on the building homes.
Another major component of the government’s housing programme is the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation (BMC) which also falls under the portfolio of the Minister of the Environment and Housing. This corporation offers home financing by way of granting mortgages to qualified Bahamians who are purchasing homes whether through the government or privately. We will have an in depth article on the history and functions of BMC in our next issue. Also in our next issue we will be elaborating on what is being done to revolutionize the government’s housing programme. NEW HOUSING TRIPLEX MODELS 2 BEDROOM SINGLE FAMILY 3 BEDROOM
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