2019 Impact Report BAHAMAS NATIONAL COUNCIL APRIL 2019 – APRIL 2020

OUR VISION A comprehensive network of effectively managed Bahamian national parks and protected areas that is recognized as a powerful force for global biodiversity conservation which is supported and enjoyed by the public.

OUR MISSION The Bahamas National Trust is a science-based organization dedicated to effectively managing national parks to conserve and protect Bahamian natural resources.

The Bahamas National Trust BAHAMAS NATIONAL TRUST P.O. Box N-4105, Nassau Bahamas Tel: 242-393-1317 | Fax: 242-393-4978 Email: [email protected] | www.bnt.bs 2019 Impact Report BAHAMAS NATIONAL COUNCIL APRIL 2019 – APRIL 2020

TRUST COUNCIL Geoffrey Andrews President, Elected member Colin Higgs Deputy President, Elected Member Andy Fowler Honorary Secretary, Elected Member Simon Townend Honorary Treasurer, Elected Member Sherry Albury Ministry of Education, Appointed Member Felicity Arengo PhD American Museum of Natural History, Appointed Member Marvin Arrington Elected Member George Maillis Elected Member Karen Bjorndal, PhD University of Florida, Appointed Member Kevin Cartwright Elected Member Christopher Hughes US National Park Service, Appointed Member Greg Bethel Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Appointed Member Janet Johnson Ministry of Tourism, Appointed Member Edward Fields Governor-General’s Rep, Appointed Member Hank Ferguson Elected Member Matthew Jeffery National Audubon Society, Appointed Member Marcus Laing Elected Member Rachel Lightbourne Elected Member Dr. Livingston Marshall Governor-General’s Rep, Appointed Member Neil McKinney Elected Member Deno Moss Elected Member Pamela Reid, PhD University of Miami, Appointed Member Christopher Russell Ministry of The Environment, Appointed Member Karin Sanchez Elected Member Patrick Thomson Elected Member Lenise Flowers Elected Member Rodney Smith, PhD University of The Bahamas, Appointed Member Wildlife Conservation Society, rep to be appointed Smithsonian, rep to be appointed

SCIENTIFIC ADVISORS Dan Brumbaugh, PhD American Museum of Natural History Alan Bolten, PhD University of FloridaA65 BNT Past Presidents Janet Johnson Lawrence Glinton Glen V. Bannister John F. Bethell Sandra Buckner Lynn P. Holowesko Colin Lightbourne Pericles Maillis Neil McKinney Macgregor Robertson MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Dear BNT Members,

2019 has certainly been a memorable year for the Bahamas National Trust. As I reflect on the events of the year it is with feelings of pride, sadness and gratitude.

I have been very proud to represent the BNT during its 60th Anniversary year. The BNT is a great organization which has helped to create a remarkable national park system safeguarding so much of our nation’s natural heritage. The BNT staff members continue to work hard writing grant proposals to provide assistance for park infrastructure improvements, training for wardens, and support for education and park interpretations. They also work with the Government of The Bahamas to ensure that we meet our obligations to protect the country’s biodiversity by expanding our protected area system and implementing environmental legislation that protects species and the ecosystems that sustain them. We are grateful and proud of all of the staff and their service and commitment to the BNT.

Of course, there is much sadness at the impact of Hurricane Dorian, which ravaged the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco. The human suffering and loss of life affected everyone in the nation. No storm has affected our country in this way before, and it further opens our eyes to the effects of climate change. The BNT,working with the Ministry of Works, will be implementing strategies through the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZM) to strengthen natural systems in Andros and Grand Bahama. In many cases, the national parks which protect coastal zones are our first defence against predicted increasingly stronger hurricanes. The BNT will be working with the Government, environmental NGO’s and communities to develop strategies for dealing with our changing climate.

I also want to express my immense gratitude to the many donors who have supported our work this year. Some responded immediately after Dorian, offering financial support to the organization, knowing that philanthropic efforts would be targeted at Hurricane Relief. I greatly appreciate our loyal event sponsors and volunteers, as well as the BNT staff, who supported our annual fundraisers: the Cuban Pig Roast, Wine and Art, Christmas Jollification and Festival Noel, making them some of the most successful in years. I particularly enjoyed attending Festival Noel and seeing the great community spirit in Grand Bahama despite the ravages of Hurricane Dorian.

The BNT is especially grateful to the Minister of the Environment for supporting the 2019 amendment to the BNT Act, which strengthens our organizational governance and provides enabling legislation for stronger enforcement of our by laws in our national parks. I am also grateful to our members for their continuing support of the BNT and its work by maintaining their membership and attending our events. Our membership is our strength and our voice in the public sector and we appreciate you, and it has been an honour to serve as your President.

Geoffrey Andrews

2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 1 OUR CONSERVATION SUCCESSES Historic Milestones 1958 to 1994

1965 1978 The Inagua National Park Jack Hayward was created changing announces $1 the fate of the flamingo Million Chal- forever lenge Grant to kick off the Heritage Fund Campaign 1990 The BNT initiated the Ade- 1968 laide Wetlands Restoration Peterson Cay, 1986 Project capturing the im- 1975 The ECLSP was declared a 1958 1965 Grand Bahama agination of the Bahamians The Exuma Cays Land and The No Take Zone becoming Conception added to the and inspiring other wetland Sea Park was created it be- Retreat one of the first no take ma- Island National Park restoration projects through- came the first Land and Sea Garden rine reserves in the wider National Park system out the wider Caribbean. Park in the world established acquired Caribbean 1994 1959 1959 1965 1965 1968 1972 1975 1978 1985 1986 1987 1990 1993

1993 The Trust’s Historic 1959 1987 Preservation The BNT was established The Gold Rock Creek Bridge Committee compiled as the national park was opened in the Lucayan a comprehensive managers of The Bahamas National Park on Grand Ba- database of historic with the passing of the Ba- hama. Today this bridge wel- buildings and sites, hamas National Trust Act comes thousands of guests and cooperated with to the Lucayan National Park, the Department of one of the most popular sites Archives’ museum on the island. section to produce the Bahamas National Historic 1972 1985 Register. Pelican Cays Land and Sea The BNT moves their Park established in Abaco headquarters to the Retreat Garden

2 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 3 OUR CONSERVATION SUCCESSES Historic Milestones 1994 to 2009

1997 The Inagua National Park 2009 The first Eco Camp was was designated a RAMSAR held on Andros Island. Wetland of International Im- As of 2019, Eco Camp portance. The first and only 2007 has changed the lives of site in the country to earn Government 2002 2003 increases aid to $1 hundreds of Bahamian 1996 this honour The national park system BNT organizes a The BNT and The doubled in size from million leading to Youth from every Bahamian multi-disciplinary Nature Conserv- rapid expansion of natural history sur- 315,000 to over 700,000 ancy implemented BNT. vey and protected acres the Parks Partner- area feasibility ship Project. Harrold and 1994 study of the Cay A momentous Wilson Ponds The Abaco National Park Sal Bank. The trip project for national National Park was created to protect the was supported by park management board walk Bahama Parrot in 20,500 US Parks Service in The Bahamas opened acres of pine forest 2009 1994 1994 1995 1996 1997 2001 2002 2003 2007 2008 2009

1994 2001 2008 In November the The Kirtland’s Warbler At the meeting, the First Meeting of 1995 Training and Research Global Island Part- the Conference of The Discovery Club was Project with the nership, sponsored the Parties to the by the Bahamas chartered and today is the goal of to provide UN Convention on with the support of most widespread youth field experience and Biological Diversity training to Bahamian leaders from across convened in Nas- programme in the country biologists, while the Caribbean, sau with over 700 examining the winter launched the Carib- delegates and 500 habitat requirements bean Challenge—a representatives from of Bahamian birds historic commitment non- governmental to protect 10 per cent organizations. Prior to 2007 of the region’s land the meeting a 2-day BNT and the Bahamas Bio- and sea resources Biodiversity Forum complexity Project launched by 2010 and 2012 was by the IUCN and Treasures in the Sea: Our respectively. hosted locally by the Bahamian Resources. An Bahamas National Trust Educator’s Guide to Teaching Marine Resources

4 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 5 OUR CONSERVATION SUCCESSES Historic Milestones 2011 to 2019

2012 2014 Bahama Parrot surveys BNT in partner- conducted by Dr. Frank island ship with National Riviera and Caroline Audubon and the 2018 Stahala, the first in Inter-American Devel- The Exuma Cays Land and 10 years, found the opment Bank began Sea Park wins a Blue Parks 2011 2013 2015 The Leon Levy Native Plant population doubled from The Conchservation the implementation of New Snake Species Award Meeting the highest 2,000 to 4,000 as a result Campaign was launched, a 3 year programme the Silver Boa science-based standards of Preserve was opened on of the Predator Control starting of the race to save to train people on discovered in the marine park management Eleuthera. A partnership Programme for feral cats Inagua and Andros between the Leon Levy this iconic species Conception Island in the park to be Birding Tour National Park Foundation and the BNT Guides 2011 2011 2011 2012 2013 2013 2014 2015 2015 2017 2018 2019

2013 2017 The first Bahamas Nat- Ministry of Education ural History Conference recognizes Discovery was held. The biggest 2015 Club for its positive 2011 science conference in Five areas on San Salvador: impact on prima- BNT advocates for the the country Graham’s Harbour, West ry and secondary protection of Sharks in The Coast Marine Park, Pigeon students awarding Bahamas and the country Creek and Snow Bay, the innovative pro- became a Shark Sanctuary Southern Great Lakes and gramme first place in Green’s Bay are added to the Ministry of Educa- the National Park System. tion’s National Good Practice Awards 2019 The BNT celebrates 60 years of national park management 60 years of Conservation

6 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 7 BAHAMAS NATIONAL TRUST 60TH ANNIVERSARY WE TURNED 60!

2019 was a milestone year for the BNT. On July 13th, we turned 60! However, we were celebrating all year long.

The sixty years of conservation success that we’ve achieved does not belong to us. It belongs to the members, donors, and partners who have supported us over the last six decades. It is also an accomplishment for the Bahamian people.

The highlight of our yearlong celebrations was our cake and champagne anniversary event on July 12th. BNT Members, many of our partners, government representatives, and other dignitaries, attended the event. We were honoured that The Most Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, attended and brought warm remarks, congratulating us on our dedication and pledging his government’s continued support of the national park system. Minister of the Environment, the Hon. Ramould Ferriera echoed The Prime Ministers’ congratulatory sentiments and also pledged his Ministry’s support of the new proposed protected areas. The finalization these new areas means that The BNT Past Presidents and dignitaries at the 60th Anniversary cel- Bahamas will have successfully ebration. From left: Glenn Bannister, Janet Johnson, MacGregor met its Caribbean Challenge Robertson, Geoff Andrews, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert A. Minnis, Pledge. Lynn Gape, Neil McKinney, Sandy Buckner, Pericles Maillis and Eric Carey. YEARS OF We look forward to sixty more CONSERVATION years of conservation success. SUCCESS 8 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 9 BAHAMAS NATIONAL TRUST 60TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION WORTHY

WE GOT STAMPED! To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the BNT, we collaborated with the Post Office Department on the issue of special stamps featuring national parks and iconic Bahamian wildlife.

The stamps, denominated in 15, 50, 65, and 70 cents feature the bold and charismatic Bahama Parrot, the iconic Queen Conch, the West Indian Flamingo, the world-renowned Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park and The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve.

Going forward into 2020, we are happy to know that these new stamps will be available for the enjoyment of collectors and will serve as a great reminder to the Bahamian people of the animals and places that their support goes toward protecting.

Stamp Photos by Patricia Vazquez VandenBerg, Shane Gross, Elijah Sands and Melissa Groo.

10 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 11 BNT’S CLIMATE RESPONSE WE DECLARE WAR ON CLIMATE CHANGE

or 60 years, the BNT has on the environment and people coastline defence, floodwater been on the frontline of the of The Bahamas. At the core of absorption, groundwater fight against climate change. this strategy are national parks. filtration, and a consistent FAs the national park service of supply of food. The Bahamas, our every work is The four main pillars of this climate action. national park centred strategy are: Policy: The BNT remains committed to its statutory Mitigation: By protecting National parks and protected seagrasses, coral reefs, role as an advisor to the areas are the most effective mangrove, pine, and broadleaf government on environmental weapons we have to combat the forests, we are ensuring that issues and to championing effects of warming temperatures our islands continue to remove a tough climate agenda. We on our planet. The Bahamas, carbon from the atmosphere will continue to be at the because it is a low-lying island and lock it away. By keeping forefront of scientific research country is particularly vulnerable our national parks healthy and to share the results of that to the impact of climate change. - preventing the pollution research with the government of them, removing invasive and communities. Based on On September 1st, we faced species from them, and that research, we will make Hurricane Dorian, the worst refusing to allow them to be expert recommendations on climate disaster that The inappropriately developed - we the way forward that will give Bahamas has ever seen. Sadly, it ensure that these ecosystems, our country the best possible will not be the last. which are designed to remove outcome. carbon from the atmosphere, Climate change is fast becoming can do so at the best possible Education: We will continue to one of the greatest threats rate. ensure that the next generation to global biodiversity and, of Bahamian leaders are better ultimately, the human family. To informed about the value of the Adaptation: By managing save our planet and secure the national parks, reducing natural resources found in our future of our country, we must act threats to them, and restoring country, the threats to those now. endangered populations – we resources, and the ways we can ensure that the environment of ward off those threats. The BNT remains committed to The Bahamas will be healthier this fight. and more capable of absorbing The BNT is committed to helping the impacts of deadly storms. The Bahamas move in the right We have a climate change action Our national parks will act as direction on climate change. Our plan that will make our country reservoirs that contain thriving goal is to make The Bahamas more resistant to climate change populations of the species stronger so that it can successfully by using the biodiversity within we rely on culturally and navigate an unpredictable national parks, and protected economically. and changing future. The best areas to counter the effects of They will secure the survival protection for our country is to this enemy. of the wildlife that make up have a climate-resilient network the rich biodiversity of The of effectively managed national Our plan involves employing Bahamas. These ecosystems parks across The Bahamas that strategies that use different types will be better able to deliver supports biodiversity and people of living things and the benefits the services that we need from in the face of climate change. they provide to reduce the them. These services include impact that climate change has

12 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 13 BNT’S CLIMATE RESPONSE IMMEDIATE ASSESSMENTS AFTER HURRICANE DORIAN

he last winds from Hurricane Dorian hadn’t died down before our team was assembled and drafting a plan to help the islands of TAbaco and Grand Bahama recover from the storm. After the humanitarian crisis that the hurricane created had stabilized, our primary concern became the birds and other wildlife that call Abaco and Grand Bahama home.

We were particularly interested in how the Bahama Parrot had fared on Abaco. A once-common bird throughout the chain of islands, the Bahama Parrot is now found mostly on Abaco and Inagua.

Our scientists immediately teamed up with scientists from the Audubon Society and travelled to Abaco to assess the state of the Bahama Parrot and other bird species there.

The team spent five days on the island recording where birds were located, looking at food availability, and evaluating the structure of the habitats.

We were happy to discover that the Abaco National Park, located in the southern part of the island, which is the main breeding site for the Bahama Parrott, sustained very little storm damage. However, as we anticipated, most of Central and North Abaco was devastated. We saw very few birds there.

The Abaco population of the Bahama Parrot was once on the brink of extinction. Since the early 1980’s we implemented a predator control program that has helped this population to rebound to its current numbers.

The assessment was the first in a series of surveys conducted on Abaco and Grand Bahama to assess the state of the environment after Dorian.

Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen habitats across these islands to ensure the best opportunities for the survival of species affected by natural disasters

14 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 15 BNT’S CLIMATE RESPONSE FROM SAVING NATURE TO RESCUING PEOPLE

n September 1st, 2019, category 5 Hurricane Dorian crawled across the northern islands of the OBahamas, leaving in its wake devastation, unlike anything the country had ever seen.

In the aftermath of this disaster, like the rest of the world, we realized that the humanitarian crisis that emerged needed our immediate focus.

Our team devoted itself to assisting the communities ravaged by the storm.

On New Providence, we helped with relief efforts working to send desperately needed supplies to Abaco and Grand Bahama, the two islands that sustained the most significant damage. Lending a Helping Hand International and Local NGO’s at the National Emergency Centre in Grand Bahama. On Grand Bahama, many of our staff, having sustained losses themselves, became volunteer heroes. BNT team members worked tirelessly in the Emergency Operation Centre of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), assisting with coordinating the activities of all the national and international NGOs that came to the island to help.

We also assisted the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in transporting supplies and soldiers from their ships to their base, since their vehicles had been destroyed in the storm. Further, we assisted them in carrying 50 Trinidadian soldiers who came over as a part of the emergency relief effort, along with their supplies

We worked with relief organization IsraAID to set up a ‘safe zone’ for kids at the YMCA centre, donating chairs and tables and helping the group create this special area that became a haven for traumatized kids. Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force contingent on their arrival at the HMBS Coral Harbour on Friday October 4, 2019.

16 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 17 MANAGING UNIQUE SPACES BRINGING PEOPLE TO PARKS

ational parks. At BNT, they’re who we are, they’re what we do. We Nbring parks to people by making them accessible. Our dedicated staff work hard to maintain these special places by employing impeccable management practices. Finally, we safeguard the natural resources that our parks protect.

In 2019, we gave over 194,000 people incredible experiences in national parks across The Bahamas.

2019 National Park Visitation

Why we focus on National Park Day legislation and 2019

leadership Getting people into their national The Bahamas is a global lead- parks is something we are fully er in conservation. That is an committed to doing. We want achievement that belongs to the people to understand that these country. We want Bahamians to beautiful spaces are not just there know and be proud of that. As the to protect nature, but for them to national park service, we manage enjoy. 32 parks across the country on behalf of the Bahamian people. On National Park Day 2019, we The amendments in the act will welcomed nearly 2,000 people give our park wardens the ability into national parks across the to issue spot fines, like how police country. It’s our biggest day for issue traffic tickets, to people who people in parks every year. break park rules. We are excited to have the framework needed to be effective caretakers and guardians of these unique places.

18 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 19 MANAGING UNIQUE SPACE ACCOLADES FOR PLANT CONSERVATION

n April 2019, the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve became the first institution in The IBahamas to be designated as an accredited Botanic Garden by Botanic Gardens Conservation International. This tier of accreditation recognizes institutions for their achievements in plant conservation.

To receive this distinguished designation, a botanic garden must have documented collections, public access, an education programme, research capacity, and a long-term strategic plan among other things.

The Preserve’s long-range plans include providing support for tertiary level research in both botany and plant taxonomy, mentorship programs, and partnerships with regional institutions to promote plant conservation.

Like the GLORES award we received last year for the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, this honour shows that, when it comes to national park management, we must be doing something right!

20 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 21 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION PROTECTING SPECIES IN PERIL RB n 2019 we broke out the WA LE champagne! After a more than S R 40-year global conservation ’ D Ieffort, the Kirtland’s Warbler was D E taken off the endangered species N L list. A I S L The Kirtland’s’ Warbler was one T of the first animals placed on T the United States’ federal list E

R of endangered and threatened D

species when It was added there I

in 1974. At the time, estimates put K the number of breeding pairs of these tiny birds as low as 167.

The fact that this rare warbler annually migrates from Michigan to the Bahamas, and spends several months there, placed the fight to save it solidly on the doorstep of the BNT. Ensuring For more than 20 years, we were Functioning Habitats on the frontline of the battle to coral fragments were save this unique bird, leading the placed into coral nurs- Bahamas’ side of the allied effort. 292 eries within the Peterson Cay and Now, there are more than 2,000 Lucayan National Parks breeding pairs! This increase prompted the US Fish and Wildlife metres of coral Service to announce, on October reefs were sur- 8th, 2019, that the bird had 5,400 veyed around the Moriah Har- recovered enough to be removed bour Cay National Park, Abaco, from protection. New Providence and Rose Island. That’s an area roughly the length We are happy that, with the aid of 58 football fields! An additional of our partners and the support of 2,900 meters of coral reefs were our donors, we were able to help surveyed after Hurricane Dorian. the numbers of this little songbird Why we survey coral reefs species. How can we know if our grow from those of a small singing Coral reefs are vital habitat for coral reefs are in trouble? How conch were surveyed ensemble to a mass choir. many marine species. However, can we tell if there is a new dis- and habitat mapped 547 corals are extremely sensitive and ease outbreak or unseen pollution in the East Grand Bahama Marine vulnerable. Slight changes in tem- spill? How can we know if the cli- Protected Area prior to Hurricane perature, water chemistry, water mate is changing? We can answer Dorian which the team plans to clarity and changes to the food these questions and many more reassess to understand the im- chain can result in massive coral by regularly monitoring our coral pact Dorian had on conch and its die-off and eventual loss of marine reef and the fish that live there. habitat.

22 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 23 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION PROTECTING SPECIES IN PERIL

Guardians of the Shifting Perspectives

Bahama Oriole In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only We continued our efforts to learn more what we understand, and we will about and protect the Bahama Oriole, a understand only what we have critically endangered songbird, native to been taught” Andros and Abaco Islands. - Baba Dioum After the recent discovery that Bahama Orioles nest in pine trees, a lot of our Awareness is an important aspect of focus has been on monitoring pineland conservation. Since 2018, The BNT habitat for nests and tracking the move- has been hosting snake workshops ments of this rare bird. aimed at shifting people’s perspectives on snakes. Snakes are The Blue Holes National Park (BHNP) one of the most persecuted animals protects 40,000 acres of important pine- in The Bahamas. Getting people to land habitat, making it the ideal place to understand why we should not harm conduct this research. them is the first step in the fight to Our terrestrial scientists joined researchers protect snake populations. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, to conduct further studies in the In March, we held our biggest park. snake workshop to date. We gave many people the opportunity to During the expedition, the science team learn about Bahamian snakes, not discovered one nest in a pine tree in the with the expectation that they will BHNP. This nest is the third one found love them, but with the hope that in BHNP and the fifth nest seen in a pine they will understand these beautiful tree on the island. creatures better.

The team banded birds and set up wildlife Over 80 people walked away with cameras in BHNP to further monitor and a new perspective on our native, study the Oriole’s behaviour. They also endemic serpents. That means placed radio transmitters and tags on a few more people now realize the Bahama Orioles. These devices will help us ecological importance of these very track the movements of these birds so that misunderstood creatures, and now we can make the best conservation deci- know how to handle them properly. sions. Our researchers set up three wildlife cameras in the area around Captain Bills Blue Hole to monitor Bahama Oriole nests and learn whether Shiny Cowbirds are interfering with the Oriole’s reproductive process. The IUCN currently lists the Bahama Ori- ole as a critically endangered species. We hope that the work we do today will lead to a more secure and healthier population of Bahama Orioles tomorrow.

24 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 25 ENGAGING EDUCATION TOUCHING THE LIVES OF YOUTH

Building Outdoor Classrooms Environmental In recognition of the 2019 Character Stewards Day, an international initiative, We helped kids become agents we helped young people in our of change in their community. environmental education programs Inspired by their Discovery Club propagate nearly 5,000 native trees. lesson on the issues around plastic We did this to help them bring pollution and marine debris. Club awareness to their schools and members at the St. Thomas More communities about the threats to Primary school led a campaign to plant health. The kids learned how teach their school about pollution increasing threats from climate and the dangers of single use change and human activities, as plastics. Discovery Club Growth well as damage to ecosystems, are To raise awareness among their creating niches where pests can classmates, they sold paper and thrive and destroy plant life. They The students donated the the 2019 school year. metal straws, while treating their also learned what the features of a $400 they raised through Promotional “Proud to Deliver customers to free samples of tea healthy forest are and what’s needed their campaign to the BNT to the Discovery Club” banners in made from native plants. Because to keep them healthy. further support conservation institutions across the country their campaign complemented efforts. These young people are improved awareness of the club Through our efforts, we supported an on-going national effort to committed to the cause! and brought momentum to the a national campaign dubbed “Five ban single-use plastics, they were early registration campaign. One Star Forests.” We got kids outdoors invited by the Ministry of the 998 1,293 2,500 Our Education department hundred students signed up and taught them how protecting DISCOVERY CLUB MEMBERS Environment and Housing to be embarked on a Discovery Club early, but many more students plant health protect the environment a feature story on its social media roadshow in April to encourage and leaders became interested in and boost economies. pages and in a national news 2017 2018 2019 early registration by May 31st for joining. broadcast

26 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 27 ENGAGING EDUCATION A DECADE OF INSPIRING LEADERS

t the heart of our award- winning Discovery Club Program is a network of 120 dedicatedA and passionate volunteer teachers. These teachers are the ones who help us inspire the kids in the Discovery Club program at their respective schools. Some teachers have been leading Discovery Clubs for 20 years, others for only a few months. Every year, in summertime, The Bahamas National Trust hosts the Discovery Club Symposium. A train-the-trainer style workshop that equips these teachers with the motivation and materials they need to ignite a passion for the environment in their kids during the upcoming school year. 10 years of Discovery Club Symposium It also allows the teachers to meet other club leaders from across the country. They get to share the joys and success they experience in working with the kids in their club. The symposium is a week full of excitement, learning, and bonding for these education champions. This year, as part of the symposium, we held a full-day wilderness training on Rose Island. The activities allowed teachers to learn the essential skills needed to create safe and exciting camping experiences for the kids in their club. Because of these teachers, we can reach the hearts and “Fired up and ready to Go” in their schools and communities. minds of school kids across the attendees returned from the Leaders began the new school country, teaching them about the tenth Annual Discovery Club year with increased enthusiasm environment and encouraging them Training Symposium to conduct which had multiplying effects to save our planet! exceptional recruitment activities across the programme.

28 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 29 MEMBERSHIP ENVIRONMENTAL GUARDIANS

Members, donors, supporters, we call the folks that make what we do possible a few names. But regardless of what we call them, we wouldn’t exist without their passion, dedication and generosity. We thank them for being environmental guardians and a part of our conservation family.

Our Corporate & Individual Donors

Adrienne Garner Brice Eldredge Edmund L. Rahming Jennifer Possley Marvin and Zelia Bethell Advanced Document Bristol Wines and Spirits Eileen Avitable Jennifer Reiser Mary Castner Systems Brock and Annabel Cole Eileen Luhr Jesse Vega-Perkins Maryellen Fullerton Ainka Granderson, Bryan & Tracie Glinton Elaine Powers Joanna Paul Massimo Liusso 3532354 BTC Elizabeth (Lou) Cuevas Joe and Holly McDonough Matthew Hicks Raymond Jungles Tami LaPilusa Todd Solondz, 6749791 Albany Resort Operator Cat Island United Elizabeth T DeMeo Johannes Helsen Maxwell Pollock Dieck Renee Lowe Tanya Simmons Trueranda Cox Ltd. Carolyn Sneed Eric Kjellmark John and Barbara Gehrig Michael Edens Richard Alexander Tara Dolan, 2753596 University of Florida Alessandra Callender Catherine P. Knowles Erica A Shirts John and Lucy Hintz Michael, Mills, Nicole, Richard and Sheree Pyfrom Tarra Ellen G. Linda Vakis Limited Alex Crumpler Cecile E.C. Dean-Heastie Ethan Prior John M. Murphy Kane & Cash T Halpin Richard Brenner The Kearns Family Viktoria Kokics Alison Black Chris Maxey Evangelos Stassinopoulos John Paul Diener Michelle D. Mitchell-Lloyd Robert & Alice Yoakum Foundation Fund of the Virginia G Hunneke Aliv Bahamas Chris Maxey Family Charitable John Thody Mike and Aranzazu Robert Bruce Purdy Community Foundation W. Hardy & Barbara K. Andrea Coakley Chris Maxey Fareed Ansari Jon & Elysia Doyle Klonaris Robert Edward Welch of Broward Eshbaugh Andrew and Paula Conway Christoph Spath Felicity Arengo Joseph Marvin Cameron, Monalisa Prabhu Robert Kramer & Susan The Moore Bahamas William and Deborah Andrew Brent Symonette Christopher Lowe Forfar Field Station Joseph Wunderle & Morton Bahamas Limited Saxl Foundation Louda Andy Fowler Christopher William Franci Jarrard Deborah Jean Lodge Nadine Hunziger Robin Glod The Moore Charitable William McEntee Anthony and Helen Dysard, 6380855 Franklyn Wilson Josh Guy Kemp Nancy Taylor Roderick Cameron Fund William S Barbour Hepburn Claire Kelly Frederick Perpall Katherine Hoover Nanette Watjen Roland (Rick) von Goeben The Nature Conservancy Windsor Trustees Aqualia International Clifford Hutt, 8377284 Friedrick Merck Keith Romer Nassau Paper Company Rolf Klug The Owl Foundation (Bahamas) Limited Foundation Ltd. Colina Insurance Ltd, Fun Foods Kelly Griffin National Audubon Society Ronald and Richelle Theo & Kerstin Kiesselbach Zelpha Mae Davis Asa. H. Pritchard Commonwealth Bank Gavin Lincoln Kevin A. Knowles & Network for Good Knowles Todd Hawkins Bahamas Ferries Commonwealth Building Geoff and Lynne Andrews Vanessa L. Miller Niall Playfair Round River Foundation Superclub Breezes Resort Supplies Ltd. George and Sally Cable Kevin W McPadden Nicholas D. and Carolyn Royal Bahamas Defense BNT Membership Since 1959 & Spa Bahamas Conservian Inc George Hutton Kim E Thurlow Wardle Force 3500 Bahama Divers Cuan Odendaal Gerald and Helen Halpin Kurt Eckert Nicolas Stiliadis Sagoma Construction 3,208 Baha Mar Foundation Curtis Hite Memorial Fund Lampkin Marine Services Olivia Orr International Bahama Out Island Curtis Robinson Giovanni and Juli Zanetta (Poker Run) Oren Schneider 3000 Sam Cohen 2,700 Promotion Board David King Greg Braun Leon Levy Foundation Overseas Salvage Samuel Burchkhardt Bahamas Outdoor Ltd. David Pereira Greg Frokjer Leonard Lyons Pericles and Christina Sandals Foundation 2500 Bahamas Redi Mix David Reiss Gustav Staahl Lili C Wagner Maillis Sandra McGwier Concrete Ltd. Dawn Arnold Heather Constable Lillian A. Russell Perrin Wicks Sarah Michelmore Bahamas Waste Ltd. Dean Simon Henrik Larsson Linda Clews Peter and Irene Goudie Science & Perspective 2000 Bahamian Brewery Debborah Smyth Smyth Horizon Power Linda Cronin Jones Peter and Mary-Ann Scott Schwenk Bethell Estates Ltd. Deno Moss Catermarans Linda M. Huber Becker Scott Sherouse Bonefish and Tarpon Trust Diana Symonette Hull Family Foundation Lindsay Garcia Peter Andrews Sheldon Regular 1500 1,300 Bonnie and Peter Diana Valerie Gray Ignacio de la Rocha Lisa Guillou Peter Hulm Seventh Day Adventist Carpenter Diane McKerlie James and Elizabeth Lisa Nicol Philip and Silvina Andrews Church 1000 Brad Borden Discovery Land Company Swann Mara Mactaggart Philip Tunnicliff Staniel Cay Yacht Club Brendan and Catherine Dodge and Lorna James Kaufman Maria A. Nottage Phillip E Figdore Stephanie & Bill Gardner Dunn Engleman James Wilson Marina Data Solutions Phillip Powell Steven Anthony Dean 500 Brendan Roney Donald and Deborah Janae Francis Mario Portuondo R Smith Steven C. Eberbach Brent and Robin Tomlinson Janet Johnson Mark & Susan Davies Rachael Dubin Steven Tyler 23 Symonette Douglas and Peggy Jeff and Dana Reiser Mark Kryder Rachel Lightbourne Summit Insurance Co., Ltd. 0 Brett Eldredge Hudson Jennifer Nellinger Martha Scott Randall & Annie Hall Susan Kimball 1959 1988 2018 2019

30 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 31 OUR BEST YEAR YET EXTENDING OUR GLOBAL REACH

ith the support of our We led a joint expedition to the valued partners, we 2019 Social Media island of Eleuthera with GWC extended our global Statistics ambassador Karrueche Tran to reach.W Now more people than spread the message of national ever know about Bahamian parks and Bahamian conservation. national parks and why they play Facebook a crucial role in protecting the Total Engagements Our BNT ambassador network biodiversity of our planet. also played a key role. We took Bahamian social media In 2019, we reached over 15 influencers, Sacha Kalis and million people with the message Andre Musgrove, on a voyage to of Bahamian national parks and 185,143 experience and share the beauty conservation. No kidding! Here’s of the five breathtaking national how. Total Video Views parks on Andros island. Hundreds of thousands of people saw the We teamed up with Global unique images we created on this Wildlife Conservation (GWC) to expedition. Many people have get our message into networks we since reached out to us wanting never have before. After Hurricane 236,210 to learn more about these parks, Dorian, we wanted to let the and some have even visited them! world know that the environment Total Instagram followers That’s what we call influence. had taken a hit and it needed their help to recover from the storm. Social media buzzed as we With the help of superstar actor, worked along with our partners to producer, and environmentalist let people know that conservation Leonardo DiCaprio, we sent out 6,000 is cool and why they should care. an appeal to the world, asking for increase from 2018 56% Sacha Kalis and support. BNT social ambassadors - Andre Musgrove. @andremusgrove @_bahamasgirl_

Impressions 4,575,279 Impressions tells us how many times one of our “posts appeared on people’s screens. That number shows that people have seen us, a lot. “

32 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 33 HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2019 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

February VOLUNTEERS REVITALIZE A NATIONAL PARK FUNDRAISER

The Cuban Pig Roast is one of the major fundraisers we hold each year to support the national park system. But, this year, we were looking to give the event a refresh. BNT volunteers Sara-Manson Wood and Rachel Lightbourne- Graham stepped up to the plate, helping to breathe new life into the event. We had record-breaking attendance!

Each year we select a national park or BNT program as the focus of an appeal we make to attendees. Our goal this year was to raise money to buy a new van to support our environmental education program on An- dros Island. The vehicle was needed to take kids on field trips and visits to the Blue Holes National Park.

Thanks to the generosity of Pig Roast attendees, and the support of a loyal BNT donor who issued a challenge match, our education team now has the vehicle necessary to give kids on Andros life-changing experiences in national parks.

March ASHORE @ STANIEL CAY

Thanks to the support of our partners David and Christina Hocher of the Staniel Cay Yacht Club (SCYC), we were able to launch Ashore!@ Staniel, a new fundraising event to support the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (ECLSP). This unique event attracted locals and many of the boaters who are frequent visitors to the park. At the event, we pre-

miered the film “The Blue Sanctuary” by environmental photographer and filmmaker, Colin Ruggiero. The film highlights some of the unique challenges the BNT experiences as a nonprofit organization managing the ECLSP.

The event was a success! We are grateful to our friends at SCYC for allowing us to raise awareness about the needs of this park and to raise money to support it.

34 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 35 April June SAVING SAWFISH TREKKING THROUGH NATIONAL PARKS The Smalltooth Sawfish is the most threatened animal in the shark and In honour of our 60th Anniversary year, we launched a new event to ray family. Scientists believe that there are only ten breeding females encourage residents to get outdoors and experience their national parks left in the wild. in a whole new way. Park Trek 242 was a triathlon with a twist. We cen- tered the athletic activities around national parks. Participants kayaked In April, we partnered with the Atlantis Resort and the Initiative to in Bonefish Pond National Park, raced around the area, and then cycled Save Caribbean Sawfish to host a Sawfish Soiree. This event brought to the Primeval Forest National Park. Competitors appreciated being together key conservation partners to raise awareness about the plight given a chance to work up a sweat while immersing themselves in nature of the Smalltooth Sawfish and share findings from the latest research. and their beautiful national parks.

Florida and The Bahamas, specifically the Andros West Side National Park, are the last two places where Smalltooth Sawfish are still regularly encountered, making The Bahamas a critical Smalltooth Saw- fish refuge. The Andros West Side National Park is the largest intact mangrove system in this region, making it key to the survival of the Smalltooth Sawfish.

Dr. Dean Grubbs of Florida State University’s Coastal and Marine Lab was the featured speaker. Dr. Grubb has been conducting sawfish research on the west side of Andros since 2010. He will be partnering with the BNT to continue research and develop a conservation plan for this critically endangered species. December LIFTING THE SPIRITS OF A SUNKEN May COMMUNITY For the past 24 years, the community on Grand Bahama Island has sup- INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ported our Festival Noel fundraiser. The event, which raises money to ENVIRONMENTALISTS support the national parks there, is considered by residents as the official start to the local Christmas season. Our annual science internship provides Bahamian undergraduates However, with the island still reeling from the blow of Hurricane with the opportunity to work and study in the natural environment of Dorian, we struggled with the decision on whether we should hold the The Bahamas. event this year.

In May, Melissa Ingraham and Christopher Fox spent six weeks When we announced our intent to cancel, the overwhelming feedback getting hands-on experience being BNT scientists. They learned about we received from our community partners was, don’t do it, hold the national parks, ornithology, biology and botany. They also spent ten event. days aboard the Coral Reef II research vessel, studying and tagging The community on Grand Bahama was desperate for some normalcy endangered Rock Iguanas in the Exuma Cays. and familiarity. And many felt that everyone there could use the boost and merriment that the event typically brings. So, with that feedback, We are happy to provide life-changing experiences to young people and our desire to boost the community, we hosted the event. and inspire the next generation of environmentalists. The community responded enthusiastically. More than 400 people showed up for the event (which typically attracts closer to 250), ready to “My internship with the BNT really immersed me in The Bahamian leave the burden of the devastation of hurricane Dorian behind them for environment. That experience has guided me towards wanting to a night. Everyone was in high spirits, and we raised money to support learn so much more about our culture, history, and environment and the post-Dorian recovery of the Grand Bahama national parks. to really appreciate our beautiful native and endemic treasures. Thank you, BNT, for opening my eyes to the true Bahamas!” The fantastic turnout for Festival Noël highlights the indomitable spirit – Melissa Ingraham of the Grand Bahamian community. They will rebuild their island. The outpouring of support for this event inspires us. We will continue to find ways to assist with the rebuilding of the community of Grand Bahama and to providing help and hope to those in need. 36 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 37 HIGHLIGHTS FOR OUR STAFF 2019 FINANCIALS CONSERVATION WARRIORS

Our dedicated staff are on the front lines, 24/7, working hard to protect parks, inspire kids and refine their research.

ABACO David Knowles | Chief Park Warden Marcus Davis | Deputy Park Warden Arthur Williams | Park Warden

38 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 2019 Bahamas National Trust Impact Report 39 OUR VISION A comprehensive network of effectively managed Bahamian national parks and protected areas that is recognized as a powerful force for global biodiversity conservation which is supported and enjoyed by the public.

OUR MISSION The Bahamas National Trust is a science-based organization dedicated to effectively managing national parks to conserve and protect Bahamian natural resources.

The Bahamas National Trust BAHAMAS NATIONAL TRUST P.O. Box N-4105, Nassau Bahamas Tel: 242-393-1317 | Fax: 242-393-4978 Email: [email protected] | www.bnt.bs 2019 Impact Report