Freeport, Grand Bahama – November 6, 2023 – A groundbreaking initiative, the National Mangrove Project, has been officially launched, ushering in a new era of conservation and environmental awareness in The Bahamas. This collaborative venture between Waterkeepers Bahamas (WKB), the Forestry Unit, and the 50th Independence Secretariat has taken root in Bahamian schools with the support of the Ministry of Education, where students embrace their role as stewards of their coastal ecosystems, promoting healthy oceans and natural defense barriers.
The National Mangrove Project focuses on instilling the importance of mangroves and sustainable coastal protection within the younger generation. The project empowers schools across The Bahamas to establish mangrove nurseries, where they pot red mangrove propagules, tending to them through regular watering and vigilant care, all in preparation for upcoming outplantings.
“Our National Mangrove Project is a testament to the power of education, collaboration, and grassroots action. Through nurturing mangroves in our schools, we are nurturing the future stewards of our coastal environments,” said Rashema Ingraham, Executive Director of Waterkeepers Bahamas.
Participating schools receive all the necessary resources for this endeavour, including propagules, soil, and other essential supplies. In addition, printed manuals and video tutorials provide comprehensive guidance, ensuring that teachers and students are well-prepared for success.
Seven schools have received their mangrove kits and are diligently tending to their classroom nurseries. Four schools in New Providence (C.I. Gibson, Windsor Academy, C.R. Walker, Anatol Rodgers) and three in Grand Bahama (Bishop Michael Eldon, Jack Hayward, Lucaya International) have enthusiastically embraced this initiative, which combines education with hands-on environmental stewardship. Schools in Andros, Bimini, Exuma and Eleuthera will also receive kits. This approach allows students to connect directly with mangroves and the significance of restoration projects led by non-governmental organizations like the Bahamas Mangrove Alliance (BMA).
The BMA, a collaboration comprising Waterkeepers Bahamas (WKB), Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), and Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT), has set a monumental goal of planting one million mangroves. Students’ participation in the National Mangrove Project is poised to significantly contribute to this objective, enhancing the project’s capacity to protect and restore Bahamian coastlines.
The National Mangrove Project embodies the spirit of Bahamian independence, emphasizing the nation’s reliance on natural resources for coastal protection and sustainable livelihoods. By engaging students, this initiative nurtures the environment and cultivates a sense of responsibility and a deep appreciation for mangroves’ vital role in coastal preservation.
Her Excellency Ambassador Leslia Miller-Brice, chair of the Bahamas 50th Independence Secretariat, said, “As we celebrate our 50th year of independence, the National Mangrove Project serves as a profound reminder of our nation’s duty to protect and preserve the resources that have sustained us for half a century. Together with our partners, we are nurturing a legacy of environmental responsibility that will endure for generations.”
Follow Waterkeepers Bahamas on Facebook to stay connected and informed about the progress of the school nurseries. Join us in celebrating the National Mangrove Project’s success and the future guardians of our precious coastal ecosystems.
Photo Captions:
Header: The green thumbs of C R Walker Senior High School prepare their red mangrove propagules for potting.
1st insert: Lucaya International School (GB) students joined the National project and are adding propagules to their mangrove nursery.
2nd insert: Members of Bishop Michael Eldon’s Eco-School Club receive their mangrove potting kit.
3rd insert: C. I. Gibson Senior High School Administration and students are excited about receiving their mangrove kit from WKB Executive Director Rashema Ingraham.
4th insert: Windsor Academy (Albany) students embark on a mangrove potting adventure.
5th insert: Students at Jack Hayward Senior High School are ready to pot!