Young Bahamian Storytellers Use Media to Highlight Conservation in The Bahamas

February 5th, 2024 – Nassau, Bahamas

Two young Bahamians are using the power of media to inspire environmental action through compelling storytelling. The Conservation Storytelling & Media (CSM) Internship, designed to equip young conservation communicators with hands-on experience, has culminated in two impactful capstone projects created by interns Lauren Ritchie and Quintez Bethel.

The internship, created by The Bahamas National Trust (BNT), provides emerging conservationists with the skills and experience needed to use film, photography, writing, and other forms of media as tools for advocacy. The projects from the first year of the internship showcase the unique perspectives of two passionate storytellers working to raise awareness about conservation in The Bahamas.

Lauren Ritchie’s capstone project, a short film titled “Preserve Our Heritage, Protect Our Future,” examines the historical relationship between Bahamians and their ecosystems – once balanced and thriving but now increasingly threatened by environmental degradation and climate change. Her film calls viewers to recognize the urgency of conservation and take meaningful action to protect The Bahamas’ natural heritage.

Quintez Bethel’s project, an immersive photo essay titled “Through the Lens: Photography as a Tool for Conservation,” presents a striking collection of wildlife images captured throughout the internship. His work highlights the power of visual storytelling in conservation, illustrating how photography can inspire emotional connections to nature and drive environmental awareness.

The CSM Internship is a pioneering initiative that empowers young Bahamians to tell conservation stories that resonate with diverse audiences. By equipping them with the technical and creative skills necessary to produce impactful media, the program plays a critical role in shaping the future of conservation communication in The Bahamas.

“Proud doesn’t even begin to describe the feeling of seeing Lauren and Quintez’s completed capstone projects,” said Elijah Sands, BNT Senior Communications Officer and CSM Internship Coordinator. “From the start, this internship was about giving young Bahamians the opportunity to tell conservation stories in ways that resonate, inspire, and drive action—and that’s exactly what they accomplished with their projects. Witnessing the public’s response to these projects reinforces why investing in the next generation of conservation communicators is so critical. We can do all the conservation work we want, but if we can’t inspire people to care, the mission falls short. Lauren and Quintez have created powerful narratives that inspire action, and we are incredibly proud of their work.”

The Bahamas National Trust invites the public to experience these inspiring projects and support the next generation of conservation storytellers. To view the projects, visit: www.bnt.bs/csmcapstones.

To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.