Bahamas News
National Mangrove Project Takes Root: Bahamian Schools Partner to Foster Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Coastal Protection
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!
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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