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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
BNT Visits Eleuthera Island School Symposium -
On behalf of The Bahamas National Trust, David Knowles, BNT's Director of Parks traveled to the Cape Eleuthera Institute and gave a presentation on the national parks with a specific focus on marine parks, conservation goals and the research needed to help with national park management. Photo: Bahamas National Trust
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Abaco, Bahamas- The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is on a mission to educate the youth on conservation and the environment, throughout The Bahamas and internationally with the help of BNT’s Director of Parks, David Knowles.
Knowles has been working with the BNT for more than six years and is proud to be apart of an organization that strives daily to conserve and protect the natural resources of The Bahamas, through stewardship and education for present and future generations.
Just recently, he gave a presentation to students who are currently enrolled in summer courses at the Friends of the Environment Abaco Research Center (ARC). Friends of the Environment have been in operation for almost thirty years, but the ARC has just recently been established in Marsh Harbor. The center is used for hosting high school and University programs, conducting field courses and presents opportunities to partner with scientists on long-term research projects. The summer courses will help students take a more in depth look at diverse ecosystems and marine life.
BNT Educates Future Environmentalists With Various Presentations -
The Bahamas National Trust wishes to encourage the youth of The Bahamas to conserve and protect their environment. Over the last few weeks, Director of Parks, David Knowles have been speaking to students throughout the Bahamas on the importance of national parks and other protected areas. Below is Knowles and a group of students who are currently enrolled at at the Friends of the Environment Abaco Research Center (ARC) in Marsh Harbor, Abaco. Photo: Bahamas National Trust
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In his presentation, Knowles covered an array of topics such as habitat conservation, environmental careers and opportunities, as well as Abaco’s Protected Areas and the BNT’’s role in managing and establishing protected areas. When asked about the experience, he commented, “It was great to present at this workshop for Friends of the Environment, particularly where Bahamian students are involved. These students are the future leaders of our country and their knowledge is critical to the decision-making process that they will be involved in the future.” Data gathered in the courses will also be used to assist on-going research and support other conservation programmes.
Knowles then traveled to the Cape Eleuthera Institute, to present at the school’s Research Symposium. This event was a culmination a semester-long research class, where students became involved in all aspects of research. His presentation covered National Parks with a specific focus on Marine parks, BNT’s conservation goals and the research needed to help with national park management.
Colorado State University Bahamas 2014 Syllabus Course -
A group of graduate students from Colorado State University (CSU), as part of their Marine Ecotourism trip—Bahamas 2014 Syllabus took part in a special presentation with BNT's Director of Parks, David Knowles who spoke on the conservation efforts of The Bahamas National Trust and other protected marine areas in The Bahamas.
(Photo: The Bahamas National Trust)
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Other topics were on sea turtle ecology, shark behavior, lionfish invasion, sustainable fisheries, and queen conch and mangrove ecology. The Symposium was also a chance for the kids to showcase the data they collected, along with real world implications of the work.
And lastly, Knowles presented to a group of graduate students from Colorado State University (CSU), as part of their Marine Ecotourism Trip—Bahamas 2014 Syllabus Course. The presentation took place on board the Shearwater Charter Boat and the course is a 3-credit study abroad course, with the intent to expose students to social, cultural, environmental and economic aspects of tourism development in The Bahamas.
Knowles’ presentation highlighted the conservation efforts of the BNT and spoke on other ways to protect marine areas in The Bahamas. “It was great to get feedback from these graduate students,” he said, “especially since they are currently pursuing degrees in similar fields.”
Over the years CSU have provided continued assisted in the Abaco National Park with trail maintenance and helpful recommendations on improving visitor experience. Knowles added, “BNT will continue to collaborate with international institution and organization like Colorado State University and others, to advance the efforts in protected area management.”
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