February marks the 43rd anniversary of World Wetlands Day (WWD), and to commemorate it, the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) hosted activities in both Grand Bahama and New Providence. This year’s World Wetlands Day the BNT hosted a cleanup and fun day at the Bonefish Pond National Park on New Providence and a fun day at the Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama. Pictured are students cleaning up at Bonefish Pond National Park. (BNT Photos)
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Nassau, Bahamas –
February marks the 43rd anniversary of World Wetlands Day (WWD), and
to commemorate it, the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) hosted activities in both
Grand Bahama and New Providence.
“This
was an important activity for our youth program” said Shelley Cant, BNT
Education Officer. “We are always trying
to give students the opportunity to help their environment as well as do some
research and have fun at the same time. The students definitely enjoyed
themselves and we hope they learned that looking after wetlands is important for
all Bahamians!”
Each
year the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) recognizes and celebrates this important
event with activities that raises awareness for these important habitats. This year’s World Wetlands Day the BNT hosted
a cleanup and fun day at the Bonefish Pond National Park on New Providence and
a fun day at the Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama.
“Bonefish
Pond is one of the last remaining coastal wetlands on New Providence. As such
The Bahamas National Trust places great value on its protection,” noted Science
Officer, Lindy Knowles. “We will continue these clean up and rehabilitation
efforts so that Bonefish Pond can be fully restored to its full potential, to
provide ecological and economic benefits.”
The
event on New Providence was attended by students from the BNT after school
program called the Navigators. Around 35 students helped remove about a half-ton
of trash from the new kayak launch site being developed for the park. After the
cleanup they got to enjoy snorkeling and kayaking tours which were the
highlight of the day.
At the
same time on Grand Bahama a fun day at the Lucayan National Park was held. “Over
sixty students from the Freeport Gospel Chapel and GB Catholic High schools
were treated to wonderful educational games on how to maintain the wetland
environment and the importance of the Wetland to our islands” noted Lisa
Wildgoose, Office Manager at The Rand Nature Centre.
Wildgoose
continued, “Cecilia Bodie, the education specialist for Grand Bahama National
Parks treated the kids to a wonderful educational tour through the wetlands of
the park. The kids had a spectacular time.”
Wetlands
are extremely vulnerable to agricultural practices. Frequent use of fertilizers
and herbicides impact these fragile environments. There is also the constant threat of dredging
and land reclamation. Even some wetlands that are currently protected continue
to face these threats.
The BNT
wishes to work closely with the agricultural sector and improve the way that
the agricultural sector operates around these invaluable ecosystems for The
Bahamas.
For more
information call the BNT office at 393-1317 or check the BNT website for
details www.bnt.bs.
The Bahamas National Trust was created by an
Act of Parliament in 1959 to build and manage the national park system of the
Bahamas. Possibly the only non-governmental organization in the world charged
with such a responsibility the TRUST, as it is commonly known works daily to
conserve and protect the natural resources of The Bahamas, through stewardship
and education for present and future generations. There are currently 27
National Parks managed by the TRUST with more than 1 million acres of marine
and terrestrial areas protected.
Website: http://www.bnt.bs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bahamas-National-Trust/25034035861?ref=hl
