An ambitious policy for the protection of natural areas
The first national park in the Bahamas was established in 1958 in the Exumas Islands. The country has more than 40 national parks and nature reserves protecting the biodiversity of marine and terrestrial environments. The management of these natural areas is delegated to the Bahamas National Trust. This institution, created in 1959, initiates projects for the protection and awareness of the environment and conducts research.
The Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park: located between land and sea, it can be discovered on foot but also by diving. This small paradise is home to endemic species such as the hutia and the rock iguana, as well as numerous birds.
Peterson Cay National Park : off the island of Grand Bahama, it will allow you to discover the wonders of marine biodiversity: corals, fish and birdlife.
Lucayan National Park: located in Grand Bahama, it is renowned for its impressive underwater caves, some of which contain archaeological remains.
Pelican Cays Land & Sea Park: located in the Abacos, it is undoubtedly the ideal place for diving enthusiasts who will be able to observe the treasures of underwater life: caves, sea turtles, corals, fish.
The Abacos National Park is home to the Bahamian parrot, an endemic species.
The Inagua National Park protects one of the largest populations of pink flamingos in the world, as well as over 140 species of birds.
Primeval Forest National Park: located southwest of New Providence, it protects 3 hectares of primary hardwood forest. Some of these trees are centuries old.
Blue HolesNational Park: located on the island of Andros : it is famous for its "blue holes" or limestone caves where sea water and rainwater meet.
Towards better waste management
The issue of waste is a major concern in the Bahamas, and much waste ends up in open landfills. In 2015, a waste sorting and incineration centre was inaugurated in New Providence. Efforts remain to be made, particularly in terms of reducing waste at source and recycling, despite significant progress. Thus, since 1 January 2020, single-use plastic has been banned in the archipelago. An NGO, the Bahamas Plastic Movement, is initiating awareness raising, participatory science approaches and circular economy projects to reduce plastic-related pollution. This is the case, for example, of the "Adopt a School, Adopt a Beach" programme, in which a school takes care of a beach for one year and carries out actions to reduce plastic waste: cleaning operations, monitoring, data collection, etc. The programme is also a way of reducing plastic waste.
The ambivalence of the tourist activity
Tourism represents more than 7 million visitors in 2019. (Last figures before the pandemic of COVID) It relies on the ecological qualities of the territory, its beaches, but also its sea beds. However, the activity generates a pressure on the natural environment. It induces the generation of waste and the consumption of resources, especially in a territory that lacks drinking water and where agriculture is poorly developed. It is also responsible for pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, mainly related to transport (planes, vehicles, cruise ships). In 2019, financing from the Inter-American Bank will allow the construction of a treatment station for liquid waste from ships in Freeport. Local initiatives in environmental education are also present in the territory. Created in 1993, the Bahamas Reef Environment EducationalFoundation initiates sensitizations for schools, but also for tourists. The NGO also works to protect marine biodiversity. The archipelago also offers visitors numerous outings dedicated to the discovery of natural environments, both terrestrial and underwater. This ecotourism is also translated by an offer of "eco-friendly" accommodations. However, some developments could contribute to the weakening of natural balances. Thus, the government has accepted in late 2019 a project for a cruise port and tourist complex on the island of Eleuthera carried by Disney and this, without environmental impact study, to the great displeasure of environmentalists. It could generate 15,000 tourists per week on the island and deeply impact the marine ecosystems, sacrificing Nemo to the altar of the sacrosanct economy. This project was validated in 2022 and should open its doors in 2024...
The challenge of global warming
Global warming could have multiple consequences on the archipelago. The most visible would be the rise in water levels, leading to submersion phenomena, in a territory located more than 80% below sea level, threatening airports, roads, ports and other infrastructures. Other climate-related consequences could also make living conditions in the archipelago difficult, such as a decline in biodiversity and fishery resources (induced, inter alia, by ocean acidification and rising water temperatures), increased salinization of waters and a reduction in agricultural land. Extreme events could be more frequent and more violent in areas usually subject to hurricanes. In September 2019, some of the islands of the Bahamas were devastated by the "super hurricane" Dorian. This disaster had both environmental, social and economic consequences. The UN Secretary General, who was on the spot, affirmed the need for global action against climate change and stressed the injustice of a phenomenon that affects a country that is a low contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and in particular the most vulnerable communities. The country has decided to base its resilience on the development of solar energy, with hurricane-resistant devices that can withstand hurricanes of force 5. The approach is also based on the promotion of electric vehicles and public transport and the energy efficiency of buildings.
