The 700 islands of The Bahamas are world leaders in eco-system revitalization and protection Photo Credit Bahamas Ministry Tourism

THE BAHAMAS IS A WORLD LEADER IN MARINE CONSERVATION

In The Bahamas, Protecting the Eco-system is a Priority

NASSAU, SEPT. 2022: The 700 islands of The Bahamas are well known for their warm crystal-clear waters. While many travellers covet the islands for these waves of blue, the popular destination is winning new fans for its commitment to going green. www.bahamas.com/

With vast coral systems surrounding many of its islands, The Bahamas has taken steps to preserve the beauty of these fragile ecosystems. From eco-friendly resorts and new national parks to renewed investment in sustainability education, the destination has been remarkably thorough in its quest to go green.

Biodiversity is integral to the coral reef and mangrove ecosystems Photo Credit BREEF

A Brief Reef-resher

The Bahamas is home to 35% of all coral reefs in the Caribbean, but unfortunately, the Bahamian coral has been declining due to diseases, pollution and climate change. The decline of these reefs has engendered a massive ripple effect on the endemic species of The Bahamas, as the reefs are the glue holding together the entire aquatic ecosystem. Reefs feed fish, protect coastlines, and shelter many other marine organisms. To sum it up, these animals (they aren’t actually plants!) are critical to the future of the Caribbean. Luckily, the organizations below are leading the way with both compassion and innovation, protecting the vulnerable coral and offering incredible excursions at the same time.

Nature lovers assist with projects organized by the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation Photo Credit @breef242

Bahamas Reef Environmental Educational Foundation

The Bahamas Reef Environmental Educational Foundation, or BREEF for short, is an integral part of marine conservation in The Bahamas. BREEF’s mission focuses on educating people about the value of conserving the vibrant ocean waters and the species that call them home. Part of BREEF’s conservation efforts naturally include reef restoration. BREEF created the Coral Reef Sculpture Garden to draw attention to the many threats facing the Bahamian coral reefs. The Coral Reef Sculpture Garden is a fantastic diving and snorkelling experience, as it is home to the world’s largest underwater sculpture: Ocean Atlas. The compelling sculpture – which depicts a young girl with the ocean on her shoulders – serves double duty as a piece of can’t-miss art and an artificial reef and coral nursery. BREEF also has a coral nursery on the Andros Great Barrier Reef. At these nurseries, BREEF is able to grow endangered species of coral, ensuring the continued biodiversity of the Caribbean.

Maintaining a healthy reef is the priority of BREEF in The Bahamas Photo Credit Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation

Coral Vita

Coral Vita is a coral farm n Grand Bahama that regrows, revitalizes and restores dying coral. Coral Vita isn’t your average coral farm that uses ocean-based nurseries to restore coral: they grow corals on a land-based farm that uses breakthrough techniques to regrow coral 50 times faster than what would be possible in nature. Essentially, the technology used at Coral Vita is regrowing bigger and better coral at breakneck speeds. Well, to be clear, the farm coral may not be physically larger than its underwater cousins, but it is certainly more resilient. Using advanced technology, Coral Vita is breeding coral that can withstand changing oceanic conditions that would typically threaten reef health. The innovative methods used at Coral Vita are a significant advancement in conserving the world’s coral reefs.

Healthy reef at the BREEF Coral Reef Sculpture and Coral Nursery site Photo Credit BRREEF

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transports travellers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.