BNT builds a mind-set of Conservation with BAMSI students

The Bahamas Weekly
November 12, 2015
By BAMSI Bahamas

The two agencies have a shared interest in conserving the terrestrial and marine habitats of the Bahamas and the book, compiled as a result of an initiative led by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, now becomes a valuable contribution to BAMSI’s library. The hardback edition looks at the environment of a number of small islands, including Cay Sal, and gives an assessment of the geological status, as well as maps out the ecosystem of many Bahamian reefs and cays through brilliantly-coloured aerial photographs, satellite imagery and data from hundreds of research dives.

On hand for the presentation was Dr. Raveenia Roberts-Hanna, BAMSI’s executive director of BAMSI and Lynn Gape, BNTs deputy executive director. Dr Roberts-Hanna expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that the book would play an important role in educating students about the country’s marine environment and why the work of conservation is so critical…

“The Atlas of Shallow Water Marine Habitats…’ provides an invaluable and comprehensive look at coral reefs in the Bahamas and for our marine science students especially it is the perfect foundation to build an understanding of the need for conservation and why it is important that we, as a country, adopt practical measures of protection for our resources…”

Ten Years of B.A.M.: Rooted in Partnership, Growing in Purpose

Ten years ago, the Bahamas Awareness of Mangroves (B.A.M.) program began with a simple but meaningful commitment: to connect Bahamian students with the mangrove ecosystems that shape and protect their island home.

Since 2015, B.A.M. has been implemented in partnership with Friends of the Environment, whose dedication to environmental stewardship in Abaco has made this program possible year after year. Together, we have worked alongside Patrick J. Bethel High School and Forest Heights Academy to bring hands-on mangrove science into classrooms and out into the field.

What makes ten years remarkable is not just longevity — it is consistency…

From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey

Some students I remember for their grades, their quick answers, or a moment that made the whole class laugh. Others I remember for the way they stepped into the mangroves.

Desta was the kind of student who thrived outdoors. While some students hesitated at the edge of the mud, he walked right in. And when he inevitably got stuck — because everyone does — he didn’t get frustrated. He laughed. Covered in mud, holding mangrove propagules in his hands, he embraced the experience fully.

Even then, it was clear that he was connecting with the environment in a way that went beyond the lesson plan…