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SUSTAINABILITYin The Bahamas

In The Bahamas, sustainability isn’t a trend, a fad, or something new to check off our list. It’s always been part of our DNA. After all, across 100,000 square miles of the world’s clearest ocean, sustainability doesn’t happen on its own. It’s the work of hundreds of people who love and care for our waters and wildlife, our commitment to conservation and biodiversity, and our forward-thinking approach to responsible economic growth. Yesterday, today and tomorrow - The Bahamas is proud to be a leader in sustainability, championing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to promote global prosperity while protecting the planet.

Embracing Sustainability

Across 16 Islands

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SIX WaysWe’re Meeting The Moment

Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, The Bahamas has embraced six overarching objectives that we believe will promote continued prosperity while protecting the planet.

Life Below Water

The Bahamas is committed to protecting biodiversity and marine life, and to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

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Responsible Consumption and Production

Across our 16 islands and thousands of cays, The Bahamas is aligned with the UN's goal to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

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Climate Action

The Bahamas is dedicated to taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

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Decent Work & Economic Growth

The Bahamas is unswerving in its dedication to promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

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Quality Education

The Bahamas supports inclusive and equitable quality education and the pursuit of lifelong learning opportunities for all.

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Life on Land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

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Commitment In Action

Working independently and in tandem with government agencies and other non-profits, dozens of NGOs making a difference across The Bahamas.

Water

Wildlife

Land & Agriculture

History & Culture

Climate Change

Education

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Destination Stewardshipin Bahamian Hands

Our Bahamian culture has always been inextricably connected to our environment, as seen in our straw work, our bush tea medicine, traditional sloop sailing, and even our crafts. Today, as the importance of sustainable practices grows, everyday Bahamians play an important role in the country’s environmental efforts. Scroll to read more about The Bahamas Destination Stewardship Council and other island-specific councils and cooperatives.

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The Bahamas DestinationStewardship Council

The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation launched the Bahamas Destination Stewardship Council Initiative to promote sustainable lifestyles, environmental protections and stewardship in The Bahamas. The council is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the non-profit organization responsible for establishing global standards in destination management and promoting sustainable development of tourism worldwide aimed at educating local communities on global best practices in sustainable community-based tourism development.

For more information, contact:
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
(242) 302-2000 ext. 2707
jcampbell@bahamas.com

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Eleuthera Sustainability Council Cooperative

The Eleuthera Sustainability Council Cooperative develops sustainability workshops and webinars for the local community, maintains the Hatchet Bay cave site, and focuses on the safety and security aspect of sustainability, including the installation of 32 solar-powered lights across the island.

For more information, contact:
eleu.sustain@gmail.com

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South Andros and Mangrove Cay Destination Stewardship Council

The South Andros and Mangrove Cay Destination and Stewardship Council spearheads clean-up campaigns in the communities of South Andros and Mangrove Cay and develops promotional videos showcasing heritage site and other cultural points of interest.

For more information, contact:
southandrosmangrovecaycouncil@gmail.com

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Briland Sustainable Tourism Council (Harbour Island)

This Harbour Island-based council partnered with Ocean Aid 360 to implement marine debris clean-ups in 2022 and 2023, removing a combined 16,000 pounds of debris from the Harbour Island coastline. It also partners with local schools to create recycling and preservation campaigns and creates solid waste management campaigns with a focus on youth.
For more information, contact:
antoinebrown68@gmail.com

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Exuma Sustainable Tourism Advisory Council

In collaboration with the community and local historical societies, the Exuma Sustainable Tourism Advisory Council is working on the preservation and conservation of Steventon Jail House Site/Pompey Site. In addition, it is creating an oral history documentary to ensure the preservation of certain cultural and heritage practices.  

For more information, contact:

Desmondwilliamssr@gmail.com; exumachain@gmail.com

Cluster Projects

A partnership comprising government stakeholders, private sector businesses and NGOs, The Bahamas’ new cluster projects are collaborative initiatives designed to promote and advance sustainable tourism practices.

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Hotels That Are Making a Difference

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Atlantis Blue Project Foundation

Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island

Atlantis Blue Project Foundation (ABPF) is a private nonprofit foundation that fosters the preservation and conservation of coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks, manatees, and cetaceans, along with their Bahamian ecosystems, through scientific research, education, and community outreach.

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The Baha Mar Resort Foundation

Built on the three pillars of community, culture and conservation, the Baha Mar Resort Foundation reflects the property’s deep commitment to building a strong future for The Bahamas. Through volunteerism and financial donations, we aim to champion sustainable conservation efforts, celebrate the diverse cultural traditions and artistic expressions of The Bahamas and strengthen the community through improvements in education.

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The Sandals Foundation

The non-profit Sandals Foundation launched in March 2009 to help Sandals Resorts International continue to make a difference in the lives of our people. It is committed to preserving the environment, building stronger and healthier communities, and supporting education within The Bahamas. Its initiatives include conch conservation, technology in schools, and hurricane relief.

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Adopt A Reef Ball

Established in 2014, this project has evolved into the largest contiguous Reef Ball reef in the entire Bahamian archipelago. In addition to restoring the shoreline and acting as a breakwater, this growing reef acts as a living classroom where children come to learn, scientists come to study, and tourists come to enjoy the abundance of sea life that surrounds this configuration of 300 reef balls.

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Eco-Experiences Across 16 Islands

Whether you’re seeking a one-day eco-experience or planning a eco-focused volunteer vacation, The Bahamas offers dozens of opportunities for travelers to make a difference across 16 unique islands.

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AWARDS

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2022 Destination and Stewardship
Resilience Sustainable Tourism Award
Caribbean Tourism Organization