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.
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.
Learn MoreResponsible 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.
Learn MoreClimate Action
The Bahamas is dedicated to taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Learn MoreDecent 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.
Learn MoreQuality Education
The Bahamas supports inclusive and equitable quality education and the pursuit of lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Learn MoreLife 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.
Learn MoreCommitment In Action
Working independently and in tandem with government agencies and other non-profits, dozens of NGOs making a difference across The Bahamas.
Water
Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF)
BREEF provides on-the-ground instruction for Bahamians to be stewards of the environment and advocate for strong policy, actively restores reef habitats and represents the region internationally.
Bahamas Sportfishing Conservation Association (BSCA)
BSCA was founded in 2003 by sports fishermen to address the urgent needs of the industry to ensure its sustainability and identify critical impacts to the marine environment.
The Perry Institute for Marine Science
This 501(c)3 non-profit is committed to ensuring the health and longevity of our ocean. Focusing on the lasting impacts in the marine world through scientific discovery, leading-edge conservation, and international collaboration.
Beneath The Waves
This non-profit organization promotes ocean health using science and technology to catalyze ocean policy. Its work focuses on protecting threatened species, establishing protected areas, and creating nature-based solutions to combat climate change.
Coral Vita
Coral Vita works to restore and protect dying coral reefs throughout the Caribbean and beyond through micro fragmentation, assisted evolution, and land-based coral farming.
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust works to conserve and restore bonefish, tarpon, and permit fisheries and habitats through research, stewardship, education and advocacy. Their work in the Bahamas has assisted in establishing six nationally protected bonefish conservation zones.
Small Hope Bay Foundation
Through its marine conservation operations, professional development training and educational advocacy focused on children, the Small Hope Bay foundation works to create a thriving environmental and economically sustainable future for the benefit of current and future generations on the island of Andros.
Waterkeepers Bahamas
Waterkeepers Bahamas works to ensure the waters of the Clifton and Western Bays are safe for swimming and fishing for future generations.
Community Conch
This works to help stop the decline of queen conch populations in The Bahamas by pursuing science and outreach initiatives critical to the development of a successful, sustainable, and well-managed fishery.
Wildlife
Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF)
The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF), established by the Bahamas Government, is a national conservation trust fund devoted to helping ensure that Bahamian marine parks will have a dedicated, sustainable source of revenue to employ staff, galvanize local community support, purchase equipment, build visitor facilities and monitor ecosystem health.
Bahamas National Trust (BNT)
The Bahamas National Trust is a science-based organization dedicated to effectively managing national parks to conserve and protect Bahamian natural resources.
Andros Nature Conservancy and Trust
Founded in 1999, the Andros Nature Conservancy and Trust (ANCAT) is a non-profit organization committed to protecting, preserving, enhancing, and restoring Andros Island’s natural resources and marine environment for future generations.
The Audubon Society
Working with BAMSI and BNT, The Audubon Society certifies guides for birding tours and improve birding trails, including signage, across The Bahamas.
Land & Agriculture
Friends of The Environment
Friends of the Environment (FRIENDS) is a non-profit organization that was established in 1988 by a group of four Hope Town residents concerned about the unsustainable use of Abaco's natural resources. Currently, Friends of The Environment focuses on environmental education and clean-up on the island of Abaco.
Bahamas Caves Research Foundation
The BCRF comprises world class explorers, scientists, and educators. Their collective efforts have supplied the Bahamian Government and international scientific community with more data than all other related research groups combined.
The Nature Conservancy
At work in The Bahamas for more than 20 years, the Nature Conservancy (TNC) works to preserve the natural resources that sustain Bahamian lives and livelihoods. TNC has completed extensive research to inform and promote the expansion of the Bahamian marine protected areas system and has put technology in the hands of government and marine managers to foster sustainable fishing initiatives.
Bahamas Plastic Movement
This independent non-profit organization funded solely through donations, subsidies, and grants have set high standards for creating innovative ways to transform society’s use of single use plastic into sustainable choices benefiting not only humans, but also the environment they depend on.
History & Culture
The Antiquities Monuments and Museum Corporation
This Nassau-based organization protects, preserves, and promotes the historic cultural resources of The Bahamas.
Climate Change
Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP)
Is tasked with meeting the climate change obligations of The Bahamas, including providing for the prevention or control of pollution, the regulation of activities and the administration, conservation, and sustainable use of the environment and for connected purposes.
Education
Harbour Island Green School
Harbour Island Green School (HIGS) is an independently funded, community-based school delivering unique educational opportunities to local students, with a focus on environmental education and sustainability.
The Island School
With the unique island environment of Eleuthera as its classroom, the Island School creates opportunities for students and scientists to learn about native ecosystems and environmental sustainability through immersive, place-based experiences.
One Eleuthera Foundation
One Eleuthera Foundation’s Centre for Training and Innovation currently offers professional development courses and certificates in a wide area of specialties, including culinary, carpentry, business, construction, hospitality, and more.
Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute
The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) offers teaching and training in various branches of agriculture and marine science.
The Gerace Research Centre
In operation for more than 40 years, this educational and research institution on San Salvador is a field-based classroom for a variety of sciences, including geology, biology, ecology and archeology, as well as molecular biology and genetics.
The Forfar Field Station
An Andros non-profit dedicated to environmental education, scientific research, and cultural awareness through experiential learning, Forfar Field Station has served more than 50,000 students and group leaders since its founding in 1970.
The Antiquities Monuments and Museum Corporation
This Nassau-based organization protects, preserves, and promotes the historic cultural resources of The Bahamas.
Hotels That Are Making a Difference
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.
AWARDS
2022 Destination and Stewardship
Resilience Sustainable Tourism Award
Caribbean Tourism Organization