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October 28, 2009
Bahamas Declares New Land and Sea Parks
On Saturday night, at the Bahamas National Trust 50th Gala Ball in Nassau, Prime Minister Hubert A. Ingraham reconfirmed his government’s commitment to the Caribbean Challenge and “the orderly expansion of our national parks system to include up to 10 percent of the terrestrial areas and 20 percent of the near-shore marine resources of the country.”
The new parks encompass some of The Bahamas most pristine lands and waters, and include:
- the establishment of the Fowl Cays Land and Sea Park in Abaco located between Scotland and Man O’ War Cay in the barrier islands of Great Abaco
- the expansion of the West Side National Park of Andros, including Williams Island and Billy Island
- the expansion of the Conception Island National Park
Cuban Pewee, Bahamas © Alan Lewis, from the surfbirds galleries.
In his announcement, Prime Minister Ingraham also noted, “We are mindful of the pressures of development in certain parts of The Bahamas, and equally mindful of our duty to protect the interest of our people and integrity of our resources.”
The Bahamas continues to increase conservation momentum within the Caribbean. In addition to these new parks, the government recently extended legal protection to all species of sea turtles found within its waters. They may not be hunted, trapped or otherwise harmed or harassed.
Posted by Surfbirds at October 28, 2009 7:39 AM
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