The announcement was made at a press conference Tuesday at The Bahamas National Trust on Village Road.
The grant will enable the organization to purchase 100 moorings to which vessels can be fastened, rather than having anchors cast down on fragile reefs.
President of the Bahamas National Trust, Glenn Bannister called the donation significant because of the huge threat facing the coral reefs.
“Coral reefs are some of the most threatened marine systems, with scientists estimating that unless we take immediate action, we could lose up to 70 percent of the earthﾒs coral reefs by the year 2050,” he said.
“Once you destroy the reefs, then the fish disappears so it would become an ecological disaster.”
According to Mr. Bannister the project is estimated to cost approximately $180,000 and was raised in a matter of 12 months.
“We have already purchased materials for 50 percent of the moorings and have begun installing them in the park,” he said. “We anticipate that the entire installation of moorings will be completed by the end of 2006.”
The moorings are also expected to generate revenue for the sea park as officials will begin charging usage fees to yachts visiting the Exuma Cays.
This is not the only project for the National Trust. Mr. Bannister added that funds are also being raised for the Harrold and Wilson pond initiative.
“We are putting boardwalk and bird viewing towers there,” he said. “This pond will become a living classroom for schools everywhere and a living attraction for tourists.”
The majority of the parks under the Trustﾒs supervision are located in the Family Islands.
Manuel Cutillas, chairman of the Lyford Cay Foundation said the foundation felt it was necessary to contribute to the National Trustﾒs moorings initiative.
“This particular project is exciting because it will move to preserve the reefs of the Exumas,” he said. “It will also generate more revenue for tourism and educate our guests about the importance of reef conservation.”
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Environment Ron Pinder, who was also present at the announcement made yesterday said that the preservation of the environment would secure foreign investments.
“Part and parcel of national development has to be the preservation of the environment,” he said. “It cannot take a backseat to anything we do, but it has to be upfront and forefront in our hearts and minds.”
By: Kendea Jones, The Bahama Journal
