April 30, 2024
The Bahamas Mangrove Alliance (BMA) has partnered with the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) to launch The Bahamas One Million Mangrove Commitment. Initiated in response to the urgent need for mangrove restoration following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and now expanding nationally, this Commitment seeks to restore mangrove ecosystems in The Bahamas for nature and the people who depend on it.
The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) is a community of established and emerging leaders who work together to create and implement solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. This “community of doers” partners to develop CGI Commitments to Action — new, specific, measurable projects and programs to advance climate resilience, economic inclusion, health equity, humanitarian response, women and girls’ equality, and more.
This Bahamian Commitment to Action, featuring the work of BMA’s many frontline female conservation leaders, was announced to international media from CGI’s ‘Empowering Women and Frontline Climate Leadership in the Caribbean’ meeting hosted in Freeport on Tuesday, April 23rd. Rashema Ingraham from the BMA said: “As women leaders in environmental conservation, we are proud to take the lead in this commitment. “By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for our communities and planet.”
Mangroves, known as the ‘rainforests of the sea,’ are crucial in combating climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide and providing essential habitat for marine life. Pound for pound, mangroves are four times more effective in carbon storage than rainforests, making their restoration imperative in the fight against climate change.
Sarah Barton, Director Women & Girls Equality, Clinton Global Initiative, said: “This impressive Commitment to Action by the Bahamas Mangrove Alliance is led by and in communities on the frontlines of the global climate crisis – especially women, who are often most affected. This effort to restore one million mangroves, which critically impact resilience and biodiversity in The Bahamas, will benefit local communities and drive progress on global climate targets.”
Nina Sanchez, BTT’s Bahamas Initiative Coordinator, said: “Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and the BMA are fired up to partner with the Clinton Global Initiative to launch this ambitious commitment. Through collaboration and innovation locally and globally, we can measurably scale mangrove restoration efforts in the Bahamas. We’re excited to become a part of CGI’s powerful network to showcase The Bahamas to the world and attract new global support for the critical work ahead.”
The commitment will be executed through a multi-faceted approach, leveraging the expertise and resources of the founding partners: Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), and Waterkeepers Bahamas (WKB). PIMS will oversee scientific monitoring and evaluation, while BTT will lead communications efforts and expand nursery capacity. WKB will provide essential nursery support and contribute to restoration training and development. Earlier this week, the BMA announced significant progress toward its goals as Friends of the Environment of Abaco and the Cape Eleuthera Institute/ Island School of Eleuthera formally joined the alliance members.
Karlisa Callwood, a Marine Biologist and Social Scientist at PIMS, said: “Collaboration with local science partners ensures that restoration efforts are informed by scientific research and conducted to maximize ecological benefits. Through this commitment, stakeholders work towards safeguarding mangrove ecosystems to benefit nature and communities while contributing to the global fight against climate change.”
The BMA commits to planting one million mangroves in Grand Bahama Island, Abaco, New Providence, and other islands nationwide by 2026 as part of a comprehensive 36-month restoration project. This initiative aims to enhance resilience against future natural disasters, support fisheries, and preserve biodiversity.
BMA mangrove restoration and community engagement activities are made possible with support from the Global Environment Facility, Small Grants Program, The Nature Conservancy, Builders Initiative, More Bahamas Foundation, and other funding partners. The BMA will continue actively fundraising to realize this Commitment to Action and seeks to add new implementing and funding partners across all sectors in The Bahamas on a rolling basis.
