Building a Foundation for Nature Tourism in The Bahamas

Transcription

1 Volume 10 Issue 16 January 2016 The Newsletter of the Bahamas National Trust IN THIS ISSUE Building a Foundation for Nature Tourism in The Bahamas Building a foundation for Nature Tourism in The Bahamas Art for the Parks Festival Noel Celebrating Christmas Discovery Club Style Andros graduates practicing their field skills. Santa Claus visits the Levy Preserve Valley Boys highlight P.O. Box N-4105 Nassau, Bahamas Tel: bnt@bnt.bs The Bahamas National Trust in partnership with National Audubon Society and Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), a member of the Inter- American Development Bank group (IDB) and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism recently recognized sixty-six (66) participants in two graduation ceremonies held in Matthew Town, Inagua and Fresh Creek, Andros. The successful graduates completed Basic Bird Guide Training to prepare them for bird guiding as a means of income generation in National Parks on their islands. Additionally these aspiring guides completed Bahamahost training and First Aid Certification. The development of the curriculum for the Bird Guide Training programme was done in collaboration with and the support of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. The goal is to create a specialization within the tour guide certification process to train and build the professional capacity and skills of bird guides in The Bahamas. Attending the graduation in Inagua were Harrison Thompson, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism; Maria Florencia Attedemo-Hirt, IDB Country Representative for The Bahamas; Matthew Jeffery, Deputy Director for the Caribbean International Alliances Program, National Audubon Society; Eric Carey, Executive Director, Bahamas National Trust; and Lynn Gape Deputy Executive Director, Bahamas National Trust. We see Audubon as key to improving marketing to drive continued on page 2 Follow Us on these Social Media Sites

2 TrustNotes - Volume 10, Issue 16 - January, continued from page 1 more visitors to The Bahamas as a birding tourism destination, said Mr. Thompson. There is great potential for the further development of this recreational activity and bird tour guiding can become a primary or secondary income source for many of our Family Island residents. Inagua with its flocks of flamingos, resident population of Bahama parrots, great number of wetland bird species and Morton s solar salt operation certainly has great potential in this niche tourism market. In speaking to the graduates Mrs. Attedemo-Hirt emphasized that the strength of this particular project was its innovative approach to building capacity of small businesses and the possibility that this work will become a powerful model for conservation minded community development. Three groups completed the training in Andros with participants coming from North Andros, Staniard Creek and Bering Point. Attending Andros graduation were H.E. Picewell Forbes, MP, High Commissioner to The Caribbean Lead Story Community; Matthew Jeffery, Deputy Director for the Caribbean International Alliances Program, National Audubon Society; Jacqueline Ramsey, Director, Sustainable Domestic Tourism & The Bahamas Family of Islands, Ministry of Tourism; and Eric Carey, Executive Director, Bahamas National Trust. Mr. Eric Carey, BNT s Executive Director, explained that in designing the training, coordinators paid particular attention to the need to spend time in the field over an extended period to build the skills and confidence of the participants. The BNT is truly excited about this initiative and the economic possibilities that this can bring to the participants as well as partnerships and benefits for those who will bring visitors to National Parks on their islands. Speaking to the Andros graduates was Matthew Jeffery who noted that, Today marks the beginning not the end. You now have a sound base to build from. Your bird guiding and business knowledge and skills have all been enhanced. The emphasis is now on you personally to succeed. We will be working with the industry to connect hotels, guesthouses and tour operators to bring you clients. Mrs. Jacqueline Ramsey said, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism wants to thank the Inter-American Development Bank, National Audubon and the Bahamas National Trust for having the vision to develop this training which will hopefully bring economic benefit to the course participants. The training is a component of the regional project Strengthening Birdbased Tourism as a Conservation and Sustainable Development Tool, to improve the structure and capacity for bird-based tourism in The Bahamas. The project is designed to support the conservation of national protected areas and Important Bird Areas, priority migratory bird species like the piping plover; endemic endangered birds including the Bahama oriole and other wildlife like the Bahamian rock iguana. Inagua Bird Tour Guide graduates.

3 Events TrustNotes - Volume 10, Issue 16 - January, Art for the Parks celebrated the 12 days of Christmas Abaco Style Booth contest winner Mandy Roberts with David Knowles, BNT Director of Parks. Art for the Parks, Abaco sparkled with Christmas spirit in the beautifully decorated Pavilion at the Abaco Beach Resort on December 11 13, Artists and artisans came together to display their beautiful work just in time for the holiday season. Special thanks to Kent Le Boutillier and her team of creative elves who really outdid themselves on the decorations. The cocktail reception featured tasty hors d oeuvres provided by the event s major sponsor Abaco Beach Resort along with glasses of sparkling wine generously donated by Bristol Wines and Spirits. Patrons were serenaded by the sweet sounds of saxophonist, Rashad Reckley. Other entertainers during the weekend event were Savion Bethell, Soul Man and Wilbert Stubbs. All manner of arts and crafts were featured including stunning paintings, spectacular photography, one of a kind jewelry, woodcraft, quilts and fabric art, pottery, Christmas ornaments, driftwood and shell art. Among the exhibitors were up and coming young artists, Lucas Kaighin and Joshua Higgs as well as long standing participants Kim Rody, Joanne Bradley, Stephen Knowles, Dave Lowe and Bahama Dawn Designs. This was the first time that Art for the Parks was held during the Christmas season, giving patrons an opportunity to find unique gifts for special persons on their holiday giving list. Event organizers challenged the exhibitors to decorate their booths to reflect the event s theme, 12 Days of Christmas, Abaco Style. Many of the exhibitors came up with different spins on the theme that were both appealing and refreshing. Our winners were: Mandy Roberts in first place, Nikia Wong in second and Anna Edels took third place. Art for the Parks is the BNT s major fundraiser on Abaco which helps raise funds to support Abaco s National Parks. At the event patrons could purchase raffle tickets for a quilt by Kim Roberts and her mother Sturrup and a holiday gingerbread house made by Chef Charles Smith of Abaco Beach Resorts, or participate in the special raffle with over 20 prizes donated by the artists and artisans exhibiting at the event. The event also featured a greatly expanded Market area adjacent to the Pavilion that offered fresh homemade jams and jellies, plants, straw craft, face painting and a Christmas craft area for kids. BNT is extremely grateful to a host of volunteers who assisted in making the event possible. These include hard working members of the Planning Committee, grade 12 students from St. Francis de Sales School, dedicated BNT Abaco members and a number of civic groups: Pilot Club, Kiwanis Club, Lighthouse Beamers, Toastmasters Club of Abaco and Rotary Club of Abaco. BNT also acknowledges the support of corporate Abaco whose generous sponsorship assisted in underwriting event expenses.

4 TrustNotes - Volume 10, Issue 16 - January, Events Abaco Rotarians volunteered at the gate on Friday evening. Hope Town Canvas, 2nd place Booth Contest winner. Art for the Parks Market vendor sharing the Christmas spirit. Anna Eels, 3rd place Booth Contest winner.

5 Events TrustNotes - Volume 10, Issue 16 - January, Festival Noel - Fun and Festive Pictured from left to right: Eric Carey, BNT Executive Director; Sean and Sue McCrea, Grand Prize winners; Karin Sanchez, BNT Council; Astra Armbrister-Rolle, BNT Director of Development; Lakeshia Anderson, Grand Bahama Parks Manager. Despite the heavy rains that surrounded the first weekend in December, the holiday spirit of Festival Noel was not dampened. We are astonished and thrilled with the turnout, said Lakeshia Anderson, Grand Bahama Parks Manager. We changed our whole layout at 10am the morning of Festival Noel and we got everyone under cover! Rain was forecast for the entire weekend but it held up for the 21st Annual Festival Noel, which is a Grand Bahama staple event during the holiday season. Over 300 residents turned out to attend the wine tasting, art show and Chef Noel competition, which supports the Grand Bahama branch of the Bahamas National Trust. It was a great night despite the rain, said Karin Sanchez, Festival Noel Committee Member and BNT Council member. At 7pm we had over 100 people ready to go in and the flow just did not stop. Everyone was saying they would never miss this event! This year, with the move inside, restaurants were placed in the Glory Harris Banks Art Gallery, doubled up in the Exhibit Room and moved to the back of the Rand Nature Centre facility, which was tented to also accommodate the bands and Bahamian Brewery and Beverage. Performances by Derek Gape and Steve Persaud started out the evening beautifully, with 2 Left Feet getting the dancing and singing going. Seven restaurants and caterers participated in the Chef Noel competition including Dive-In Restaurant and Bar, Agave, New Life Vegetation, Chocolatess Island Delights, Better Than Roses, Señor Frogs and Bahamas Adventures - a first time Festival Noel participant. Ten artists including guest artist, Matt Wild and over 30 wines were also featured. It s a lot of hard work on the day, said Carlynn Sands, Bristol Wines and Spirits Marketing Manager, but we were ready for the early crowds and despite the weather the 21st year was another success for Bristol and our partners, the BNT. The night ended on a high note as the big Grand Prize was announced, with the winners being Sue and Sean McCrea. Participants donated twenty dollars to wear fun antlers that lit up and were entered to win over ten prizes including: dinner for two at Agave, drinks for two at Bones, weekend for two at Pelican Bay, dinner for two at Pier 1/East, one bottle of Bellinger Brut Champagne courtesy of Bristol Wines and Spirits, his and hers gift basket from Perfume Factory, dolphin swim for two from UNEXSO, kayak trip for two to Peterson Cay from Calabash Eco Adventures and a BNT Annual Family Membership. A huge thanks to all who came out, said Anderson. The support from the community, sponsors and friends makes it all worth it.

6 TrustNotes - Volume 10, Issue 16 - January, Education Celebrating Christmas Discovery Club Style Nassau members of Discovery Club gathered at The Retreat on Saturday, December 5th for fellowship, fun and Christmas activities that reflected the Discovery Club philosophy. Discovery Club members started the morning by singing a special version of the 12 Days of Christmas which highlighted the wildlife and resources found in our 32 National Parks. Members created Christmas hats, learned how to wrap packages using recycled material, then enjoyed tasty hot dogs and special treats courtesy of the St. Andrew s Eco Club. Lunch is served! Discovery Club members use recycled newspaper to wrap Christmas gifts. Elf hats are in high demand at the Discovery Club party. Members proudly display their wrapped gifts.

7 Parks TrustNotes - Volume 10, Issue 16 - January, Santa Claus visits the Levy Preserve Guests enjoy sweet treats. This year, the Preserve welcomed Santa Claus with a party themed, Santa s Enchanted Forest. It was a windy day when Santa Claus arrived at the Levy Preserve on December 20th. A secret landing area was prepared to ensure he could surprise all those eagerly watching and waiting for his arrival. When Santa burst onto the scene he was welcomed by excited children of all ages. He also met lots of jolly good activities in progress including face painting, games of Edible Hoopla and Wildlife and National Parks Match-Ups. There was also lots of ice cream, cotton candy, chocolate mint cake, egg nog and bush tea for all. As always, Santa brought his favorite elf along to help him hand out Christmas stockings. Everyone sported elf hats in beautiful pastel colours, and sounds of caroling could be heard throughout the Enchanted Forest, along with Santa s booming laughter. The following volunteers helped to make the Preserve s holiday party a festive success: Central Eleuthera High School Science teacher, Lucy Longley with five of her GGYA students; and Monique and Delphine Carroll. Thanks to everyone for celebrating with us and Happy New Year! Wildlife match-up was a hit. Santa sharing the Christmas spirit. Santa arrives with his elf.

8 TrustNotes - Volume 10, Issue 16 - January, Parks Valley Boys highlight the Bahamas as a haven for birds Pictured from left to right: Eric Carey, BNT Executive Director; Janet Johnson, BNT Deputy President; and Lynn Gape, BNT Deputy Executive Director visit the Valley Boys Junkanoo shack. The Bahamas National Trust salutes the Valley Boys for bringing together National Parks, birds and culture on New Year s morning. The theme Invasion of the Birds - Birds of a Feather March Together highlighted birds as indicators of environmental change resulting from climate change. The Valley has sent out a call for us to heed nature s warning so that Bahamian birds do not disappear from our islands. The lead costume highlighted the Inagua National Park, home to a flock of 50,000 flamingos. A park that brought the flamingos back from the brink of extinction, it is one of the greatest bird conservation stories in the Americas. The BNT is absolutely thrilled to have the Inagua National Park and our national bird the flamingo featured as a centerpiece for the Valley Boys New Year s Day Junkanoo presentation, said Janet Johnson, Deputy President of the BNT. She further said, Through this initiative, the Valley has taken the work of the BNT and the National Parks of The Bahamas to popular culture. This is a major focus of the BNT and we hope this action by the Valley Boys will encourage Bahamians to become members and support the work of the BNT. Birds are an important component of the terrestrial biodiversity of our islands. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in The Bahamas and 42 Important Bird Areas (sites of importance for bird conservation) have been designated. The BNT works with scientists to monitor the bird life of our islands, and is about to launch an advanced bird guide training programme on Andros and Inagua. International Agencies also recognize the importance of the Bahamas as a winter habitat for migratory birds and are working with local partners to aid national conservation initiatives. The Bahamas provides important wintering habitats for the continued on page 9

9 TrustNotes - Volume 10, Issue 16 - January, continued from page 8 Kirtland s warbler, an endangered North American songbird and the piping plover, the most endangered North American shorebird. Working with the US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service and National Audubon, the BNT and its partners have begun monitoring these endangered species and training Bahamians in Citizen Science initiatives to support conservation efforts. The Bahamas has been at the forefront of avian conservation since the early 1960 s when the Inagua National Park was created to protect Parks important wetland habitat for our national bird, the flamingo. As the population increased, flamingos began to move back to historical breeding strongholds like Cuba, the Dominican Republic and throughout The Bahamas proof of conservation success. The Bahamas continues to strengthen conservation efforts evidenced by the recent declaration of 15 new protected areas which includes the Joulter Cays National Park. This National Park is also designated as an Important Bird Area, because it is an important wintering habitat for the endangered piping plover. Eric Carey, BNT s Executive Director noted, The BNT believes that the Valley Boys message of Take Heed, We must Protect our Birds is timely and appropriate as our islands face the impending challenges posed by climate change. We join with the Valley by encouraging the public to become members of the BNT, volunteer and actively participate in protecting nature to preserve our heritage. Staff Highlight Portia Sweeting Director of Education Portia Sweeting holds a Bachelor of Education Degree in General Studies. She joined The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) in January 2008 after serving 17 years in public service. Prior to joining the BNT, she worked as a Science Education Officer in the Ministry of Education. Currently, Ms. Sweeting is responsible for collaborating with the public and private education institution, communities and partner organizations to advance the BNT s mission to conserve and protect the natural resources of the Bahamas through stewardship and education for present and future generations. Through collaborative partnerships, she also directs the development of resources and programmes to compliment formal and informal curricula throughout the country. Hallmark accomplishments of her tenure at the BNT include a 400% increase in the BNT Field Trip Programme and the expansion of the Discovery Club, the BNT s national environmental programme which grew from one club in 2008 to 41 clubs by In her spare time Ms. Sweeting works with a number of youth and social organizations including the Brown Dorsett Community Development Association as president and the Governor General Youth Awards Programme as a national council member. Portia enjoys camping, birding and beaching. She feels that through her department, she is helping to develop the next generation of environmental leaders.

10 TrustNotes - Volume 10, Issue 16 - January, Science Piping Plovers Everywhere Recently BNT Member Lorraine Minns sent in great photographs of piping plovers from the Moriah Harbour Cay National Park on Great Exuma. This is great news as the BNT with support from National Audubon, the US Parks Service, and US Fish and Wildlife Service will be implementing the Piping Plover Census on New Providence, Berry Islands, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Andros, Eleuthera and Inagua. Teams will be traveling to the islands counting piping plovers and other shorebirds from January 18th to February 8th. More information on this important conservation initiative will be available once the census is completed. Piping plover by Lorraine Minns.

11 BNT BULLETIN TrustNotes - Volume 10, Issue 16 - January, In Memorium Colin Callender: BNT Supporter and Conservation Hero The BNT was saddened to learn of the passing of Colin Callender, a great friend of The Bahamas National Trust in December. Mr. Callender was a long time member of the BNT s Wildlife Committee and an active member of the Gamebird Committee. An avid hunter of whitecrowned pigeons, Mr. Callender was one of the hunters who worked with the BNT and the National Audubon Society to develop a census and banding programme. This provided much needed information on the population size and nesting success of this popular Bahamian gamebird, to ensure that the Bahamas continues to enjoy a sustainable hunting season. Mr. Callender and his brothers provided boats and logistical support for nest counts on Big Green Cay, Finley Cay and the Joulter Cays for many years. He was concerned about the sustainability of the grouper fishery, serving on the board of the Bahamas Reef Environmental Education Foundation and working with them to establish a closed season from December through February to protect their breeding aggregations. Mr. Callender was a well respected attorney known for his expertise in commercial litigation. Charming and always a gentleman he loved nature and lived life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed by the BNT. The BNT extends heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Event Calendar Cuban Pig Roast Saturday, February 6, Nassau Bahamas Annual General Meeting Thursday, April 14-16, Nassau Bahamas Bahamas Natural History Conference Tuesday, March 15-17, Nassau Bahamas Cinco de Mayo Saturday, May 05, Nassau Bahamas Bahamas National Trust P. O. Box N-4105, Nassau, The Bahamas Tel: bnt@bnt.bs