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Home » BAHAMAS TRAVEL NEWS » Bahamas Champions Marine Conservation On World Oceans Day, Paving The Way For Sustainable Tourism Friday, June 6, 2025On World Oceans Day, The Bahamas leads with bold sustainable tourism initiatives, ensuring the protection and restoration of marine life for a thriving ocean future.The Bahamas, a paradise of over 700 islands and cays, including 16 distinct Out Island destinations, is deeply committed to sustainable practices that preserve its environment for future generations. As part of its dedication to protecting the vibrant marine life and ecosystems that make it one of the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean, the country has embarked on a series of environmental initiatives. In celebration of World Oceans Day, The Bahamas underscores its unwavering commitment to sustainability, striving to strike a balance between safeguarding its marine biodiversity and ensuring the long-term success of its tourism sector.This archipelago, spanning 100,000 square miles of pristine ocean, is taking bold steps to protect its natural resources. With an eye on both immediate and future challenges, The Bahamas has implemented a range of projects focused on preserving its coastlines, combating the effects of climate change, and promoting ecological diversity, all while supporting the continued growth of its tourism industry. In 2024, The Bahamas saw a remarkable 16.2% increase in international visitors, totaling 11.22 million, and a 54.7% rise in tourism numbers since 2019, showcasing the resilience and appeal of its tourism sector.SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENTSDriven by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and inspired by its natural beauty and cultural wealth, The Bahamas has integrated sustainability into its core development strategy. The nation is committed to preserving its rich marine and terrestrial ecosystems while addressing the growing challenges of climate change. Central to these efforts is the protection of marine biodiversity, the restoration of vital habitats, and the sustainable management of the country’s land and water resources.One of the key initiatives under this strategy is the Bahamas Sustainable Investment Programme, which focuses on generating innovative financial solutions, including the creation of Blue Carbon Credits. These credits capitalize on the carbon-absorbing capabilities of seagrass meadows, which play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.In the realm of marine conservation, The Bahamas is actively engaged in projects that restore and protect critical ecosystems. The “Mangrove Mania” initiative, led by Waterkeepers Bahamas, is a community-driven program dedicated to the restoration of mangrove forests in Grand Bahama, which were severely damaged by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Furthermore, Coral Vita, a commercial coral farm located in Grand Bahama, is spearheading cutting-edge efforts to grow 24 species of native coral using innovative methods that speed up growth by 50%, helping corals better withstand the damaging effects of higher ocean temperatures and increased acidity. The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust also contributes significantly to the health of marine habitats by ensuring the long-term viability of bonefish populations, which are vital to both the environment and the economy. The establishment of five new national parks and the expansion of another have helped preserve these valuable fish habitats, which contribute over \$169 million annually to the Bahamian economy.SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITYThe Bahamas’ hospitality industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability, combining luxury with eco-conscious practices in order to reduce its environmental footprint. Many hotels and resorts are embracing sustainability as a core part of their identity and operations.Tiamo Resort on Andros Island is an exemplary model of eco-friendly tourism. The resort is powered by solar energy, employs rainwater collection systems, and features 11 eco-conscious villas constructed with locally sourced pine. The villas are elevated on stilts, allowing for natural cooling and minimizing the environmental impact of construction. On Eleuthera, The Other Side, a luxury glamping resort, blends comfort with sustainability, offering solar-powered beachfront tents and hilltop accommodations that offer sweeping ocean views. Atlantis Paradise Island in Nassau has also demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable tourism through its Atlantis Blue Project Foundation. The foundation funds marine conservation research and educational initiatives, helping to preserve over 1 million acres of marine habitats and supporting the establishment of Marine Protected Areas.Looking to the future, several upcoming developments are setting new benchmarks for sustainability in the hospitality sector. Six Senses Grand Bahama will focus on restoring beaches using native plants and sourcing construction materials locally. Montage Cay, the first private island development from Montage Hotels & Resorts, will feature a luxurious spa built from sustainably sourced materials, further reinforcing the industry’s shift toward responsible tourism practices.CRUISE PORTS AND MARINASThe Bahamas continues to grow as a major hub for the global cruise industry. With nine major cruise ports spread across the islands, the country welcomed 8.5 million cruise passengers in 2024, marking an almost 20% increase over the previous year.The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism recognizes the importance of the cruise sector in the nation’s economic landscape and is dedicated to making the industry more sustainable. The Nassau Cruise Port, which reopened in May 2023 after undergoing a \$300 million transformation, features numerous sustainability initiatives. One key project is the International Coastal Cleanup, which sees local volunteers and port staff working together to clean up the coastlines and educate the public on sustainable practices.A new development led by renowned architects Zaha Hadid, Elisabeth Island, aims to integrate environmental sustainability into its design. The project will feature a state-of-the-art superyacht marina surrounded by 20,000 acres of protected Abaco National Park. The infrastructure will be built to withstand the extreme weather events that often impact the region, offering hurricane-proof resilience.In addition to these efforts, the MSC Foundation, the philanthropic arm of MSC Cruises, is playing a critical role in marine restoration through its Super Coral Programme at the MSC Conservation Center on Ocean Cay in Bimini. The initiative uses scientific research to identify coral species that can survive thermal stress caused by climate change. Since its launch in 2019, the program has achieved great success, including the cultivation of 298 coral fragments with a 100% survival rate, even during a severe marine heatwave in the summer of 2023.These combined efforts position The Bahamas as a global leader in sustainable tourism, marine conservation, and environmental protection, ensuring that its natural beauty remains intact for generations to come.
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