Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Marine/Coastal Initiatives Sustainable Tourism Department

MOT&A Marine/Coastal Initiative The Ministry of Tourism & Aviation actively participates in two initiatives that promote sustainable practices for the marine/coastal environment. - Blue Flag Programme - National Coastal Awareness Committee Assistance in the production of Sustainable Brochures is also done within the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation.

Blue Flag Programme The Blue Flag Programme is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious environmental certification programme for beaches and marinas, endorsed by the United Nation’s Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the World Tourism Organization (WTO).

Blue Flag Programme At its core, the Blue Flag Programme is an environmental management system to assist in protecting the integrity of the fragile marine ecosystems. Another important component of the programme is the safety and services tool which enhances the marina product and the customer’s overall experience.

Blue Flag Programme The Blue Flag is awarded annually to marinas and beaches based on the strict compliance of the following broad Criteria: 1. Environmental Education and Information 2. Environmental Management 3. Safety and Services 4. Water Quality

Blue Flag Programme In 2002, The Bahamas became one of five countries (Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Barbados) to join the Blue Flag campaign in The Caribbean Region. In 2005 Old Bahama Bay became the first Blue Flag Marina in The Bahamas. To date The Bahamas has three Blue Flag Marinas.

Bahamas Blue Flag Marinas

Bahamas National Blue Flag Committee The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation is responsible for the National Coordination for the Bahamas’ Blue Flag programme. Bahamas Blue Flag Programme is managed by a group of stakeholders in the public and private sectors (The Bahamas National Blue Flag Committee). The Bahamas National Blue Flag Committee consists of representatives from the following agencies: – The Nature Conservancy - BREEF – The Port Authority- D.E.H.S – BEST Commission - Envirologic Ltd. – Ministry of Tourism & Aviation The committee is responsible for preparing marinas for certifications as well as reviewing nomination applications to the Caribbean Regional Blue Flag Jury.

Blue Flag Programme Benefits Effective environmental management programme Increase awareness of the importance of our coastal environment Internationally recognized symbol of high environmental service and safety standards Underlying message of taking responsibility for protecting and maintaining the integrity of the marine resources.

2.National Coastal Awareness Committee

National Coastal Awareness Committee The committee comprises a group of stakeholders from both the private and public sectors with an interest in promoting the sustainable development of The Bahamas. The formation of this group is based upon our dependence on the tourism industry which hinges on our ability sustain the natural beauty of The Islands of The Bahamas for our socio- economic welfare and that of our guests. If not us…Who? If not Now…When?

National Coastal Awareness Committee Ministry of Tourism & Aviation (Chair) Bahamas Environment Science and Technology Commission (BEST) Bahamas Hotel Association Bahamas National Trust Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas Department of Environmental Health Services Department of Marine Resources Dive Stuart Cove Dolphin Encounters Ltd. The Nature Conservancy Ministry of Education The College of The Bahamas The University of The West Indies

National Coastal Awareness Committee The committee has actively encouraged the public in participating in its National Coastal Awareness Month during the month of April for the past 5 years. During the month of April many activities are planned for New Providence, Abaco, Andros, Bimini, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, Exuma and San Salvador.

National Coastal Awareness Committee Activities Activities : – National Public Service Announcement campaigns on television, radio and print media; – Extensive clean ups of Nassau Harbour; – Beach clean ups that will include the removal of invasive plants and the planting of native trees; Beach clean ups are also done on the Family Islands - Educational Marine Exhibition at the Marathon Mall featuring a traveling exhibit created by Florida State University entitled “Our Reefs – Caribbean Connections”;

National Coastal Awareness Committee Activities Activities cont’d: – Erection of banners throughout participating Islands in The Bahamas; – Primary and secondary school competitions; – Student Field trips to provide students with an opportunity to learn about protecting the coasts and enjoy the marine wonders of the Bahamas. – T-Shirt Day

Coastal Awareness Beach & Harbour Cleanup

Production of Sustainable Brochures The Ministry of Tourism & Aviation assisted in successful production of two brochures on sustainable practices in marine operations. – Clean, Green Boating Principles Effort by The Nature Conservancy, Stuart Cove Dive and The Ministry of Tourism & Aviation. Designed to suggest ways to protect our marine environment in everyday boating activities such as sewage management, toxic Waste Management, Fish waste Management, wildlife and sport fishing Regulations – Best Practices for Bonefish catch & Release: A guide for responsible Angling in The Bahamas

Thank You!!!!