The Bahamas has drawn praise for its conservation efforts from an international body charged with protecting the marine environment.

A team from Mission Blue arrived in The Bahamas last month and were welcomed by Minister of the Environment Kenred Dorsett, as well as members of the Bahamas National Trust and Nature Conservancy.

Mission Blue founder Dr Sylvia Earle congratulated the Minister on country’s commitment to protect at least 20 per cent of its marine environment by 2020—part of the 20/20 Caribbean Challenge.

The Nature Conservancy’s Northern Caribbean programme director Eleanor Phillips explains: “Countries are challenging other countries to protect their marine ecosystems 20 per cent by 2020. This increases the level of protection within countries.”

Since it was launched in May 2008, nine Caribbean countries have signed up to the challenge, which also established the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund to earmark resources for marine conservation.

Conservation is particularly key for The Bahamas, according to Phillips who says almost every aspect of life in the country depends on the sea.

“I grew up on the water, fishing and diving for conch,” she says. “I have always known there was a beautiful world down there. The level of inspiraton you get looking at the diversity of life under the water is amazing.”

“We talk a lot about the diminishing rainforests around the globe, but we need to focus on our reefs. We live off the sea; it is sustaining our livelihoods.”

cmorris@dupuch.com