Nassau, Bahamas – “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has” said Margaret Mead, Cultural Anthropologist, and this quote is especially true of BNT volunteers who help conserve and protect The Bahamas for future generations.
Although the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) has full time staff, the BNT also relies on volunteers to conduct work in many of their parks and to support their programmes. This summer, the BNT had volunteers from both near and far helping them to protect the natural beauty of The Bahamas.
“Each year, the Education Department of the Bahamas National Trust recruits six to eight volunteers to assist with its summer programmes,” said Portia Sweeting, BNT Education Director. “This year’s volunteers assisted us with various exhibits and summer camps throughout The Bahamas, and their assistance is, as always greatly appreciated.”
Included in this year’s Education Volunteers, were two volunteers from Paris, France, who decided to reach out to the Trust via their website. In addition to assisting with the workshops and education programmes, Anthony Nicolle and Javed Aqil, who are both fourth year engineering students assisted both with educations programmes, and with tasks at Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park.
“We appreciate Anthony and Javed’s participation in our volunteer program this year. They brought new insight, energy and talents to our summer events. I have been extremely impressed by their enthusiasm and interest in protecting our Earth and making a positive difference in young people,” said Sweeting.
The Science and Policy Department at the BNT developed its first internship program this summer. This internship program is geared toward persons ages 18 – 25 years who are interested in the environment, and is a leadership-focused interdisciplinary programme with the option of focusing on marine or terrestrial research within National Parks. This year’s marine intern was Peter Graham, a Nassau native who is currently enrolled at Colorado State University, pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management and Tourism.
“Programmes like these not only give Bahamian students a glimpse into their future environmental career but also provide an opportunity for them to learn more about the BNT’s mandate to manage the National Park system of The Bahamas,” said Vanessa Haley-Benjamin, BNT Director of Science and Policy.
During his internship with the BNT, Graham will be working on conservation and protected area management related projects. He will participate in critical conch research, which will be used to guide management decisions for the species and support the BNT’s ongoing Conchservation Campaign. Additionally, he will participate in groundbreaking research, and hopefully the discovery of new seahorse species on Eleuthera Island!
Pictured is Justin Storr along with Vanessa Haley-Benjamin, Director of Science and Policy.
(Photo courtesy of BNT for Barefoot Marketing)
The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve team (LLNPP) in Eleuthera, will also host two College of The Bahamas students this summer, Shanel Adderley and Justin Storr. The Preserve’s internship program is geared towards college students, and all expenses are graciously covered by the Leon Levy Foundation during the six-week internship period. At the Preserve, the students will help to conduct research, learn about the Bahamas’ biodiversity, and gain valuable field experience.
Justin spoke about his expected experience, saying, “I believe that the programme will help us to understand what it is to maintain and preserve our natural Bahamian environment. Moreover, we will be able to lend a helping hand and learn not only to identify but also classify certain species of plants and insects. I believe that as we go forward in life we will be more aware of our environment and more likely to want to preserve our natural history as well.”
If you’re not a student, not to worry, there are other volunteer opportunities for you with the BNT. For example, the BNT recently had a volunteer from Sandals to assist with teaching the Padi Skin- Diving Training. Moreover, if there is a way that you think you can help the BNT and are willing to offer your services, any help at all is greatly appreciated. If you would like to volunteer with the BNT, visit their website at http://www.bnt.bs/_m1761/Volunteer to learn more.
