The Bahamas Champions Sustainability and Resilience at UN General Assembly's Sustainability Week

22-04-24

The Honorable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, took a prominent role at the United Nations General Assembly's Sustainability Week in New York City. Representing the 700-island archipelago, Deputy Prime Minister Cooper emphasized The Bahamas' deep dedication to resilient and sustainable tourism.

"Our engagement in this crucial global platform goes beyond mere participation; it represents a dynamic demonstration of the innovative strategies that have positioned The Bahamas as a leading travel destination," stated DPM Cooper. "These strategies are particularly vital as we face weather-related disruptions like catastrophic hurricanes, climate change, and global crises such as pandemics and geopolitical tensions. Tourism is not merely an industry in our nation; it is our lifeline, obliging us to lead and cooperate towards a sustainable future."

During his compelling address, DPM Cooper highlighted how The Bahamas’ tourism achievements are rooted in a commitment to uplifting communities, preserving natural environments, and bolstering local economies. As Earth Day approaches, the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation is set to launch two significant initiatives designed to rehabilitate and enhance the mangrove ecosystems devastated by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

The first initiative, "For The Love of Mangroves," mobilizes Team Tourism volunteers, public service employees, tourists, and residents in a united effort showcasing the industry's commitment to environmental stewardship. The campaign features two key activities:

Mangrove Magic: In partnership with local environmental groups like the Bahamas National Trust, Waterkeepers, and Friends of the Environment, Team Tourism engages in a friendly competition aiming to plant the highest number of mangrove propagules. This initiative fosters the growth of new mangrove trees, essential for coastal protection and ecological balance.

Adopt-a-Mangrove: This initiative allows individuals and organizations to financially support the ongoing Mangrove Restoration Project, enhancing the efforts to preserve these critical coastal guardians.

"Mangroves are more than a scenic aspect of our natural landscape; they are the protectors of our shorelines, buffering against erosion from storm surges, currents, and tides," explained a spokesperson from the Ministry of Tourism. "Their complex root systems provide a refuge for diverse marine life, proving indispensable for the ecological health of our oceans."

In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, The Bahamas is committed to promoting actions that ensure the prosperity of its nation while safeguarding the planet. This commitment is articulated through several strategic objectives:

Life Below Water: Protecting biodiversity and marine life through the sustainable management of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns across the nation’s 16 main islands and numerous cays.

Climate Action: Taking urgent measures to combat climate change and its impacts.

Life on Land: Protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, including sustainable forest management, combating desertification, halting land degradation, and preventing biodiversity loss.

Concluding his address, DPM Cooper remarked, "The Bahamas celebrated a record-breaking nearly 10 million visitors last year. Our success stems from our stunning natural beauty, the warmth of our people, our rich cultural heritage, and the resilient nature of our tourism offerings, all of which make The Bahamas an irresistible destination for travelers from around the globe."