BNT and the Elizabeth Harbour Conservation Partnership Sign MOU

April 1st, 2022 – Nassau, Bahamas

The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) and the Elizabeth Harbour Conservation Partnership (EHCP) recently celebrated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two nonprofits. Both organizations share a vested interest in safeguarding the environmental heritage of Exuma.

The EHCP is composed of national and local government agencies and local stakeholders and serves to manage tourism and natural resources in Elizabeth Harbour. They work with government and other community associations to pursue projects that will help make Elizabeth Harbour a safer and more eco-friendly destination.

The BNT is the national park service of The Bahamas, stewarding the country’s “national jewels” – its unique and diverse national park system. There are two national parks located in the Exumas, The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park in the northern Exuma Cays, and The Moriah Harbour Cay National Park in Great Exuma. The MOU signed focuses on developing and advancing the Moriah Harbour Cay National Park and nearby Elizabeth Harbour for community engagement and enjoyment.

The MOU signifies the complementary goals of both parties in regards to managing and protecting these two special areas of Exuma, and it details expectations for collaboration to help achieve them. Key areas of collaboration highlighted in the MOU include: invasive species management, habitat restoration, education and outreach programs, enforcement, seagrass and water quality monitoring, joint financing ventures, and mooring installations and maintenance.

The Moriah Harbour Cay National Park protects over 22,000 acres of pristine beaches, sand dunes, blue holes, coral reefs, mangrove creeks, coppice forests, and seagrass meadows. It’s home to vibrant populations of a variety of marine life and birdlife. With its breathtaking views and crystal-clear waters, Moriah Harbour Cay and its surrounding environments provide incredible recreational opportunities, such as kayaking, snorkelling, kiteboarding, bonefishing, hiking, and boating.

Elizabeth Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Its blue-green waters provide a favourite haven for yachtsmen and sailors, especially during the months of November to May. Elizabeth Harbour segues naturally into many local marine attractions, including the Moriah Harbour Cay National Park.

BNT Executive Director Eric Carey said, “This memorandum of understanding between the BNT and the EHCP symbolizes an exciting opportunity. This is a commitment to capitalize on the harmonious nature of our work for the advancement of both our causes. The BNT has big plans for Moriah Harbour Cay National Park. It is great to be united with and have the support of the EHCP, to enhance management of these important contiguous spaces, and Exuma more broadly.”

To learn more about the role the BNT plays to manage terrestrial and marine national parks, protect species that inhabit them, and inform environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs and follow/subscribe to various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.