BNT Rallies Support for Seahorse National Park at Fundraising Event in Eleuthera

June 13th, 2025 – Nassau, Bahamas

The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) rallied conservation supporters at a recent fundraiser in Eleuthera to help close the financing gap for the initial development of The Bahamas’ newest national park – Seahorse National Park (SNP) at Sweetings Pond and Hatchet Bay Cave.

Hosted at the Buccaneer Club, the cocktail event raised $35,000 and featured live music, an open bar, and an online auction with incredible prizes – from beautiful, unique Bahamian artwork and handcrafted products, to luxury vacation packages and experiences throughout The Bahamas.

Seahorse National Park protects what is believed to be the densest population of seahorses in the world and one of the longest dry cave systems in The Bahamas. Its declaration in 2023 marked a significant milestone for conservation, after more than a decade of research, community outreach, and advocacy pushing for its protection.

Since its declaration, SNP has been temporarily closed to allow the BNT to conduct critical scientific assessments, monitoring, infrastructure development, and strategic planning to guide the sustainable management of the park and its resources. The $35,000 from this recent fundraiser brings the park’s reopening closer to being fulfilled. Combined with $162,000 raised at the BNT’s 2024 Pig Roast, it helps to close the gap on the $500,000 investment needed for the park’s initial development.

Substantial progress has been made at Seahorse National Park so far, with areas cleared for trails and parking, gates installed, and the installation of a mobile structure to act as the BNT’s temporary park office. As the organization continues to raise funds to advance SNP, it will develop more park infrastructure to support visitation, as well as educational, recreational, and economic programs and initiatives.  

“Seahorse National Park is one of Eleuthera’s most prestigious natural jewels,” said BNT Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle. “Its unique nature makes it an inherently invaluable ecosystem that can support sustainable ecotourism, recreation, and economic opportunities for Eleutherans and Bahamians. The BNT is committed to honing its value in a sustainable way, to preserve the beauty of this special place so it can benefit and be enjoyed by everyone.

“We thank everyone who’s supported our fundraising efforts so far, and we’ll continue to call on BNT partners, friends, and the community to help us transform SNP into a world-class destination that protects and highlights the beauty, biodiversity, and wonder of Eleuthera.”

To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.