The effort was sparked by RBC’s desire to engage their staff in coastal clean-ups in recognition of World Environment Day.

Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world annually on June 5th. The important day is used to raise awareness about environmental threats such as climate change, and to encourage and mobilise people towards actions that reduce such threats. This year’s theme, celebrated under the slogan “Our Land, Our Future,” focused on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.

In the past, RBC has contributed to several BNT-led initiatives for days of global environmental importance, including World Environment Day and World Oceans Day. To date, more than 500 RBC volunteers have assisted with trail maintenance, habitat restoration work, and trash and debris removal in national parks.

Through this most recent multi-island, multi-park activity, the BNT and RBC teams collectively removed approximately 1,900 pounds of trash and invasive species of plants from these protected areas. This invasive species control work provides direct support to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UNEP funded project, Meeting the Challenge of 2020 in The Bahamas, which seeks to increase the effective management of select national parks, including Lucayan National Park and Bonefish Pond National Park.

New Providence Parks Manager and Parks Planner, Chantal Curtis, emphasised the crucial role volunteers play in aiding the BNT’s mission of managing national parks and safeguarding the natural treasures and resources of The Bahamas.

“Volunteer support is a valuable resource because it allows us to build capacity for overall park maintenance, and it brings a range of skills, expertise, and experiences that can support the BNT’s work. For us, having volunteers is also a way of building relationships with local communities. What we protect, we do for the benefit of these same communities,” Chantal said.

She commended RBC’s consistent volunteer contributions to the BNT, adding, “We’re grateful for the impact we’ve achieved together over the years, and look forward to our continued partnership with their local and international teams.”

BNT Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle praised RBC for their dedication as corporate partners. “This most recent effort is a phenomenal show of support from our corporate volunteers, and in-kind supporters like Bahamas Waste, who continually donate waste receptacles for BNT events and clean up efforts. Thank you to RBC and all the teams that braved the heat to ensure this multi-park and multi-island event was a success,” she said.

Next in line for volunteer opportunities, Chantal shared that the BNT has special activities planned for World Mangrove Day, which will be observed on July 26th. To learn how to get involved in this or other volunteer initiatives with the BNT, visit https://www.bnt.bs/get-involved/.

And if you are interested in making your support go further, become a BNT member today. Not only does your membership contribute to sustaining your national parks; it also offers benefits such as free access to national parks; exclusive invites to members-only events; discounts at select local businesses; and more.