BNT Calls For More Funding As Conservation Costs Grow

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NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS – The Bahamas National Trust says it’s facing a growing challenge – protecting more of the country’s natural resources with limited staff and funding.

As the organization expands its network of national parks across the family islands, its’ executive director says additional government support and private donations will be critical to keeping that momentum going.

Our Delvardo Emmanuel has the story.

The Bahamas National Trust is responsible for some of the country’s most important natural treasures, from pine forests and blue holes, to coral reefs, wetlands and marine habitats.

Today, the trust protects more than 2.2 million acres across a network of 33 national parks and protected areas spread throughout the Bahamian archipelago.

But as that responsibility continues to grow,, so does the need for funding.

This is BNT’s Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, who says the trust is now in the process of seeking greater government funding.

“ We currently manage protected areas across ten islands. That is increasing, and so we wanna be able to provide the opportunities on the family islands to hire staff, train them, equip them, so they can carry on that legacy of managing, um, the national parks.” – BNT Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle

The trust says its annual operating budget stands at about $15 million.

But government funding covers just 23% of that total.

The rest comes from fundraising events, park user fees, merchandise sales and private donations.

Anderson-Rolle says as the trust takes on more responsibility, it also needs more people to do the work.

“ One of the, the key points that people need to understand, conservation work is not easy, but in order for us to be successful, we need the human capital, we need boots on the ground. Um, and one of the most difficult things to fundraise for would be salaries. Um, as we expand the national parks, we also want to expand our staffing on those respective islands.” – BNT Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle

The organization currently has about 90 employees.

But says it will eventually need around 250 to adequately manage its growing network of protected areas.

And with more parks expected to be added to its portfolio, those staffing needs are only expected to increase.

“ We still need to be able to make sure that we are bringing in sufficient funding and donations to be able to cover, our operational and overhead expenses.” – BNT Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle

To help close that gap, the trust plans to seek an increase in its government subvention, continue expanding its fundraising efforts and launch a campaign next year to grow it’s endowment fund.