Developing Smart: The Experts Protecting At-Risk Land

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – Development across The Bahamas continues to grow, but before any project breaks ground there’s a critical process that often goes unseen.

In this Sustainability First report, we take a look at the experts working behind the scenes to protect at-risk land.

In a country where development continues to expand, questions about where and how we build are becoming more important than ever.

Before any construction begins, there’s a process that many may not see.

Environmental developers or consultants play a critical role in determining whether land is suitable for development.

Janeen Bullard – Environmental Consultant

“My team, we go in, we do what are called biological impact assessments. We look at the terrestrial or land environment—plants, animals, birds, what ecological functions are going on. We also look in the marine environment.”

From land to sea, their assessments help identify what’s at risk—including sensitive ecosystems and even invasive species.

And while development is inevitable, she said that her responsibility is to ensure it’s done responsibly.

Janeen Bullard – Environmental Consultant

“People think that, okay, you’re working for the developer, you’re not going to tell them no. It’s our job to say, this is a sensitive area. So in a lot of cases, if you read some of the environmental impact assessments, there are times when they say this area should not be disturbed, or there should be minimal disturbance, or this should be done versus that. It’s our job to be able to do that, to determine where can be built on and not built on.”

Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is far-reaching.

In some cases, failure to follow guidelines can lead to consequences, according to Bullard.

Janeen Bullard – Environmental Consultant

“The Department of Environmental Planning and Protection… if there’s somebody that’s gone in and does not listen to their engineer or environmental consultant and just does what they want, doesn’t have any approvals, or doesn’t adhere to the compliance needs for their CCC, they can get fined. The Department of Environmental Planning and Protection now has the power to fine developers, and we’re seeing that.”

But even before enforcement… there’s often work the public never sees.

Janeen Bullard – Environmental Consultant

“People see you go in and there’s a bulldozer, but they don’t see when my team or somebody else’s team has gone in there and we’ve removed 3,000 plants by hand. We have them—we’ve collected them.”

Chinasa Outten – choutten@gmail.com
“And while many may only see the final product… experts say it’s the work done long before construction begins that can make all the difference. As the country continues to develop… the role of environmental experts remains critical—ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of the environment.”

For aspiring environmentalists, internship opportunities are available, giving high school and undergraduate students the chance to learn the field while being paid.