Forest Clearing Peaked in 2021

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Talk continues over illegal deforestation and production of charcoal, the Department of Forestry is saying government is coming together to address the issue. However, department heads say the issue significantly worsened during the pandemic.

Berthony McDermott reports.

The Department of Forestry is reporting a significant uptick in deforestation from the end of 2021 to now, according to Director Danielle Hanek.

This, she said, is due to the ministry halting regular patrols once the country was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Just yesterday, Bahamas National Trust Executive Director Eric Carey said the issue at hand is multifaceted.

Hanek echoed those sentiments, explaining that multiple government agencies including the Forestry Unit, Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, Physical Planning, and the Department of Lands and Surveys are involved.

The clearing down of the forest she said accelerated charcoal production which is illegal.

She said they’ve received reports of more than 10 to 15 active kilos at a time.

Hanek says the area off Carmichael road has always been a water reserve and was previously managed by the Water and Sewerage Corporation as well fields.

While that’s no longer the case, she stressed the need to protect that resource, which is being damaged by this activity.

In terms of finding a solution, she says they’ve been advised to file a report with the police, Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Public Prosecutions in hopes of getting a resolution.

As for resuming regular patrols, Hanek says they’ve been advised against it.