Forestry Unit Advances Development of National Mangrove Management Plan Through Stakeholder Inception Workshop

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Forestry Unit within the Ministry of the Environment and
Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Bahamas Project for Marine Conservation,
successfully hosted the National Mangrove Management Plan Inception Workshop on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the Courtyard Marriott, Nassau, Bahamas.

The workshop brought together government agencies, conservation partners, technical
experts, community representatives, and other key stakeholders to support the development
of a coordinated national framework for the conservation, restoration, sustainable
management, and long-term monitoring of mangrove ecosystems across The Bahamas.
Mangroves are among the country’s most valuable natural ecosystems, providing nursery
habitat for fisheries, protecting coastlines from storm surge and erosion, supporting
biodiversity, and strengthening climate resilience. Given their ecological, social, and
economic importance, the development of a National Mangrove Management Plan
represents an important step toward improving national coordination and guiding future
mangrove-related actions.

The inception workshop provided an opportunity to introduce the proposed planning process,
gather stakeholder input, identify existing data and knowledge gaps, and discuss islandspecific priorities, threats, and opportunities. Participants engaged in technical presentations and breakout group discussions focused on key themes, including policy, governance and sustainable finance; spatial data, GIS and monitoring; threats, pressures, restoration and management responses; and stakeholder engagement and awareness.

Acting Director of the Bahamas Forestry Unit, Danielle Hanek, emphasized that stakeholder
participation is central to developing the National Mangrove Management Plan, particularly
because mangrove management requires collaboration among government, civil society,
academia, local communities, and conservation organizations.

“This workshop reaffirmed the deep commitment Bahamians share to conserving our mangroves — vital national resources that protect our coasts and sustain our fishing communities. As the Government’s focal point for mangrove management, the Forestry Unit remains steadfast in ensuring these ecosystems are managed sustainably for the benefit of
all Bahamians. Most importantly, this workshop ensured that as we advance the National Mangrove Management Plan, every voice is at the table, shaping a future that reflects the needs of all our islands,” Hanek said

The workshop also supported ongoing data collection and information gathering for the plan,
including identifying existing datasets, past and current mangrove-related projects, priority
areas for conservation and restoration, community concerns, and opportunities for improved
coordination.

The Forestry Unit extends its appreciation to all participants, partners, and stakeholders who
contributed to the success of the workshop. The information gathered will help inform the
next phases of the National Mangrove Management Plan development process, including
technical assessments, stakeholder consultations, spatial analysis, socioeconomic
considerations, and the preparation of national recommendations.

The Forestry Unit remains committed to advancing mangrove conservation and sustainable
forest management in The Bahamas and looks forward to continued collaboration as the
National Mangrove Management Plan progresses.