National

Six Eco-Schools Renewed

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Small steps can make a big impact on the world around you – and no one knows that better than the students and facilitators at eco schools around the country.

Published

1 year ago

January 26, 2023

Kristina Dragovich

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Small steps can make a big impact on the world around you – and no one knows that better than the students and facilitators at eco schools around the country.

With a green flag flying high, six Abaco and Grand Bahama schools are now recertified eco-schools, displaying their commitment to environmental education and practice.

There are seven steps each school must go through before they can apply for the green flag, including implementing an eco-code.

The green flag is renewed every two years. So far, the Eco Schools Bahamas program spans six islands, in 18 public and 25 private schools.

Some local schools, including Forrest Heights Academy, were faced with rebuilding after hurricane Dorian. During that process, the school installed solar panels to help reduce its carbon footprint and dependence of fossil fuels.

Teachers say the program has allowed students to share their love for the environment and become more aware of how their actions have an impact on the world around them.

The Eco Schools Bahamas program is free of charge for students but is funded through the support of the Sean Connery Foundation and the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative.

Executive Director of the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation, Casuarina McKinney-Lambert says, “These young people are an inspiration to others around the country and around the world, as they embrace sustainability in our island nation and put their new-found knowledge into action.”