Parks Partnership Project

The Bahamas National Trust and The Nature Conservancy joined forces four years ago to implement the Parks Partnership Project. The first phase of the project was funded primarily by the Bacardi Family Foundation.

Through the Partnership, the Trust built increased management and stewardship capacity in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, and created the first ever management plan for a national park in The Bahamas. The process was led by a special management planning team that included representatives of the University of Florida, local Exuma Park communities, the US National Park Services, community based NGOs,research scientists and government agency representatives.

The management planning process developed through the Exuma Parkp lanning experience is already being applied to National Parks in Abaco and in Central Andros. It will eventually be used to develop managementplans for the entire national park system.

The Partnership also helped build BNT institutional capacity by supporting several key staff positions

The Bacardi Family Foundation demonstrated a deep and long-standing interest in the natural environment of The Bahamas and Exuma Cays Landand Sea Park through their commitment to the Parks Partnership.

The Conservancy's involvement in this Partnership is an example of their 'Conservation without Borders' concept and reflects their commitment to conservation globally.

The Trust and the Conservancy are currently seeking funding supportfor phase two of the Parks Partnership. For more information please contact the Executive Director.

For more information please contact Eric Carey.