Charter for Sustainable Development of The Bahamas
We believe that The Bahamas has the potential to prove that a small island nation can transition to a more sustainable future. The following principles offer a common standard by which individuals, organizations, businesses, and government can be guided and measured. Eleuthera can serve as the model to take The Bahamas forward to achieve this vision.
Principles
Food—agriculture is the foundation of successful societies and to that end promote agricultural parks and shared resources (i.e. solar water pumps and composting) to enhance food security for The Bahamas.
Energy—create incentives and modernize legislation to ensure that clean, distributed power generated by customers is allowed and promoted with conventional electricity from the grid. Stimulate businesses and individuals to take advantage of energy conservation.
Water—require that every new building is outfitted with rainwater catchments to reduce pressure on local aquifers and that constructed wetlands for processing waste water are encouraged for every new development.
Waste—create laws that stimulate business in waste processing and develop community recycling centers for converting food and solid wastes into valuable resources. Properly incinerate any items that cannot be recycled through waste to energy facilities.
Marine Resources—expand the network of no-take marine reserves to follow in the proven success of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park and enforce fishing policies that protect fish stocks and the ecosystems upon which they depend.
Legacy Parks—establish more national parks with historic and natural significance in places like Preacher’s Cave and Lighthouse Point that can educate Bahamians and visitors alike on these landmarks that have helped shape Bahamian history. These parks would expand the National Park System managed by the Bahamas National Trust, and help The Bahamas meet the 2020 targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Community Planning—encourage community groups to take an active role in development projects.
Green building/land planning—give incentives to developers who implement green building techniques that respect the land and sea around them.
Education—encourage teachers to use environmental education in all grade levels, from kindergarten to tertiary institutions in The Bahamas. Promote creativity and problem solving to ensure that the future leaders of The Bahamas can responsibly manage natural resources.
Tourism—promote development that connects tourists to the Bahamian environment and culture. Establish heritage trails that connect a vast array of experiences, giving more creative options to international and domestic travelers.
Cultural Resources—protect, develop, and enhance Bahamian cultural resources from archaeological sites of Lucayan settlers to the modern day traditions of Junkanoo and Rake ‘n Scrape.
