Ministry of Tourism

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Ministry of Tourism Aviation
Sustainable Tourism Department

• Marine/Coastal Initiatives

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MOTA Marine/Coastal Initiative

• The Ministry of Tourism Aviation actively
  participates in two initiatives that promote
  sustainable practices for the marine/coastal
  environment.
• - Blue Flag Programme
• - National Coastal Awareness Committee
• Assistance in the production of Sustainable
  Brochures is also done within the Ministry of
  Tourism Aviation.

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Blue Flag Programme

• The Blue Flag Programme is one of the worlds
  largest and most prestigious environmental
  certification programme for beaches and marinas,
  endorsed by the United Nations Environmental
  Programme (UNEP) and the World Tourism
  Organization (WTO).

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Blue Flag Programme

• At its core, the Blue Flag Programme is an
  environmental management system to assist in
  protecting the integrity of the fragile marine
  ecosystems.
• Another important component of the programme is
  the safety and services tool which enhances the
  marina product and the customers overall
  experience.

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Blue Flag Programme

• The Blue Flag is awarded annually to marinas and
  beaches based on the strict compliance of the
  following broad Criteria
• 1. Environmental Education and Information
• 2. Environmental Management
• 3. Safety and Services
• 4. Water Quality

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Blue Flag Programme

• In 2002, The Bahamas became one of five countries
  (Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and
  Barbados) to join the Blue Flag campaign in The
  Caribbean Region.
• In 2005 Old Bahama Bay became the first Blue Flag
  Marina in The Bahamas.
• To date The Bahamas has three Blue Flag Marinas.

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Bahamas Blue Flag Marinas
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Bahamas National Blue Flag Committee

• The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation is
  responsible for the National Coordination for the
  Bahamas Blue Flag programme.
• Bahamas Blue Flag Programme is managed by a group
  of stakeholders in the public and private sectors
  (The Bahamas National Blue Flag Committee).
• The Bahamas National Blue Flag Committee consists
  of representatives from the following agencies
• The Nature Conservancy - BREEF
• The Port Authority - D.E.H.S
• BEST Commission - Envirologic Ltd.
• Ministry of Tourism Aviation
• The committee is responsible for preparing
  marinas for certifications as well as reviewing
  nomination applications to the Caribbean Regional
  Blue Flag Jury.

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Blue Flag Programme Benefits

• Effective environmental management programme
• Increase awareness of the importance of our
  coastal environment
• Internationally recognized symbol of high
  environmental service and safety standards
• Underlying message of taking responsibility for
  protecting and maintaining the integrity of the
  marine resources.

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National Coastal AwarenessCommittee
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National Coastal Awareness Committee

• The committee comprises a group of stakeholders
  from both the private and public sectors with an
  interest in promoting the sustainable development
  of The Bahamas.
• The formation of this group is based upon our
  dependence on the tourism industry which hinges
  on our ability sustain the natural beauty of The
  Islands of The Bahamas for our socio-economic
  welfare and that of our guests.

If not usWho? If not NowWhen?
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National Coastal Awareness Committee

• Ministry of Tourism Aviation (Chair)
• Bahamas Environment Science and Technology
  Commission (BEST)
• Bahamas Hotel Association
• Bahamas National Trust
• Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation
  (BREEF)
• Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas
• Department of Environmental Health Services

• Department of Marine Resources
• Dive Stuart Cove
• Dolphin Encounters Ltd.
• The Nature Conservancy
• Ministry of Education
• The College of The Bahamas
• The University of The West Indies

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National Coastal Awareness Committee

• The committee has actively encouraged the public
  in participating in its National Coastal
  Awareness Month during the month of April for the
  past 5 years.
• During the month of April many activities are
  planned for New Providence, Abaco, Andros,
  Bimini, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, Exuma and San
  Salvador.

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National Coastal Awareness Committee Activities

• Activities
• National Public Service Announcement campaigns on
  television, radio and print media
• Extensive clean ups of Nassau Harbour
• Beach clean ups that will include the removal of
  invasive plants and the planting of native trees
  
• Beach clean ups are also done on the Family
  Islands
• - Educational Marine Exhibition at the Marathon
  Mall featuring a traveling exhibit created by
  Florida State University entitled Our Reefs
  Caribbean Connections

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National Coastal Awareness Committee Activities

• Activities contd
• Erection of banners throughout participating
  Islands in The Bahamas
• Primary and secondary school competitions
• Student Field trips to provide students with an
  opportunity to learn about protecting the coasts
  and enjoy the marine wonders of the Bahamas.
• T-Shirt Day

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Coastal Awareness Beach Harbour Cleanup
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Coastal Awareness Beach Harbour Cleanup
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Coastal Awareness Beach Harbour Cleanup
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Production of Sustainable Brochures

• The Ministry of Tourism Aviation assisted in
  successful production of two brochures on
  sustainable practices in marine operations.
• Clean, Green Boating Principles
• Effort by The Nature Conservancy, Stuart Cove
  Dive and The Ministry of Tourism Aviation.
• Designed to suggest ways to protect our marine
  environment in everyday boating activities such
  as sewage management, toxic Waste Management,
  Fish waste Management, wildlife and sport fishing
  Regulations
• Best Practices for Bonefish catch Release A
  guide for responsible Angling in The Bahamas

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Thank You!!!!