Bahamas National Trust

In the summer of 2024 CSM interns Lauren Ritchie, and Quintez Bethel, explored the intersection of conservation and storytelling. Through immersive field experiences, mentorship, and hands-on media production, they developed impactful capstone projects that reflect their unique perspectives on conservation in The Bahamas. The capstone projects premiered at a special event hosted by The BNT for its Lifetime Members and were then released online. Read more about the projects and view them at the link below: https://lnkd.in/e6YSU6sZ

Recently, BNT's Immediate Past President and now chair of our Advancement Committee Geoff Andrews spoke to Our News about lifetime membership at the BNT and his goal to help the BNT raise 1 million dollars.

The Bahamas National Trust proudly announces the official release of our 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report! This comprehensive document shares in detail our most significant milestones in managing national parks and safeguarding biodiversity over the last 18 months. This document is more than just a report; it is a reflection of the progress we’ve made in protecting and preserving The Bahamas’ natural treasures. None of the achievements outlined here could’ve been accomplished on our own - so with this release, we thank and celebrate our partners, supporters, and members of the conservation community for their contributions to the BNT’s mission, and to protecting the Bahamian environment. We’re excited to share this document with you and invite you to read the full report at https://lnkd.in/ej6ujhzT

Over the past few days, BNT Executive Director, Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle has been representing The Bahamas National Trust as part of The Bahamas Delegation at COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. As COP 29 progresses, The Bahamas is actively engaging in critical climate discussions to safeguard our islands and natural heritage for future generations. Pictured below, BNT Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle joins Bahamian Prime Minister Phillip Brave Davis and Karen Panton, Executive Director of The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund.

Deadline Extended! The BNT is extending the deadline for interested candidates to apply for the HR Consultant role. The selected individual will assist with developing an Organizational Restructuring Strategic Plan, a new Career Path, and a Salary Grade Scale Manual, among other responsibilities. The new deadline to apply is August 25th, 2024! To learn more and apply, visit https://lnkd.in/eFqZp3m #WeareBNT

This month, our interns from our Science, Education, and Conservation Storytelling & Media programs represented BNT at the Bahamas Youth Climate Conference hosted at the University of The Bahamas. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to engage, learn, and contribute to discussions on climate action and sustainability. On Day 2, BNT Senior Communications Officer Elijah Sands and CSM Intern Lauren Ritchie presented on creative media and storytelling in climate communications, highlighting ways to engage communities and foster change through impactful storytelling. Additionally, BNT Outreach Officer Garth Jackson showcased the diverse careers and opportunities available for youth at the BNT during the career fair at the end of the conference. We're proud of our interns for their enthusiasm and commitment and thrilled to support the next generation of environmental leaders. Thank you to the Climate Change & Environmental Advisory Unit - The Bahamas of the Office of the Prime Minister - The Bahamas for inviting us to participate in this important conference. #WeareBNT

Friday, July 5th: We're honored to have BNT Senior Communications Officer Elijah Sands and Conservation Storytelling & Media Intern Lauren Ritchie at The Bahamas Youth Climate Conference (BYCC), where they'll be presenting on "Communicating Climate Change through Storytelling and Media." The BYCC creates a forum for youth to actively participate in climate discussions, increasing awareness among young people about environmental challenges and bringing their ideas and inspiration to the forefront of the climate crisis. We're thrilled for this opportunity to engage young audiences in a dynamic discussion and share how media and stories can be utilized as tools to inspire climate action. We hope you'll join us, either virtually or in person, to support this important conversation and our CSM Interns. Register to attend in person at https://lnkd.in/eevdXQXU Join virtually via Zoom using the link (goes live during the session): www.bnt.bs/bycccm For More Information about the BYCC, visit https://lnkd.in/eCwwJ4ad.

Anna Bancroft, Director of Development & Communication at The Bahamas National Trust, recently participated in an enriching Islands Incubator alongside colleagues from the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO), including representatives from Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Fiji, Saint Helena, Taiwan, United States, Jersey, Scotland, and England. ? Hosted by the National Trust, this week-long exchange focused on: - Heritage leadership - Tourism and visitor experiences - Public access - Coastal habitat management and restoration - Community engagement - Membership strategies ? The program provided a valuable platform for sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and exploring successful conservation models. It fostered transparency and strengthened the relationships between member organizations. Reflecting on the event, Anna shared: “There is so much to take back to The Bahamas that will have a tremendous impact on our work. I look forward to continuing our collaborative discussions and discovering what other delegates implement from these teachings. Thank you, INTO and all Trust colleagues, for delivering a memorable and meaningful workshop! ? To learn more about this inspiring initiative and how your membership with The Bahamas National Trust benefits from the INTO Places (reciprocal arrangement program), check out the full blog post here:?https://lnkd.in/eGQfHytx.?

When I joined the Bahamas National Trust one of the first things I noticed was the lack of local communications and creative capacity supporting environmental conservation and sustainable development. I knew I would one day work to change this. It brings me immense joy to engage Lauren Ritchie and Quintez Bethel as our first Conservation Storytelling and Media Interns this summer. Through this internship, these two extraordinary, passionate young Bahamians will not only learn how to leverage storytelling, creative communications, and media to drive conservation and inspire change, but they will also gain a deeper understanding of our natural world, how we as Bahamians depend on our environment, and the crucial role we all play in helping to conserve it. Over the next three months, we will explore incredible national parks and natural areas across the archipelago, participate in local and national conservation efforts, and engage with local communities and conservation champions, all while capturing and telling important stories that need to be heard. I am incredibly grateful for the number of partners, friends, and individual contributors who are supporting this program. You've helped make this internship more than I ever expected, and it will undoubtedly be a life-changing experience for Lauren, Quintez, and myself. I am excited to keep you updated on their journey over the next few months, sharing their experiences and narratives through their lenses as storytellers. We have a busy schedule planned so far, but it’s still not too late to get involved. If you're interested, message me, and let's explore some opportunities! This photo was taken during their PADI Open Water Dive Course last week. Getting dive-certified was the first thing on their list for the internship. #ConservationStorytelling #MediaInternship #EnvironmentalConservation #FutureLeaders #WeAreBNT

We are excited to introduce Lauren and Quintez, our 2024 Conservation Storytelling & Media Interns! Over the next few months, Lauren and Quintez will embark on the adventure of a lifetime, immersing themselves in environmental conservation, storytelling, and creative communications. They will explore Bahamian national parks, participate in conservation efforts, and engage with local communities while capturing and telling important stories. By working closely with mentors and experts in conservation and media, they will have the opportunity to develop their skills, work on impactful projects, and create stories that inspire and educate. Their goal is to raise awareness of the importance of conserving our natural heritage and highlight pressing conservation issues. We are thrilled to welcome Lauren and Quintez and their talents to the team, and we’re just as excited to have you, our community, along with us for the adventure. Follow us and stay tuned to witness their incredible experiences, learn about their backgrounds, and see the world through their lenses. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Lauren and Quintez!