FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, wife of Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis, travelled to Grand Bahama on Saturday to official launch the ‘Mangrove Mania’ competition at Coral Vita Farm.

Mrs. Davis was accompanied at the farm by Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey.

With several students present, Mrs. Davis took the opportunity to encourage them to continue being ambassadors of the environment and challenged them to do well in the competition, which is so important to restoring this integral part of the shoreline.

Mangrove Mania competition was launched in Grand Bahama on Saturday --challenging teams to bring in as many mangroves as possible so as to replant and replenish what has been severely damaged by hurricane damage.

Teams, whether schools, service organizations, fraternities and sororities, or businesses, were all encouraged to have at least five members and were provided with information packets so that when collecting the mangroves, they do it correctly.

The competition will be held over the next several years as the goal is to eventually collect one million. The goal for this year, however, is 30,000.

It is important to protect the shorelines, said Mrs. Davis, because there has been a lot of damage to the mangroves due to hurricanes and they are an important part of protecting the shores. “We all know they act as a buffer from storm winds and help prevent erosion and storm surge.”

Wherever it is needed, said Mrs. Davis, we need to strengthen it in Grand Bahama and Abaco.

She said they are looking for a minimum of 30,000 mangrove plants and challenged the groups to make that a minimum.

“I’m here to congratulate you all for having this gathering and congratulate you for having the energy and excitement that you have to go on this very important journey of bringing these mangroves in. We need it, we need you, please bring it in.”

Mrs. Davis then, assisted by Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Ginger Moxey, rang the bell signifying the beginning of the competition.

There will be three top prizes for the groups bringing in the largest number of mangroves, with the third prize being $2,000. The top two prizes were not disclosed.

Also present for the launch were: Sam Teicher, co-founder of Coral Vita; Rupert Hayward, Blue Action Lab; Rashema Ingraham, Waterkeepers Bahamas; Gail Woon, Earthcare; and Joseph Darville, Save The Bays.