NASSAU, The Bahamas – The University of  The Bahamas (UB) along with GEF Small Grants Programme and Disney Conservation Fund are taking a lead in developing a shared understanding of the current challenges facing The Bahamas in conservation and climate change mitigation.

UB Acting President Janyne Hodder; Maria Oriakhi, VP/Academic Affairs and Joey Gaskins, Regional Director Public Affairs, Disney Cruise Lines today at UB announced a Conservation Conclave to be held February 1 and 2, 2024 at the National Training Agency, Gladstone Road.

The two-day conference-style conclave is intended to bring together public policy experts, scientists, activists, community stakeholders and industry stakeholders to address this landmark event.

Among the goals of the conclave: to develop a shared understanding of the spectrum of current challenges facing The Bahamas in conservation, climate change mitigation and national development; consensus building on proposed solutions to challenges related to conservation, scientific research, data sharing and environmental protection policy in The Bahamas; and an agreement on an action plan, decision making process and a framework for recommendations required to move forward.

“It is hoped that the dialogue will culminate with the development of a white paper which could advise the development of a national policy on conservation with recommendations for adoption by the Government of The Bahamas,” said Hodder.

With The Bahamas facing “unique” challenges as a Small Island Developing State, Dr. Oriakhi said the primary objective of the gathering is to “bolster” the conservation capacity for climate change mitigation.

“The conclave will employ a deliberative dialogue methodology fostering engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders. Our overarching goals include developing a shared understanding of the challenges we face, building consensus on proposed solutions and formulating an action plan for conservation, scientific research, data sharing and environmental protection policy,” she said.

Mr. Gaskins said, “Disney is proud to support this Conservation Conclave and we look forward to participating in meaningful dialogue that will no doubt result in concrete outcomes for the benefit of the Bahamian people and for the environment of The Bahamas.”

He noted Disney’s continued work in The Bahamas to advance public education, conservation and research efforts including protection of reef systems from stony coral tissue loss disease and coral bleaching, funding coral reef nurseries, protection of parrots, green turtles, the Nassau grouper and tiger sharks.