The Tribune

THE Bahamas National Trust and the Ministry of Tourism joined forces to celebrate World Wetlands Day by introducing Bahamian tour operators to two national parks on New Providence that protect wetlands and their associated flora and fauna. The workshop was held on January 30 and included a visit to two New Providence National Parks. " This was a wonderful way to celebrate this annual event' said Lynn Gape, BNT Deputy executive director. "Over half of international tourists travel to wetlands of all types but particularly in coastal areas the expenditure linked to wetlands can be quite significant. "This was an amazing opportunity to focus on key stakeholders who can insure that tourism in wetlands is sustainable and that tourism development in and around wetlands follows Ramsar's principles of wise use." The workshop was well attended by local tour operators including Majestic Tours, Leisure Tours, Bahamas Experience and by Ministry of Tourism representatives. More than 30 persons participated in a special presentation on wetlands and a number of interactive activities including Wetland Jeopardy. The group then visited the Harrold and Wilson Ponds, and Bonefish Ponds national parks which protect an inland wetland and mangrove wetland area respectively. According to executive director Eric Carey: "The BNT has through corporate and government support has been able to provide infrastructure at both of these parks which encourage visitation and nature tourism activities. "Both Bonefish Pond and Harrold and Wilson Pond offer a host of entrepreneurial activities from birdwatching to kayaking and snorkeling as well as visitor services which can make the experience just that much more enjoyable. "Yes, these parks protect essential habitat for wetlands bird and act as nurseries for a important fishery species but they also provide great recreational opportunities for Bahamians and visitors." Shelley Cant, BNT education officer, said: "The BNT would like to see wetlands that are currently under protection being used by local entrepreneurs. If people see that wetlands have value they will support more wetlands being protected. We feel our national parks offer valuable services to our ever diversifying tourism market." February 2 each year is World Wetlands Day. It marks the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Each year since 1977, government agencies, non-governmental organisations and groups of citizens at all levels of the community take advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits in general. The Bahamas was the 99th country to accede the convention on July 6, 1997. There are 160 contracting parties and 1,610 Wetlands of International Importance. The Bahamas has one wetland of International Importance, the Inagua National Park , specifically Lake Rosa which is protected within the park boundaries. It is also an Important Bird Area providing important wetland habitat for flamingos, large numbers of migratory ducks, herons, egrets and several species of shorebirds including the endangered Piping Plover.