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North End of Bimini. Originally slated to be a Marine Protected Area, the rich mangrove bay at north end of Bimini is under assault from unsustainable development. (Photos: Carrie Vonderhaar) |
The beautiful island of Bimini is facing a potential environmental crisis it has never faced before. Blatantly unsustainable building practices are resulting in the perfect model for ecological disaster that would rob its inhabitants of economic and environmental well-being in the near future. If left unchecked, the development threatens to increase the island's seasonal population by over 700%. Already facing water, energy and waste problems currently the island is far too small to accommodate such an overwhelming onslaught. Furthermore there are no signs of "green" material, technological, energy, consumption or waste solutions. In this day and age it is simply unacceptable for us to pilfer what is left of our potential future. The solution is being proposed by the BEST Commission but now needs public support. A Marine Protected Area (MPA) that encompasses North Bimini's Mangroves, the bay's shallows and the surrounding reefs is being submitted to the Bahamian Government for protection as a national treasure. This would not only afford protection for the islands' rich and unique nursery but would also ensure that its natural treasures will be enjoyed by locals and visitors for generations to come. By supporting the efforts of entities such as the BEST Commission and the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) we can all make a difference and change the current outcome facing Bimini. A small paradise island is under assault from short sighted unsustainable overdevelopment. This case is far from unique around the world but with our planet's health collapsing under our very eyes from a combination of our ignorance, inaction and, in some cases, the blatent disregard of certain entities for our future it is simply not an option to stay by the sidelines when we can still change the tide of our fate. There is still hope for this island but time is short and action must come soon or we stand to lose yet another battle in the struggle that will reflect in our very own survival into the future. In the picture above, the white scar in the background is just the beginning (phase 1) of a huge development set to expand and take over the whole north end of Bimini, an area originally slated to be a marine protected area by the Bahamian government. The mangrove expanse and the bay are a vital nursery for countless species such as conk, bone fish, lobster, grouper and shark that are integral to the well being of its people and the health of the ecosystem. For more information on what is happening and what you can do to help go to:
http://savebimini.org/
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On the border of the proposed MPA. Bulldozing and burning the garbage is illegal on Bimini but somehow is happening daily on the development site... |
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Destruction of the mangroves and nursery. It seems unthinkable that in this day any development would ignore the environment as a fundamental part of the decision making process, yet, it is happening right now just over 50 miles offshore of Florida... |
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Unsustainable development destroys ecosystems. This picture illustrates how the development project has flattened the mangroves, dredged the bay, created artificial islands, and has completely altered this part of North Bimini. |
Although phase one has already encroached into the proposed Marine Protected Area, allowing the construction of the proposed 18 hole golf course and even more condominiums in the next phase will level and fill in a huge section of this still untouched mangrove area of North Bimini.
One of the most controversial aspects of the Bimini Bay construction is the apparent overlap of the resort deep into the proposed marine protected area. |
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(to watch the video about Bimini please click on the photo)
Shot this year, the video segment was put together thanks to the tireless efforts of locals, concerned citizens, and volunteers who feel that the future well-being of this island is worth saving. By raising awareness to the problem, we hope to motivate all parties to a sustainable solution. Bimini is at a pivotal moment in time where the next decisions made will determine the fate of this island, its people and the environment we all depend on and enjoy.
By voicing concern to the Bahamian government, the Capo Group, Hilton Hotels, your local tourism board, Save Bimini, friends, neighbors, and others we can make positive change happen before its too late. Instating the proposed Marine Protected Area on Bimini (and other Bahamian islands) can help ensure economic and environmental protection for the future of Biminites and visitors alike.
"Ends of the Earth"
Click on each segment below to view the video (may take time to load):