The Bahamas Project for Marine Conservation (BPMC) has allocated One Hundred Sixty Thousand dollars
(US$160,000) in funding to the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) to develop an updated Management Plan and Co-Management framework for the South Berry Islands Marine Reserve (SBIMR). This is one of the largest allocations ever made through a government entity.
The initiative is a part of a greater BPMC effort that seeks to improve the management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) throughout The Bahamas’ archipelago, thus creating a robust and sustainable framework for the country’s key natural resources. The full partnership of the BPMC consists of the Department of Marine Resources, Bahamas National Trust (BNT), Forestry Unit, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, and the Climate Change and Environmental Advisory Unit acting as the Project Management Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister. The BPMC project spans a total of 15 years and is centered on sustainable management and monitoring of Bahamian forests, mangroves, reefs, and oceans. Currently, the project is in its second year, in which key efforts are to undertake a Management Effectiveness Assessment for the existing MPAs in 2026.
DMR has awarded the Bahamas Undersea Research Foundation (BURF) the contract to assist with the
delivery of the ‘Proposal for the South Berry Islands Marine Reserve (SBIMR) Management Plan and
Resource Assessment’. This award is one of many that will take place under the BPMC project. DMR Acting
Director Dr. Lester Gittens said he looks forward to engaging with local communities to make all Marine
Reserves under their management sustainable and beneficial to those communities.
“We are excited to get the ball rolling with BURF after a thorough evaluation process and their demonstrated expertise, strong track record of delivery, and clear understanding of our objectives, which gave us the assurance that they are well-positioned to execute this project successfully,” he said.
The work on the SBIMR plan and framework will take 18 months and is expected to begin in March 2026.
Within the first nine months, BURF is tasked with producing an Inception Report, an Updated Resource &
Threat Assessment, and drafting a Co-Management Framework along with a Zoning & Use Plan. Additionally, the Draft Plan will include sections for a Sustainable Financing Update, Conflict Resolution & User Access, and Monitoring and Evaluation. In months 15 – 18, the consolidated Draft SBIMR Management Plan will be produced, followed by a Stakeholder Validation Workshop, Final Draft Plan, and the Final Approved Management Plan and Public Launch.
“We believe this partnership will significantly support our efforts and help us move forward efficiently as we move toward alignment with the BPMC strategic goals. We look forward to working collaboratively with BURF and the local communities to achieve meaningful and lasting results.” Dr. Gittens said.
