BNT expresses opposition to South Abaco development

The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) noted in a statement yesterday that it opposes the South Abaco project being developed by Tyrsoz Family Holdings Limited, contending the development will negatively affect the flora and fauna of the area. 

“As stated by our allies, Sustainable South Abaco, the proposed development will directly reduce the quality and quantity of habitat available for bonefish, Bahama parrots and numerous other commercially and culturally important species,” the statement pointed out.

“This threat is compounded by the proposal’s economic shortcomings which could undermine the project’s success, leaving large areas of pristine terrestrial and marine ecosystems decimated.

“While the proposal includes plans to mitigate some environmental damage, these measures are not enough to justify the environmental degradation necessary to complete the resort, marina, golf course and other structures. One mitigating activity of note is the donation of land and funds to the BNT to support conservation activities. This concession was not the result of any request, solicitation, or suggestion from the BNT and will not influence the organization’s view of the project.”

Speaking to Guardian Business last month, developer Ronnie Ben-Zur said the South Abaco project will be a low-density, environmentally friendly, luxury residential resort that could have a total economic impact of $2 billion over ten years.

The company filed its environment impact assessment (EIA) with the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection last month.

Ben-Zur said major changes had been made to the project in order to preserve more of the environmentally sensitive forest and monuments in the area.

However, the BNT’s statement went on to suggest how the development will interrupt the ecological balance in the area.

“The proposed marina will disrupt the nation’s second-largest freshwater lens – the source of much of the unique biodiversity found in the area and in the Abaco National Park,” the BNT stated.

“In addition, construction and dredging will generate turbidity, which can disrupt one of the largest bonefish spawning aggregations in The Bahamas, coral reefs and seagrass beds in the area.

“Lastly, a significant portion of rare, old growth coppice habitat that supports Bahama parrots, Bahama warblers and other resident and migratory birds will be severely degraded. These are just three examples of the many negative impacts this and other unsustainable developments can have on the environment that supports our way of life. Allowing this development would mean sacrificing the ways of life people have come to rely on for a questionable chance at financial returns.”

BNT Executive Director Eric Carey said in the statement that a policy should be adopted in the country, in coordination with the National Development Plan, to find projects for The Bahamas that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

“Developments should be expected to do more good than harm to the environment, society and economy,” Carey said.

“This involves appropriately scaled construction coupled with efforts to seamlessly integrate the project with the surrounding economy, society and environment.”

The statement noted the BNT will speak to the owners of properties surrounding national parks and protected areas to gauge their interest in carrying out sustainable development projects.

“The Bahamas and particularly the areas surrounding the Abaco National Park and Cross Harbour protected area can be developed without sacrificing the natural resources in our stewardship,” BNT stated.

“Instead of sacrificing our natural environment for the promise of financial gain, we can capitalize on our natural resources while preserving their integrity.”

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/bnt-expresses-opposition-to-south-abaco-development/