The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is seeking to close the financing gap for the initial development of the country’s newest national park by hosting a fundraiser in Eleuthera on May 28.
Officially declared on September 7, 2023 after nearly a decade of outreach and petitioning, Seahorse National Park (SNP) at Sweetings Pond and Hatchet Bay Caves in Eleuthera protects what is believed to be the densest population of seahorses in the world. It also protects the historic Hatchet Bay Cave – one of the longest cave systems in The Bahamas.
This latest addition to The Bahamas’ national park system has the potential to become a world-renowned national park and a blueprint for sustainable recreation and tourism. To date, advancement activities have been funded through the success of the BNT’s 2024 Pig Roast event, which raised $162,000 towards the $500,000 estimated to be needed to facilitate the park’s initial development.
These activities have included purchasing and installing a mobile structure to act as the BNT’s temporary park office; clearing pathways and areas for trails and parking; and installing gates.
The next steps, according to BNT Director of Parks Ellsworth Weir, are to purchase and install solar panels, install running water, and pave the parking area.
“We’ve made a lot of headway since last year and you can definitely see the progress,” said Weir. “There’s been a lot of work done, but we just need to get to the finish line. Right now it all comes down to funding. That’s where this fundraiser comes in.”
The Seahorse National Park Fundraiser will be a cocktail event held in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera at the Buccaneer Club on May 28, 2025. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased online at http://www.bntevents.com or in person at the Buccaneer Club. Attendees will enjoy live music, a silent auction with incredible prizes, an open bar, and hors d’oeuvres.
The public can participate in the special auction by bidding on incredible items like Bahamian artwork, handcrafted seahorse jewelry, island tours, luxury escapes, and more.
Tickets do not need to be purchased to bid. Auction items can be viewed and bid on at https://www.32auctions.com/snpfundraiser.
BNT Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle said: “With this special event, we’re calling on the community to help us realize the potential of Seahorse National Park and build a lasting conservation legacy that benefits Eleutherans especially, but Bahamians as a whole. This remarkable natural gem is poised to bring unmatched value to local communities, and it deserves our commitment and protection. We’ve no doubt that with public and corporate support, we’ll achieve our vision for Seahorse National Park and be that much closer to reopening it for public use and enjoyment.”
Since its declaration, Seahorse National Park has been temporarily closed to the public to allow the BNT to conduct critical scientific assessments, monitoring, infrastructure development, and strategic planning to guide the sustainable management of the park and its resources. The organization hopes to soon reopen access to the public. This fundraiser will play an important role in making that happen.
Seahorse National Park spans 548 acres and has many unique natural features that are popular attractions. Once it’s reopened, the BNT plans to work alongside the Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation (BAIC), local farmers, and other stakeholders – including a developing Park Advisory Committee – to implement programs and infrastructure that will benefit both locals and visitors, such as an area for a local farmers market and a floating
dock.
The BNT remains committed to taking a science-based, sustainable approach for the development of Seahorse National Park and the preservation of its natural beauty and resources, and invites the public to support this endeavor through the upcoming Seahorse National Park Fundraiser. To learn more about this event, visit https://bntevents.com/.
To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: http://www.bnt.bs and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
The post BNT to Host Fundraiser for Seahorse National Park in Eleuthera appeared first on ZNS BAHAMAS.
