Restoring and Building Climate Resilience at Rand Nature Centre (RNC)

Summary & Objectives

To restore key outdoor features at Rand Nature Centre and build resilience to enable rapid recovery of damaged ecosystems following storm events that can be replicated throughout The Bahamas. Project activities related to invasive casuarina control, will complement the GEF 2020 Project outcomes, for controlling the top invasive plant species found within 90 ha of park land and adjacent areas.

Objective 1: Biodiversity Monitoring Strategies
- Developed vegetative and avian assessment protocols at RNC with LLNPP lead botanist.
- Utilized avian standards from ‘eBird,’ Birds Caribbean, and National Audubon Society for assessments.
- Established 8 Permanent Monitoring Locations (PMLs) at RNC using GIS software.
- Implemented comprehensive terrestrial monitoring protocol for informed park management decisions.
- Maintained a biodiversity inventory database for LNP and RNC on GB, aiding ongoing assessments.
- Engaged volunteer students in plant care, resulting in the successful growth of various plant species.
Objective 2: Ecosystem Health Recovery
- Restored storm-impacted Lath House at RNC for 300 seedlings and damaged forestland recovery.
- Initiated plant and seedling collections for a native plant nursery despite staffing changes.
- Procured a hand-fed chipper through BPAF funding, enhancing IAS removal activities.
- Implemented measures for completing delayed activities, ensuring project continuity.
- Utilized mulch produced for landscape designs at Arboretum trails and paths.
- Procured signs for RNC with final designs undergoing adjustments for optimal print quality.
CBF project result indicator:
- 40 hectares of priority ecosystems under improved natural resource management.
Impact on national policy and invasive species:
- Influenced the 2013 National Invasive Species Strategy (NISS) by involving the public in invasive species management.
- Removed 3,636.00 sq ft. of invasive species, aiding native species recovery.

Project Details

Start Date

End Date

Project Duration

Implementation Status

Source of Funding

CBF Funding

Total Funding

Project Resources

Restoring Grand Bahama’s National Parks with Help from The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund

The Bahamas National Trust, with support from the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund, is restoring Grand Bahama’s national parks after Hurricane Dorian by revitalizing native plant habitats, improving trails, and restoring coastal ecosystems to boost resilience and eco tourism.

Other project details

Target Countries

Bahamas

Grantees

Bahamas National Trust

National Conservation Trust Fund (NCTF)

Bahamas Protected Areas Fund

CBF Projects Database

After over a decade of providing sustainable financing for the Caribbean region, the CBF has directly or indirectly funded an estimated 100 projects and initiatives that implement effective conservation actions. This database provides details of those projects.