September 1st 2024 marks five years since Hurricane Dorian devastated Grand Bahama and the Abacos. As a Category 5 storm, Dorian was one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic, leaving behind catastrophic damage. Beyond the immediate destruction, Hurricane Dorian serves as a stark reminder of the accelerating impacts of climate change, especially on vulnerable small island nations like The Bahamas.
Small island nations like ours are on the front lines of the climate crisis. Over the past five years, we’ve witnessed firsthand the increasing effects of climate change—from warming seas and widespread coral bleaching to biodiversity loss and changing weather patterns. Blue Action was founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, with a mission to build resilience and drive positive climate solutions for The Bahamas and beyond. Our approach combines community engagement, sustainable practices, and innovative technologies to tackle the unique challenges posed by climate change, while building the blue and green economies in the region.
One of Blue Action Lab’s initiatives is Conservation Cove, an innovative biodiversity restoration hub on Grand Bahama. Conservation Cove is dedicated to growing the local blue economy by protecting and restoring critical marine and coastal ecosystems, including mangrove forests, coral reefs, and the queen conch hatchery.
Rupert Hayward, founder and president of Blue Action Lab, explains, “At Conservation Cove, we are addressing urgent challenges posed by climate change to low-lying coastal nations like The Bahamas while building a thriving new economy for Bahamians.” The core principles of Conservation Cove include empowering local communities to take the lead in climate adaptation. We’ve worked closely with residents of Grand Bahama to develop sustainable livelihoods that not only aid in recovery from Hurricane Dorian but also equip communities to better withstand future climate shocks.
Blue Action Lab has undertaken extensive ecosystem restoration projects, partnering with Coral Vita on a groundbreaking project to revitalize the reefs of Grand Bahama. Coral Vita’s work in growing and transplanting resilient coral species is critical for restoring coral reefs, which have been severely impacted by warming seas and mass bleaching events. These reefs not only provide habitats for countless marine species but also act as natural barriers against storm surges. Together, we are ensuring that these vital ecosystems can survive and thrive despite the ongoing impacts of climate change.
In collaboration with Waterkeepers Bahamas, we launched a major mangrove restoration initiative in Grand Bahama. Mangroves play a crucial role in protecting shorelines from erosion and storm surges. Waterkeepers Bahamas has been instrumental in replanting and rehabilitating these vital ecosystems, ensuring they continue to provide protection and support local communities.
A more recent addition to Conservation Cove is the Queen Conch Mariculture Center, developed in partnership with Dr. Megan Davis from Florida Atlantic University (FAU). This center focuses on the sustainable cultivation of queen conch, a culturally and economically important species under threat from overfishing and habitat loss. By advancing conch mariculture techniques, we aim to replenish wild stocks, support local fisheries, and create new economic opportunities for coastal communities. The Queen Conch Mariculture Center highlights our commitment to science-based solutions that benefit both people and the environment.
Earlier this year, two young Bahamian scientists, Lachelle Russell and Kristian Moree, joined the team at the Queen Conch Mariculture Center as Aquaculture Technicians. Rupert Hayward emphasized the importance of their work, “Lachelle and Kristian exemplify the cutting-edge career opportunities available in environmental sustainability. Their contributions not only support conservation but also generate economic benefits across industries—from fisheries, to hospitality, and research and development.”
Beyond environmental projects, Blue Action Lab is investing in the next generation of Bahamian leaders through their fully funded Chevening Scholarship. Each year, a young Bahamian receives the prestigious opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in the UK, with the goal of applying their knowledge to solve critical challenges facing The Bahamas.
Blue Action Lab funds all expenses for the student for the entire year-long masters program, including accommodation, tuition fees, flights to and from UK, and a stipend, making a world-class education accessible to those who wouldn’t ordinarily be able to afford it. This year’s scholar, Gabrielle Sullivan, is set to study Biotechnology at the University of Greenwich. Gabrielle, 26, plans to use the specialized knowledge gained from her postgraduate studies to address The Bahamas' food security challenges.
Addressing the climate crisis requires collaboration across sectors and borders. Blue Action has forged partnerships with local and international organizations, governments, and businesses to scale up impact. Beyond the shores of Grand Bahama, Blue Action is expanding its model into Barbados and Jamaica. These partnerships enable us to pool resources, share knowledge, and drive innovation in our climate solutions throughout the Caribbean region.
In 2023, Blue Action Accelerator was set up as a collaboration between Blue Action and Founders Factory. Blue Action Accelerator is designed as a seed stage venture capital platform dedicated to funding, testing and commercializing transformative blue economy technologies.
Blue Action provides access for innovators, entrepreneurs and researchers to practical testing grounds and living laboratories, as well as an ecosystem of strategic partnerships. We have strong strategic relationships with various global port companies including AltaSea, Port of San Diego, NYCEDC, Miami Dade and Grand Bahama Port Authority. Founders Factory provides world-class bespoke operating support, fundraising services, a global network, corporate relationships, and a remarkable track record in returns for investors. The first cohort of companies ranged from carbon capture initiatives to ecosystem accounting, including DRIFT Energy, Jeevan Climate Solutions, and Brineworks, to name a few.
As we reflect on the devastation of Hurricane Dorian and the ongoing impacts of climate change, it is clear that the time to act is now. Blue Action continues to grow and evolve as needed to address climate change at scale and velocity, and remains fully committed to driving positive change and building a sustainable future for The Bahamas and beyond.
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