From Bahama island info

The eco-tours were facilitated by Experiential Education and Young Marine Explorers. The students, guests and staff also learned about the medicinal value of many of the plants found throughout the wetlands of New Providence and the wider Bahamas. NASSAU, Bahamas — During the month of April 2,000 students and Sandals Resorts guests throughout the Caribbean were exposed to some of the region’s unique aquatic ecosystems, and taught the importance of the preservation of marine life.

In keeping with its mandate to protect and preserve the environment, the Sandals Foundation observed the entire month of April as Marine Awareness Month, which encompassed Sandals Resorts Reunion Week activities and the globally-recognised Earth Day.

In New Providence, students from St. Cecilia’s Primary School and Kingsway Academy, and about 28 Sandals Royal Bahamian guests and staff were taken on a tour of the Bonefish Pond wetlands where they were introduced to the area’s plant and animal species. Wading in the wetlands they encountered juvenile grouper and conch and even sea cucumbers, while learning about the various types of mangroves that harbour and sustain them.

The students, guests and staff also learned about the medicinal value of many of the plants found throughout the wetlands of New Providence and the wider Bahamas.

The eco-tours were facilitated by Experiential Education and Young Marine Explorers.

“The Sandals Foundation undertakes sustainable projects that fall under the headings of community, education and environment,” said Heidi Clarke, Director of Programmes of the Sandals Foundation. “We take preservation of our environment very seriously as so many livelihoods in the Caribbean depend on it.

“This month-long education campaign was implemented to bring awareness to students and our community members of how we, as well many throughout the world, depend on coral reefs and marine life,” she continued.

Here in New Providence, students from St. Cecilia’s Primary School and Kingsway Academy, and about 28 Sandals Royal Bahamian guests and staff were taken on a tour of the Bonefish Pond wetlands where they were introduced to the area’s plant and animal species. Wading in the wetlands they encountered juvenile grouper and conch and even sea cucumbers, while learning about the various types of mangroves that harbour and sustain them.The Foundation also organised more than 20 outreach activities across the islands of Antigua, The Bahamas, St. Lucia, The Turks and Caicos Islands and Jamaica.

In keeping with its commitment to environmental preservation, the Sandals Foundation fully supports marine education and awareness in the communities where Sandals and Beaches Resorts operate. The Foundation has engaged in managing marine sanctuaries, promoting awareness of the invasive lionfish specifies, and investing in turtle and conch conservation.

Additionally, the Foundation is working on developing environmental stewardship in Caribbean communities and schools through lessons, fieldtrips such as the Ride to Save the Wetlands, and its partnership with REAP, which includes establishing environmental clubs in schools.

The Sandals Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was created to continue and to expand upon the philanthropic work that Sandals Resorts International has undertaken.  It is the culmination of three decades of dedication to playing a meaningful role in the lives of the communities where we operate across the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation funds projects in three core areas: education, community and the environment.   One hundred percent of the monies contributed by the general public to the Sandals Foundation go directly to programs benefiting the Caribbean community.