BBP in Brief, Issue 4, April 2005

Science Alliance Conference: Sharing Scientific Knowledge of Andros and the Bahamian Environment
Larry A. Wiedman (University of St. Francis)

The 2005 Science Alliance Conference was held on February 4–5 at the “Love at First Sight” Resort on Andros Island, Bahamas. Over 150 scientists, officials, conservation practitioners, educators, students, and interested citizens attended to discuss and learn about scientific developments pertaining to Andros Island. The conference had many supporters including Forfar Field Station (International Field Studies, Nelsonville, Ohio), The Nature Conservancy, the Bahamas Sportfishing & Conservation Association, the University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne, Indiana), the University of Tampa (Tampa, Florida), and the Andros Conservancy and Trust.

Sixteen speakers presented on topics ranging from Androsian cultural preservation and sustainability studies of fishing and forestry to the current status of the new national parks in Central Andros. The conference was offered free of charge to all island residents with the cost being picked up by the researchers who attended as a “thank you” for the gracious hospitality, scientific assistance, wisdom, and historical help that has been so freely provided by Androsians. The special, symbiotic relationship between the people of Andros and the researchers was discussed throughout the presentations, including during the evening key note addresses by Ken Massie, the Bahamas Project Manager for the Caribbean Regional Environmental Programme; Chris Hamilton (Executive Director) and Eric Carey (Parks Partnership Project Coordinator) of the Bahamas National Trust; and Vincent Peet, Minister of Parliament for North Andros.

The three main outcomes of the conference were: (1) a renewed sense of cooperation between scientific, educational, governmental, and conservation groups that have interests in and around Andros; (2) a template for future conferences that highlights the uniqueness and concerns of Bahamian Islands with respect to scientifically-driven conservation and development issues; and (3) an exchange of information through presentations and side meetings among researchers, representatives of organizations, and local citizens. These results have certainly helped foster a sense of empowerment among the local people who attended. Proceedings of the conference are now being developed and will soon be available. Discussion of a follow-up conference to be held in three or four years has already begun. For further inquiries about the Andros Science Alliance meeting, contact Larry Wiedman at docw@fwi.com.