Protect Bimini’s Last Mangroves — Sign the Petition

Bimini is the fastest-growing area in The Bahamas — and also the smallest. The East Wells mangroves, our island’s last line of natural hurricane protection and the only estuary within 100 miles, are now under threat from development.

These mangroves are not just trees; they are irreplaceable ecosystems.

• They are the only mangroves along the western edge of the Great Bahama Bank — the next closest mangrove habitat is 60 miles away.
• They host over 370 animal species, including endangered smalltooth sawfish, hawksbill turtles and the iconic Bimini boa.
• They serve as critical nursery grounds for bonefish, groupers, snappers, Caribbean spiny lobster and queen conch — species that feed our community and sustain our economy.
• Their mature forests buffer storms, capture carbon and protect our shores from hurricanes.

This is not just an environmental issue — it’s a cultural and historic one too. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously visited these mangroves, finding inspiration here to pen parts of his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.

Despite their importance, Bimini is one of the only island chains in The Bahamas without a national park. In 2000, the Bahamian government identified East Wells as a high-priority conservation site. In 2009, a marine reserve was announced, yet 15% of North Bimini’s mangroves have already been lost, and development continues to threaten what remains.

The Time for Action Is Now

As Prime Minister Brave Davis said at Climate Week NYC 2024:

“The time for business as usual is over. The time for bold, transformative action is now.”

Establishing the East Wells National Park is that bold step. It will:

• Protect vital storm buffers and carbon storage
• Preserve critical fish nurseries and biodiversity
• Support eco-tourism and sustainable fisheries
• Safeguard an irreplaceable piece of Bahamian history and culture

We cannot afford to wait another 30 years. Once these mangroves are gone, they are gone forever.

Add Your Name — Sign the Petition

Help us urge the Bahamas National Trust and the Government of The Bahamas to formally protect this vital ecosystem. Sign the petition today and be part of the movement to save East Wells for future generations.

Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Sign now to protect East Wells.