Grand Life Spring & Summer '24 FAW ENGLISH - Flipbook - Page 18
WHAT IS A SOTE?
Stewards of the Environment (SOTEs) are tour
guides who have undergone training in
environmental
conservation
and
mangrove
management to understand and explain the
ecology of the destination and who can share
valuable insights into one of the most unique and
nutrient ecosystems in the world.
ABOUT BPAF
The Bahamas Protected Area Fund (BPAF) is a
national conservation trust fund devoted to helping
ensure that Bahamian marine parks will have a
dedicated, sustainable source of revenue to employ
staff, galvanize local community support, purchase
equipment, build visitor facilities and monitor
ecosystem health.
ABOUT THE TOUR
Visitors and residents can create memorable
experiences to share with family and friends by
booking a mangrove tour with a friendly and
professional guide or Steward of the Environment
(SOTE). These stewards are tour guides who have
undergone training in environmental conservation
and mangrove management to understand and
explain the ecology of the destination and who can
share valuable insights into one of the most unique
and nutrient ecosystems in the world – mangroves!
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Grand Life Magazine
Guests booking the tour will visit the mangrove farm
at Waterkeepers Bahamas to select their
propagules/pups for planting at designated
coastal sites while learning about the role
mangroves play as rainforests of the ocean and
valuable carbon sinks. They will enjoy storytelling by
their SOTE and hear details of how many embattled
residents in coastal communities relied on
mangroves to protect their homes from the impact
experienced during Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
Guests can add complementary activities to the
mangrove tour such as an exploration of the
flourishing mangrove canopy at the Lucayan
National Park and a short visit to Dover Sound, the
site of much of the devastation caused by Dorian.
The Mission For Mangroves Tour is $75.00 per
person
for
active
participation
(Planting
Mangroves) at the Mangrove Farm at Water
Keepers. If you want to add other activities to your
Mission For Mangroves Tour, your chosen SOTE will
provide you with the cost of adding additional
experiences to your itinerary during your stay in
Grand Bahama!
For more information, email:
connect@waterkeepersbahamas.com
Please contact your SOTE for specific tour times.