Tourism Concern campaigns against development on Bimini islands

Tourism Concern continues to campaign with local Biminites and environmentalists from across the world to campaign to demand a halt to the development of a mega-resort on the Bahamian islands of Bimini.

The development, to be managed by the Hilton Group, is said to causing irreversible destruction to mangroves and marine resources while threatening the livelihoods of local people and the surrounding ecosystems. The Bimini Marine Protected Area (MPA), first proposed in 1999 and crucial to preserving the ecological integrity of the islands – needs to be implemented immediately.

In May 2008, internationally acclaimed marine conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau said the development was a ‘catastrophe’ and announced, “Allowing Bimini Bay to continue with phase II would certainly strip this island paradise of its precious natural riches. Over time, visitors and residents alike will suffer the decline of economic, social and environmental prosperity.”

Tourism Concern has posted a sample email/letter on their website, urging readers to send their concerns directly to the Prime Minister of the Bahamas and the Director for Sustainable Tourism. Click here to view: www.tourismconcern.org.uk/index.php?page=save-bimini-2.

About Tourism Concern
Tourism Concern is a UK-based organization/charity, with an overall membership ofnearly 900 people. They work with partners in over 20 destination countries to fight exploitation in tourism. Tourism Concern has played a crucial role in promoting forms of tourism that provide meaningful benefits to people in destination communities, as well as exposing and campaigning against tourism’s worst human rights abuses.
www.tourismconcern.org.uk

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