2 weeks Ago By Youri Kemp Senior Business Reporter [email protected]
The proposed Kakona resort development in South Abaco is a threat to protected environmental areas, according to the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) in a press statement released yesterday. The BNT said it “categorically opposes” the proposed resort by developer SALDCO Ltd., noting that it “represents an existential threat to the ecological integrity and future of two Bahamian national parks: Abaco National Park and the Cross Harbor Protected Area”.
The BNT continued: “As it stands, this development would not only endanger the delicate balance of these protected areas, but also undermine decades of conservation work, risking irreversible damage to native wildlife and ecosystems.” The BNT continued: “With a development footprint spanning three large areas, including plans for a 225-slip marina, 400 residential units, and 90 hotel keys, the Kakona development would alter and disrupt critical habitats that these national parks were established to protect. The BNT and its partners have been dedicated to advancing the conservation of these areas for decades, working to ensure the protection of both terrestrial and marine ecosystems that are vital to the biodiversity of South Abaco.
“Abaco National Park, home to the northernmost population of the Bahama Parrot, is a globally significant conservation area. For over 30 years, the BNT has been actively managing invasive species that threaten this iconic, ground-nesting bird. The increased human activity, noise, and waste associated with this development will attract feral species like cats and raccoons, which could undo decades of conservation work and potentially lead to the extinction of the Bahama Parrot in Abaco.
Furthermore, essential parrot feeding grounds outside the park boundaries would be negatively impacted by the project, compromising the parrot’s survival.” The Kakona resort development was in the news recently when the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) wrote a letter to the media expressing similar environmental concerns about the project. There was a meeting held in Abaco by the developer last night, where it was expected to allay fears over the project.
The BNT further wrote: “In addition to being vital to the well-being of the Bahama Parrot, the Abaco National Park also provides a refuge for other endemic birds, including the endangered Bahama Warbler, the endangered Bahama Swallow, and the Bahama Yellowthroat. The habitats these birds depend on have already been fragmented by Hurricane Dorian and can face further collapse due to this development. The cumulative impacts of habitat loss and human disturbance in Abaco National Park present significant threats to the biodiversity of the region, and heighten the risks posed by climate change.
“Cross Harbour, another invaluable protected area, is equally at risk. The waters and mangroves of Cross Harbour serve as nursery grounds for a range of species critical to Bahamian fisheries, including snappers, groupers, and queen conch. It is also home to the pre-spawning site for bonefish, a cornerstone species for the local recreational fishing industry, which generates millions in economic benefits each year.
Increased marine traffic, habitat degradation, and potential overuse would compromise the delicate balance of this marine ecosystem, threatening livelihoods and local industries reliant on these resources.” The BNT wants more meaningful consultation with the developer about the environmental protection of South Abaco..
