Rebuilding with roots: how mangroves and tourism are restoring The Bahamas

Restorative tourism in action: rebuilding ecosystems, empowering communities

Hurricane Dorian left a deep mark on The Bahamas — one etched into the land, the sea, and collective memory. Grand Bahama lost nearly 70% of its mangroves, leaving the coastline vulnerable to future storms. But from this devastation, a powerful story of community-led recovery has taken root.

In the aftermath, local residents, NGOs, and government agencies like the Grand Bahama Port Authority and Waterkeepers Bahamas, launched bold efforts to restore the mangrove forests; nature’s first line of defence against climate disasters. These efforts weren’t just about planting trees. They became a rallying point for environmental education, citizen engagement, and a new approach to tourism

At the heart of this movement is the Mission for Mangroves program, co-led by The Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association and The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation. With support from other tourism stakeholders and NGOs, this initiative trains and equips Grand Bahamians – including proud taxi drivers, known as Stewards of the Environment (SOTES) and community ambassadors – to guide visitors through hand-on restoration activities.

Tourists aren’t just learning about mangroves, they’re replanting them. They see the before-and-after effects of Dorian, handle propagules, and connect with the very people who lived through the storm and are now leading the recovery. This immersive approach has earned a new name: restorative tourism.