Women are making positive impacts on our environment through science, education and advocacy. In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, we spoke with seven inspiring individuals who have made significant contributions to BTT’s Bahamas Mangrove Restoration Project.
The theme of International Women’s Day this year is Accelerated Action. Together with our Bahamas Mangrove Alliance partner organizations and volunteers, we are working to plant 1 million mangroves by the end of the year. At the same time, we are working to improve protections for mangroves and other flats habitats nationwide. From the flats to the classroom to the offices where policy is made, women are a driving force for the conservation of our environment.
Andurah Daxon
Executive Director, Waterkeepers Bahamas
I am passionate about working with young people, and if I were to leave a legacy, I would hope it would be for positively influencing their spiritual and environmental perspectives. Our environment is crucial to the well-being of future generations, and I am dedicated to engaging young people in climate advocacy. I believe that the next generation holds the key to a sustainable future. My hope is that our youth will be bold and embrace their environment rather than fear it.
When I first started, I wished someone had emphasized the greater love and connection I would develop for the environment. When I was growing up there weren’t many people in the environmental sector teaching us about the importance of our environment or how much we need to be a part of preserving it. The intricate interplay of environmental factors and the realization that our world is interconnected has been truly eye-opening. It continues to amaze me how many people overlook the simple act of pausing to appreciate the beauty of our environment. From the skies above to the depths of the ocean, it’s all inspiring. Cultivating this love and appreciation for nature is something I believe we all should share. Perhaps if more of us truly admired our environment, we would see a greater commitment to addressing climate change.
Olivia Patterson Maura
Executive Director, Friends of the Environment, Abaco
I believe it’s important for women to be represented in science and conservation for two main reasons: first, to bring our unique perspectives to the table and to engage the powerful resource that we are. Second, to be models and mentors for upcoming young conservationists. I’m so grateful to the strong female role models that I was able to learn from and continue to be inspired by!
Positive change moves the needle toward your goal. In conservation, that looks like supportive policies, strong partnerships, and effective actions. To me, positive change doesn’t just have direct implications; it also inspires other improvements in your network or community – helping to ensure the sustainability of your work and its long-term positive impacts.
Denise Mizell
Abaco Program Manager, Perry Institute for Marine Science
I hope to leave a legacy of empowering young Bahamians passionate about the environment by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to become stewards of their surroundings, whether in marine or terrestrial ecosystems, research, social science, or on a local, national, or regional scale. I often find myself asking, “What can I do to help mentor the next generation?”
I often wish there had been a female role model who would have said to me, “Join us, and here’s how and where you can gain the knowledge and skills to become an environmental scientist.” Scientists shouldn’t be distinguished because we’re women; we should be distinguished by our accomplishments.
Leah Portillo
Teacher, Bishop Michael Eldon School
I want my students to remember me as someone who took them out of their comfort zone and planted mangroves with them. The person who made them view conservation as a thankless job but a fulfilling one. May they always cherish and appreciate what they have.
Nadia Harris
Student, Bishop Michael Eldon School
I would like to be remembered by my contribution to my island and my country through environmental preservation and beautification. I believe it is important for women to be involved in science because we are half of the world’s population, and with twice as many great minds working together, great strides in the field can be made.
Rashema Ingraham
Caribbean Program Director, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
The theme of International Women’s Day this year is Accelerated Action. At the intersection of environmental restoration, policy advocacy, and community engagement, Accelerated Action means turning urgency into coordinated, high-impact change —leveraging policy, technology, community power, and strategic social and economic partnerships to protect The Bahamas’ ecosystems before it’s too late.
Nina Sanchez
Bahamas Education Program Coordinator, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
Women bring unique perspectives, experiences, and strengths that are vital for the success of marine conservation. Involving women in this field ensures a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing environmental challenges. It also empowers women and girls to become leaders and advocates for the environment in their communities. The more our young ladies know about our marine ecosystems here in The Bahamas, the more likely we will be able to conserve and protect them while fostering a culture of sustainability and respect for nature.
