New Providence
United Nations Development Program representative hails BREEF's innovation in conservation​
By Derek W. Smith II
Oct 1, 2014 - 4:13:55 PM

Queen Conch Reef Balls: The non-toxin reef balls which were made by Bahamians with the help of the Reef Ball Foundation. These reef balls are a part of the BREEF’s Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Garden set for deployment the first week of October 2014 off the western tip of New Providence, Bahamas. (Photo: Derek Smith Jr/Impact Images & Designs)

BREEF’s Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden, the eco-friendly underwater museum to be deployed off the western tip of New Providence, was praised for their proactive approach to climate change concerns and marine conservation by a representative of the Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Program established by the United Nations Development Program.

“The Bahamas is a Small Island Developing State that is vulnerable to climate change that may result in the loss of marine biodiversity. The coral reef sculpture garden is both timely and adequate to enhance the resilience of The Bahamas to the negative effects of climate change,” noted Deon Stewart, GEF SGP Bahamas national programme coordinator.

Stewart added, “The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme - United Nations Development Programme was pleased to provide seed funding to BREEF in the amount of USD $150,000.00 to aid in the preservation of local coral reef ecosystems in The Bahamas.”

Atlas taking form: World renowned sculptor - Jason deCaires Taylor working on the unveiling of the face of Atlas an 18ft high and over 60 ton coral reef sculpture. Atlas is one of three centerpieces of the BREEF’s Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Garden set for deployment the first week of October 2014 off the western tip of New Providence, Bahamas. (Photo courtesy of Jason deCaires Taylor)

The coral reef sculpture garden is expected to attract thousands of visitors to The Bahamas while simultaneously promoting healthier coral reefs which are of critical importance to the Bahamian economy as they produce sand on our beaches and act as a natural seawall to reduce costal damage during hurricanes.

“BREEF is very concerned about threats to coral reefs. The coral reef sculpture garden is part of a wider GEF grant to BREEF aimed at protecting coral reefs, restoring reef habitat, educating and inspiring locals and visitors to get involved with protecting critical reef resources, explained Casuarina McKinney-Lambert BREEF’s executive director. She further noted, “We are grateful for financial support from the GEF, as well as other local and international sponsors including Albany, Atlantis Blue Project, Bryant Foundation, D’Aguilar Foundation, Dawn Davies and the New Providence Development Company.

BREEF’s Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden is the brainchild of Bahamian award winning artist, Willicey Tynes. The underwater museum is the first of its kind in the country. BREEF keeps the public updated on their educational outreach programs, environmental conservation steps and local and international partnerships at https://www.facebook.com/breef

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