Environment Issues Discussed at Friends of the Environment Workshop
By Nancy Kline - The Abaconian 1 May 2002

Forty enthusiastic people participated in a Friends of the Environment workshop held on April 13 at Abaco Beach Resort. They came from Marsh Harbour, Green Turtle Cay, Guana Cay, Man-0-War Cay, Treasure Cay, Elbow Cay and Nassau. Participants included government and business employees as well as retired persons. These men and women used their Saturday to discuss, question, think and plan about the future of the environment in Abaco. After a full day of effort, including a working lunch, they were still exuberant at the end of the workshop, with most staying for further discussions and planning after the meeting adjourned.

The workshop goal was to develop specific plans for selected environmental issues and get a commitment to carry out the plans. This workshop was a result of suggestions made at a general meeting of Friends in February at which current environmental issues were discussed. The workshop planning committee included volunteers from that meeting.

Friends, a totally volunteer organization has been. hard at work for the last 14 years and it shows. Bright colored "success posters" with specific environmental accomplishments were hung throughout the meeting room. The achievements include such things as the installation of boat moorings near fragile reefs, beach clean-ups, programs for school children and Abaco representation at environmental conferences.

Prior to the workshop, participants were asked to select three environmental issues they would like to participate in from the following: Abaco National Parks, Education, Environmental/Historic Walking Tour Maps, Fishing Licenses/ Regulations/ Enforcement, Oil Waste Disposal, Personal Water Craft/Airboats/Beach Vehicles, Pump Out Stations, Styrofoam/Recycled Products.

The issues with the most interest were selected in order to make the best use of the time. Consequently several topics were not discussed at this workshop. Those and other issues, of course, are still important.

After introductions, an explanation of the role of the facilitator was given and agreement on workshop ground rules, the participants divided into seven issue groups: Education, Fishing, Oil Waste Disposal, Parks - Fowl Cay and Little Abaco, Parks - Snake Cay, Personal Water Craft and Styrofoam. Each group discussed options and formulated specific plans. The largest groups had only seven members, so there was plenty of opportunity for everyone at the workshop to participate and give his or her ideas.

There was a working lunch, and in the afternoon issue groups reported the highlights of their plans to the group as a whole. After each report there was a brief period for participants to add suggestions, express concerns and/or a willingness to help with the plans. This was done orally and/or in writing. The plans of each issue group will be communicated as they are fully developed.

One indication of the enthusiasm of the workshop participants was the fact that only three people left before 3 p.m. when the meeting adjourned (the three had prior commitments). One group met again after the workshop, and several of the issue groups scheduled follow-up meetings within a week.

All of those who completed a workshop evaluation responded "Yes" to the question Was the Workshop Worthwhile? Evaluation comments reflected the positive mood of the group. A sample of these are: "Many people promised their time and will produce," "This was a very interesting meeting. I believe my time was well spent today coming here," "This was the first meeting I attended and it won't be the last," "I think everyone was hyped, just look at what we have done in just one workshop.''

Follow-up was eagerly anticipated by many participants with such comments as: "Workshop was great, must be several meetings after this," "We need more like this," "Looking forward to more workshops of this sort; this is the beginning of something great so let us go for the gold. The sky is the limit."

Anyone interested in participating, please contact Lory Kenyon at lajolla@abacoinet.com or 366-0121 or Erin Lowe at info@abacooutback.com or 367-5358

Anyone interested in participating, please contact Lory Kenyon at lajolla@abacoinet.com / Tel: 366-8121 or Erin Lowe at: info@abacooutback.com / Tel: 367-5358.