Episode 5/8: Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (ECLSP)
Solo SUP-venture Around 365 Islands of Exuma Cay Chain (450km)
The Exuma cay chain is an archipelago of about 365 little islands and cays. In the middle of this 180-kilometer long string, there is a protected area of about 40 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide called ECLSP. This wildlife sanctuary was created in 1959 and it is the oldest park of this kind in the world, known for its pristine beauty, outstanding anchorages, and breathtaking marine environment.
Unlike parks in the USA or Canada, it is not a national park funded and run by the government, but is a non-profit organization relying on fees and donations. It is important to me to spread the word about this park because I love their mission and I was able to see the dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work of the people who run the operation every day. There is new operation management, a young and dedicated crew who are eager to put in long hours to not only protect the marine environment and modernize the park facilities, but also to patrol the area, protect the wildlife, catch poachers, and restore overall respect for the park. Outside of their usual duties, they help people who get stranded due to malfunctions of their vessels, weather, or who experience other types of emergencies. I personally met with a few members of the team and I enjoyed our conversations about innovative ideas coming to the park in the near future.
I also met Sara on Ship Channel Cay, whose boyfriend Nigel Bower owns the island and Powerboat Adventures enterprise. The outfit not only provides outstanding trips and services to their customers but also supports the Bahama National Trust, ECLSP and its environment protection programs. It was my pleasure to meet all these wonderful and dedicated people.
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