Business View Caribbean | February 2020

7 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN FEBRUARY 2020 A irbnb and the Bahamas National Trust, a local NGO that protects 32 national parks in the country, are offering five participants the life-changing opportunity to take time away from the everyday grind to live in an ecological oasis with the Bahamas Sabbatical. While living across the nation comprised of more than 700 islands and 2,400 cays that boast some of the clearest water on the planet, the participants will experience The Bahamas in a new way as they work alongside Bahamians to bolster once vibrant industries and preserve natural resources to help transform a country that depends on visitors’ spending. These industries, which face issues impacted by a changing ecosystem and population decline, play a pivotal role in establishing autonomy and self-sufficiency for the country’s “family islands,” a moniker used by locals to describe how the hundreds of islands connect and belong to each other. In recent years, several Bahamians have stepped up to pave the way toward a more sustainable future for The Bahamas, bringing back traditional practices rooted in agriculture, ethical fishing, and coral reef revitalization. Through the Bahamas Sabbatical, these ongoing local efforts are complemented by The Bahamas National Trust’s mission as they team up with the participants tasked to support these growing industries, protect several national parks, and empower the community leaders shepherding these sustainability efforts. “The Bahamas is open for business and while we work to restore parts of the archipelago devastated by Hurricane Dorian, the vast majority is ready for visitors,” said Eric Carey, CHASE AWAY THE NEWYEAR BLUES AND MOVE TO THE BAHAMAS FOR TWO MONTHS WITH AIRBNB Executive Director of the Bahamas National Trust. “Partnering with Airbnb is an incredible opportunity to help further preserve our culture and resources and share our diverse country and the Bahamian way of life with the world.” Over April and May, participants will embed themselves into three beautiful island destinations - Andros, Exuma, and Eleuthera are among those that weren’t impacted by the storm - as they dive into local cultures and complete various projects in important natural areas. In Andros, where the third largest reef system in the world is located, participants will work alongside underwater and travel photographer, OPENING L INES