Marine spatial plan bus hits road to boost public awareness

A branded “moving classroom” was launched on Friday to take marine conservation and ocean management discussions directly into communities, as officials seek to deepen public engagement with the Barbados Marine Spatial Plan and its impact on daily life.

The initiative was unveiled at the Garrison, where Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment Santia Bradshaw said the branded bus would help bring conversations about the country’s marine future deep into communities across the island.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment, Santia Bradshaw. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt/Barbados TODAY)

“This bus is more than a vehicle. It is what we consider a moving classroom, bringing the ocean to the people of this island and to those who visit,” Bradshaw said.

The project would take discussions on marine spatial planning beyond “conference rooms and consultations” and directly into communities, creating opportunities for Barbadians to learn more about the national plan and participate in shaping the future use of the island’s marine resources, she explained.

“Every journey that this bus makes is another opportunity to raise awareness, to learn more about the Barbados Marine Spatial Plan, and also to look at how we can help to shape the future of our ocean space.”

Bradshaw insisted that marine spatial planning is relevant to all Barbadians, noting that the country’s economy and way of life are deeply tied to the sea.

“Too often discussions about sustainability, climate resilience and ocean governance remain confined to technical reports and meeting rooms, but the truth is that the Barbados Marine Spatial Plan affects every single Barbadian because every one of us depends on the sea in some way.”

The environment minister pointed to the ocean’s role in supporting tourism, fisheries, food security and livelihoods, adding that effective planning is essential for balancing competing uses of marine space.

“At its core, the marine spatial plan is about ensuring that we use our marine space responsibly, sustainably and fairly, balancing conservation, tourism, fisheries, recreation, renewable energy, economic opportunity and climate resilience.”

Minister of Finance Ryan Straughn underscored the connection between environmental stewardship and economic development, arguing that sustainability must remain central to national planning.

Minister of Finance Ryan Straughn. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt/Barbados TODAY)

“There’s no separation between finance and environmental sustainability,” Straughn said.

He dismissed the notion that environmental issues and economic issues should be addressed separately, saying Barbados has adopted a more integrated approach to policymaking.

“Our marine space supports tourism, the blue economy, transportation, coastal protection, investment opportunities, recreation and livelihoods,” he said.

As a small island developing state, Straughn said Barbados must both protect and responsibly utilise its natural assets to support economic growth and community well-being.

“We have to treasure our assets, protect those assets, but also utilise those assets to ensure that our citizens can sustain themselves and their families and communities.”

How Barbados manages its marine resources as a republic will be critical to building resilience and ensuring that future development remains sustainable, he added.

(SB)