Earth Science
The islands of The Bahamas boast unique terrestrial ecosystems that are vital to our local environment and also to global biodiversity. At the Bahamas Museum of History and Natural Science (BMHNS), our Earth Science Education platform offers an in-depth exploration of the Bahamian landscape—from the resilient pine and coppice forests to the rich array of native plants used in our culture for food, medicine, and craftsmanship.
These ecosystems, shaped by centuries of natural processes, provide critical resources and insights into sustainable living. For example, the Bahamian pine forests, adapted to survive fires and hurricanes, play a crucial role in carbon storage and soil stabilization, making it an important ecosystem in the fight against climate change. Similarly, native plants like the wild tamarind and sage provide not only medicinal benefits but also serve as a window into how we can harness nature’s resources in harmony with the environment.
Our Earth Science Education platform bridges the local with the global, educating Bahamians about their natural environment while also introducing global audiences to the importance of terrestrial ecosystems in islands like ours. We focus on Earth science fundamentals—such as geology, water cycles, and climate systems—using The Bahamas as a living example. Understanding our unique limestone geology helps explain the formation of our islands and aquifers, while lessons on the water cycle are illustrated by our delicate freshwater systems and how they interact with the surrounding ocean. We also explore critical global Earth science issues, like soil erosion, sustainability, and natural disaster preparedness, through the lens of Bahamian examples.
