Environmental and Conservation Specialist Appointed to Curate Wildlife Education Programing
Nassau, Bahamas (March 29, 2017)– Baha Mar revealed today the appointment of Vanessa Haley-Benjamin as Chief Scientist at Baha Mar. In this role, Haley-Benjamin will oversee all wildlife education initiatives for Baha Mar resort guests, forge strategic partnerships with environmental organizations, collaborate with scientific research universities and direct Baha Mar’s overall conservation efforts.
Vanessa Haley-Benjamin joins Baha Mar from Perry Institute for Marine Science in Nassau where she served as the Manager of the Bahamas Program. Prior to that time, Haley-Benjamin was CEO of Save the Bays, a non-profit, non-governmental organization protecting the Bahamian environment through policy change, education, advocacy and legal action. She has also served as Director of Science and Policy at The Bahamas National Trust, overseeing the National Park System of the Bahamas. Haley-Benjamin received her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from College of Charleston and Masters of Science in Biology from Florida International University, and is currently pursuing her PhD.
As Chief Scientist at Baha Mar, Vanessa Haley-Benjamin and her team will engage resort guests with exciting outdoor classroom curriculums and environmental programs including coral restoration efforts, wildlife experiences, educational snorkeling tours, marine lab demonstrations and active participation in ongoing environmental research at Baha Mar. The programming will include rare insight into the care and conservation of marine life in the Baha Mar Animal Sanctuary, including endangered green sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtles, nurse sharks, southern stingrays, and over 50 species of fish.
“Baha Mar’s commitment and investment in advancing marine efforts and wildlife preservation throughout The Bahamas is what motivated me to join the team,” said Vanessa Haley-Benjamin, Chief Scientist at Baha Mar. “Our intention is to instill a sense of appreciation for the beauty surrounding us, and design programs that compel guests to leave Baha Mar as active participants in conservation and ultimately become environmental stewards themselves.”
“An overarching objective at Baha Mar is to redefine the island resort experience,” said Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar. “Baha Mar is working closely with Vanessa to introduce unique initiatives and meaningful opportunities for guests to become personally involved in Baha Mar’s conservation efforts throughout The Bahamas.”
The Baha Mar Animal Sanctuary will open to guests on April 21, as part of the first phase of the resort destination’s strategic opening, which will also include the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Baha Mar’s Royal Blue Golf Club and 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, various restaurants and bars, unprecedented guest offerings, amenities and activities, pool areas and dramatic fountain shows choreographed with music, film, and lights. The phase one opening will officially mark the birth of the $4.2 billion development of Baha Mar.
About Baha Mar
Baha Mar is a master planned $4.2 billion integrated resort development being purchased by Hong Kong-based conglomerate Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited (CTFE). The beachfront destination includes three global brand operators – Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood – with over 2,300 rooms. Additional amenities include 40 restaurants and lounges, the largest casino in the Caribbean with over 100,000 sq. ft. of gaming space, 200,000 sq. ft. convention center, 18-hole Championship Jack Nicklaus Golf Course and Golf Club, first ESPA flagship spa in the Caribbean, and over 30 luxury retail outlets. Baha Mar is a breathtaking beach destination with dynamic programming, activities and guest offerings located in one of the most beautiful places in the world – The Bahamas. For more information visit bahamar.com.