In Conversation with Andurah Daxon

The Waterkeeper on hurricane recovery, youth empowerment, and embracing our environment

Andurah Daxon, Executive Director of Waterkeepers Bahamas.

Andurah Daxon is a vibrant advocate for the wellbeing of Bahamian waters. In her role as Executive Director of Waterkeepers Bahamas, she champions mangrove restoration and water security, and highlights the importance of education in conservation. Located in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Waterkeepers Bahamas operates under the Waterkeeper Alliance as part of a network over 240 Waterkeepers worldwide advocating for “swimmable, fishable, and drinkable waters.”

"A major issue [we see] is the lack of awareness about the significance of mangroves. After Hurricane Dorian, we opened a platform at our mangrove nursery to educate the public about the importance of these plants. We aimed to teach people about different mangrove species, their ecological benefits, and how to help restore them," Daxon states. 

Waterkeepers team at mangrove outdoor classroom at Conservation Cove.

Following Hurricane Dorian in 2019, 73% of mangroves forests were devastated in Grand Bahama and 40% in Abaco. Daxon and her team initiated a mangrove restoration campaign called Mangrove Mania. "We began to collect and replant mangroves, with a specific focus on areas on the northern side of Grand Bahama that were severely impacted," she explains. "Given our small team size, we reached out to community members, encouraging them to volunteer to assist with planting and start their own backyard nurseries. In our first year, we successfully planted 50,000 mangroves with the help of schools and civic organizations." 

The Bahamas’ three species of mangroves play a vital role in storm mitigation, creating a buffer to protect our islands from storm surges and high waves. She emphasizes the need for integrating mangrove awareness into new development projects. "We need to understand why mangroves are so essential to encourage stakeholders to create plans that preserve these vital ecosystems rather than destroying them." In the face of climate change and rising sea levels, the preservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems have never been more crucial. 

Andurah Daxon planting mangroves at Dover Sound in Grand Bahama.

Andurah’s commitment to engaging young people in climate advocacy is a cornerstone of her mission. She believes the next generation holds the key to a sustainable future, and recounts her time facilitating the youth program as a transformative experience, pivotal in reshaping her journey. “I taught junior high students how to be bold and to embrace their environment, instead of fearing it. It was powerful,” she shares. 

This reflection sparked a vivid memory of Daxon’s own experience confronting her fears during her scuba certification course. Surrounded by eager young learners, she was forced to confront her trepidation about sharks and stingrays. “I wanted to show the kids that we could conquer our fears together,” she explains. “Achieving this milestone was incredibly rewarding. I was so emotional and proud, knowing that I was setting an example for them.” In these moments, Daxon not only illuminates the importance of environmental stewardship but also instills a sense of courage and resilience in her students, embodying the very principles she advocates for.

Andurah Daxon with students from Sunland Baptist Academy. 2024.

Andurah Daxon with students at Maurice Moore Primary School. 2024.

“My proudest achievement has been witnessing the growth of the youth in our programs,” Andurah reveals. Over the past five years, Andurah has watched a remarkable transformation as her students in the senior cadet program evolve from tentative junior high schoolers to confident leaders.“Seeing them grow into environmental ambassadors and knowing that we played a role in their development is incredibly fulfilling,” she says, beaming with joy. She shares her students’ achievements, many taking their passion for the environment to new heights at organizations such as Coral Vita and BREEF. 

Andurah Daxon finds her motivation deeply rooted in the youth of Grand Bahama. “To see how many of them still look up to you, to feel their appreciation for the guidance you gave to them, the knowledge you taught them, and the discipline that you influenced over their lives, it’s awesome." Daxon’s unwavering commitment to empowering young minds through educational programs is a testament to her identity as a proud Bahamian woman dedicated to restoring the waters of her country. Her work emphasizes the importance of collective action and education as essential tools in the fight against climate change and preserving vital ecosystems.

Waynesha Thompson is a student intern at The University of The Bahamas, pursing her bachelor's degree in Small Island Sustainability: Environmental and Ecosystems Management: Marine Science. She is a creative who is passionate about learning, exploring and capturing moments of climate justice, environmental sustainability and sharing her knowledge with the public. She hopes to use her creativity to infuse the world with the importance of climate justice.