Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network

We’ve shown you what illegal kilns look like, why they’re dangerous, and how our officers are shutting them down.

Now do one thing:
➡️ Share this post. It takes 5 seconds and could stop the next kiln.

Report anonymously on the BahWILD App.

Kill the kilns. Save what’s left.

While many only see the smoke, our officers see the danger long before it reaches our communities.

For months, BahWEN teams have been deep in the bush — on foot, in the heat, across rough terrain — tracking down hidden charcoal sites, cutting off illegal operations, and reducing the wildfire, flooding, and environmental risks these kilns create.

This work is slow, technical, and physically demanding.
It requires training, vigilance, and hours of patient patrol.
And every time an officer dismantles a kiln, they’re preventing damage that most people will never see.

To date, our teams have dedicated hundreds of patrol hours and dismantled multiple illegal kiln sites across New Providence, protecting forests, neighbourhoods, and wildlife.

We thank the officers who continue to do this work quietly, professionally, and with commitment to country.

If you see something, support them by reporting it anonymously via the BahWILD App.

Kill the kilns. Save what’s left.
Protect. Investigate. Educate.

Illegal charcoal kilns are not legal — and many people don’t know that the penalties are serious. Cutting protected trees on private and Crown Land, clearing any land or burning charcoal without authorization violates several national laws.

BahWEN is reminding the public of their rights and responsibilities.
If you see something that looks suspicious: use the BahWILD App to report it anonymously.

Knowledge protects communities. Read the Acts!

Illegal charcoal kilns are not harmless — they are breaking the law and putting entire communities at risk.

The smoke from these sites drifts into homes, schools, and elderly care facilities. The trees cut today are the shade, habitat, and natural flood protection our communities lose tomorrow.

BahWEN is taking action, but your eyes on the ground matter.
If you see suspicious burning, heavy smoke in remote areas, or piles of cut logs:

📲 Report it anonymously on the BahWILD App.
Apple & Google Play.

Kill the kilns. Save what’s left.

BahWEN Contributes Enforcement Perspective to National Forest and Climate Strategy Workshops

(Nassau, The Bahamas) ... The Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN) participated in the National Forest and Climate Strategy Workshops, held November 24–25, 2025, at the Courtyard by Marriott in Nassau. The sessions were jointly convened by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Forestry Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, as part of the Green Climate Fund (GCF)-supported project, “Preparation of Strategic Framework to Reduce Deforestation and Forest Degradation in The Bahamas.”

Cdr. D Corneille presented to the group on enforcement related matters. BahWEN’s contribution highlighted key enforcement gaps, including illegal logging, unregulated land clearing, and limited coordination between agencies, while outlining opportunities for future capacity-building, technology integration, and interagency cooperation. She said, “Effective forest protection is not just about planting trees; it’s about enforcing the laws that sustain them. Strengthening enforcement ensures that conservation commitments translate into real, lasting impact.”

These sites are popping up across New Providence.
See piles like this? Smoke like this?
📩 Report suspected activity anonymously on the BahWild Tip App, available in Apple Store or Google play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details...).

Flooding Risk, Forest Loss, Fire Danger — Illegal Kilns Must Stop

BahWEN officers have uncovered multiple illegal charcoal kiln sites hidden within New Providence during its patrols over the last several months. These operations rely on the illegal cutting of native hardwood and protected trees, stripping the forest bare and leaving entire ecosystems exposed, increasing flooding risk.

Our team has identified over 15 sites, with active investigations currently underway.

These trees were cut without permits, without oversight, and without any regard for the health of our forests — or the safety of nearby communities.

👉 Cutting trees on Crown Land or protected forest areas without authorization is an offence under the Forestry Act (2010).
We are asking the public to stay alert. Illegal charcoal operations often begin with piles of freshly cut logs like these.
📩 Report suspected activity anonymously on the BahWild Tip App, available in Apple Store or Google play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details...).

The Bahamas Strengthens Regional Partnerships for Ocean Protection at GCFI78

(Cartagena, Colombia) The Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network joined marine leaders from across the Gulf and Caribbean region at the 78th Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute Meeting (GCFI78) from October 27-31, 2025 advancing new partnerships to protect shared ocean resources in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Held under the theme “Partnering for the Oceans: Merging Ocean, Climate, and Biodiversity Efforts Through Regional Marine Data and Innovation,” the meeting brought together scientists, small-scale fishers, NGOs, policymakers, and youth from more than a dozen countries. Hosted by GCFI, IOCARIBE (UNESCO), and PROCARIBE, the convening underscored the central role of collaboration in building a resilient Blue Economy.

Representing The Bahamas, delegates engaged in high-level discussions on sustainable fisheries, coral reef recovery, climate-ready management tools, and marine spatial planning. Throughout the week it was emphasized that small island nations benefit most when knowledge, data, and innovation are shared.

“Protecting a shared ocean requires shared effort,” the delegation noted. “The partnerships strengthened in Cartagena will help The Bahamas advance digital fisheries reporting, climate-smart management, and locally led conservation in our communities.”

The meeting also showcased the voices of small-scale fishers through the Fishers Forum, highlighted youth innovation during poster sessions, and mapped out next steps for regional data-sharing platforms. Key challenges—such as technical gaps, political will, language barriers, and resource limitations—were openly discussed, reinforcing the need for continued collaboration and long-term support across the region.

As The Bahamas moves forward, insights from GCFI78 will inform national efforts to modernize fisheries data, integrate climate and biodiversity goals, strengthen local value chains, and contribute actively to regional marine planning.

BahWEN Leads Multi-Agency Conservation Operation in the Exuma Cays

Nassau, The Bahamas – 13 November 2025 — The Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN) led a successful multi-agency conservation operation in the Exuma Land and Sea Park from November 6–9, 2025, strengthening enforcement presence and compliance across protected marine areas. The mission was led by FCPO Wilbert Gilbert with support from FCPO Deann Parker Davis, LWM Officer Tara Coleby, Trainee Customs Officer Jerone Bastian, and Forestry Assistant III Terrance Rodgers. The BahWEN team worked alongside representatives from the Bahamas National Trust, including Park Manager Bradley Rutherford, and officers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

Throughout the four-day operation, BahWEN executed coordinated land and sea patrols across key zones in the Exuma Cays and Eleuthera. Officers conducted vessel checks, verified fee compliance, and engaged directly with boaters and visitors to reinforce wildlife protection laws. The team distributed BahWILD Tips Cards to encourage the public to report suspicious or illegal activity, expanding community participation in conservation enforcement.

At high-traffic wildlife sites, officers conducted visitor outreach to raise awareness about the importance of protecting native species and fragile ecosystems. Tourists were reminded that feeding wildlife, disturbing habitats, or removing plants and animals is strictly prohibited within protected areas.

This joint operation showcases BahWEN’s growing capacity to coordinate enforcement efforts across agencies and sectors while protecting The Bahamas’ natural heritage. It also reflects the Network’s commitment to intelligence-driven operations, science-informed decision-making, and public education as essential tools for effective environmental protection.

BahWEN remains dedicated to strengthening national enforcement readiness and deepening collaboration with conservation partners as The Bahamas continues its work to preserve its world-renowned marine ecosystems for future generations.

BahWEN Brings Law Enforcement Perspective to Global Ranger Safety Panel at ACT-CON 2025

Hanoi, Vietnam — Commander Desiree Corneille represented the Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN) on a high-level panel on Strengthening Rangers during the ACT-CON 2025 conference hosted by EarthRanger. She joined international experts Louise de Brium, Andrew Lemieux, Donny Gunaryadi, Victor Sh*tuleni, Chris Doehring, and Bruce Jones.

The panel explored the growing risks faced by rangers working in remote and hostile environments, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger safety protocols, improved training, and institutional support. Discussions highlighted advances in surveillance, communication systems, and predictive technologies that are transforming ranger response times and enhancing intelligence-driven operations.

BahWEN stood out as the only law enforcement agency on the panel, offering a perspective often absent from global conservation conversations. Commander Corneille underscored the critical link between policing, environmental protection, and prosecution—an intersection essential to modern conservation enforcement.

The session provided a thought-provoking look at the challenges and opportunities facing rangers worldwide and underscored BahWEN’s growing role in shaping international best practices.

BahWEN Showcases National Enforcement Model on Global Stage at ACT CON 2025

The Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN) proudly announces its successful participation and formal presentation at the inaugural Applied Conservation Technology Congress (ACT CON 2025), held in Hanoi, Vietnam, from 3–7 November 2025. ACT CON served as a leading global forum for conservation, technology, and enforcement professionals. The Bahamas was represented by Commander Desiree Corneille, Sergeant Tero S. Ranger, Chief Petty Officer Ricardo Cummings, and Forestry Assistant III Wavell Hanna, all attached to BahWEN.

During the conference, the BahWEN delegation delivered a well-received presentation outlining the agency’s innovative inter-agency enforcement model. The team highlighted how BahWEN unites law enforcement, environmental agencies, and regulatory bodies to address wildlife and environmental crime through intelligence-led operations, strengthened community engagement, and strategic use of technology. Delegates emphasized BahWEN’s mandate to Protect, Investigate, and Educate. The presentation drew significant interest from several countries and organizations, many of whom expressed a desire to learn from—and potentially replicate—BahWEN’s collaborative approach within their own conservation and enforcement systems.

“BahWEN’s work shows that environmental protection and law enforcement are inseparable. As we strengthen our national capacity, it is essential that we learn from global partners and also share the lessons we are developing in The Bahamas. ACT CON 2025 reinforced that effective conservation requires courage, collaboration, and a unified approach to combating environmental crime,” said Commander Desiree Corneille, Designated Lead.

In addition to its presentation, the BahWEN team participated in a range of technical sessions on advanced conservation intelligence tools, digital monitoring platforms, remote-sensing technology, and data-driven enforcement strategies. Discussions on illicit logging, mining, and wildlife trafficking offered valuable comparative insights into shared regional and global challenges. ACT CON 2025 brought together experts, policymakers, and frontline officers from across the world, providing BahWEN with an opportunity to strengthen international partnerships and further refine its operational strategy.

BahWEN remains committed to protecting the natural resources of The Bahamas and advancing its role as the nation’s unified environmental law enforcement and conservation agency. Its participation at ACT CON 2025 reinforces The Bahamas’ growing leadership in the global fight against environmental and wildlife crime.

*BahWEN Participates in Landmark BTT 8th International Science Symposium*

The Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN) joined regional partners at the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) 8th International Science Symposium in Fort Lauderdale, held November 7–8, 2025. The event brought together leading scientists, conservationists, fishing guides, and enforcement agencies from across The Bahamas, Belize, Mexico, Costa Rica, and South Florida.

Representing BahWEN were Senior Lieutenant Danielle Morley and Able Seaman Donald Neely, alongside Captain Shawn Adderley of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. The Bahamian delegation also included partners from the Bahamas National Trust, The Moore Bahamas Foundation, and local fishing stakeholders.

The symposium highlighted cutting-edge science, hands-on conservation clinics, and regional discussions focused on landscape conservation, water quality, and habitat protection. BahWEN participated in the high-level enforcement roundtable, contributing meaningfully to regional dialogue on combating natural resource violations and strengthening cross-border cooperation.

The event concluded with expert panels on habitat restoration, species protection, and emerging conservation strategies across the flats fishery landscape.

Pending final legislation, BahWEN is poised to become The Bahamas’ lead agency for environmental, wildlife, and natural resource law enforcement, strengthening national and regional conservation capacity.