NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Civil Society Bahamas has concluded its inaugural Land Forum and Geospatial Symposium with the release of a national action plan calling for the use of technology to advance land reform, equity and sustainable development across The Bahamas. The three-day event, held October 16-18 at the University of The Bahamas Nassau campus and streamed online, formed part of Geospatial Week 2025 and brought together government officials, academics, civil society groups, youth innovators and technical professionals.
The forum integrated sessions on land reform awareness, youth innovation and geospatial technology, creating what organizers described as an unprecedented collaboration between sectors. Participants joined from across New Providence and the Family Islands, as well as internationally.
A centerpiece of the event was the Youth Forum, where students from Akhepran International Academy and other local institutions presented geospatial solutions to long-standing national challenges. Demonstrations included the use of UAV mapping systems for hurricane recovery efforts in Abaco, real-time flood monitoring in Pinewood Gardens, data-driven approaches to improving drainage and road conditions in Nassau, and digital tools designed to strengthen sustainable agriculture and marine conservation. “These young minds have demonstrated that Bahamian innovation can solve Bahamian problems,” said Thomas Ferguson, Secretary of the Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors and President of the Bahamas Institute of STEM Innovation. “Their geospatial applications represent exactly the kind of homegrown technology leadership our Nation needs.”
The broader symposium facilitated robust discussions on land access, ownership frameworks, surveying costs for generational properties, environmental resource stewardship, and the economic implications of the recently enacted Land Registration Act 2025 and Land Adjudication Act 2025. Participants also examined marine resource management, mining, tourism development, food security, and calls for sustained Bahamian ownership of strategic ports and natural resource assets.
University of The Bahamas professors presented research on geospatial data systems while surveying professionals stressed the urgency of expanding training and professional development in the field. Students also received real-time input from scientists and technical experts to refine and potentially commercialize their proposals.
Civil Society Bahamas President Dr. Anthony Hamilton described the Strategic Action Plan emerging from the event as a “living, responsive document” that will continue to evolve. “This is not the final word, but the first draft of our collective future,” he said. He added that contributions from legal, academic, technical and community voices across multiple islands were “invaluable,” and encouraged public participation in upcoming town hall meetings to further refine the plan.
Senators and senior government representatives attended and engaged directly with participants throughout the hybrid-format event, which organizers said represented a rare and productive exchange between policy makers and citizens. The Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors also announced mentorship and training initiatives intended to build national capacity in geospatial science and land governance.
“The success of Geospatial Week 2025 demonstrates our nation’s readiness to embrace technology while honoring our land and heritage,” said Dr. Maria Oriakhi, University of The Bahamas Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost. “This is just the beginning of a sustained national effort and the University of The Bahamas was pleased to serve as a partner in this historical, national awareness forum.”
