Franchesca Bethell

Cape Eleuthera Institute

The Cape Eleuthera Institute is a world-class research and education facility that works to enhance conservation initiatives and economic prosperity at local, regional, and global scales through research, education, and outreach. CEI was founded in 2006 to administer The Island School's (http://www.islandschool.org/) research program with study areas related to tropical ecology, marine biology, and sustainability. Research at CEI addresses several issues relevant to The Bahamas and other small islands, including waste systems, food security and renewable energy production. Our innovative campus models "green" technologies that promote energy independence and systems that transform waste into resources including the largest solar array in The Bahamas as well as the nation's first Bio-Digester. We also host visiting educational programs and field courses for students from Pre-K to PhD. Through collaboration and partnerships with university scientists, conservation organizations, NGO's and government officials, CEI contributes to national dialogue and policy-making efforts. CEI communicates research in order to inform marine and terrestrial resource management policies and encourage sustainable development initiatives in The Bahamas and similar coastal communities around the world.