DISNEY Cruise Line announced yesterday a $50,000 investment in the Bahamas National Trust to support conservation and expand educational programmes at Abaco National Park.

The pledge was unveiled at the Abaco Business Outlook, where Disney officials highlighted the cruise line’s long-standing ties to the island through its private destination, Castaway Cay.

“You can’t have conservation without community,” said Bradley Watson, conservation manager with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team. “Disney Castaway Cay has called Abaco home for more than 25 years, and protecting it is important to us. We’re excited to work with the community to support Abaco National Park and promote its important role in the Bahamian ecosystem.”

The investment will expand opportunities for students and residents to explore the park through eco tours, summer camps and outreach programmes. It will also fund ongoing preservation of the park’s nature trails.

Bahamas National Trust executive director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle welcomed the contribution. “Abaco National Park is a treasured sanctuary in The Bahamas. We are truly grateful for the incredible support from Disney Cruise Line that will help us protect this natural heritage and enhance educational programs focused on the park’s ecological significance,” she said.

The new funding builds on Disney’s broader conservation work in The Bahamas. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has awarded more than 80 grants totalling over $6.5m to local organisations. In collaboration with Disney Cruise Line and Disney Conservation, researchers and scientists have also planted more than 1,900 corals since 2007 to rehabilitate five reefs across the country.

Disney officials said the Abaco initiative reflects the company’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of conservationists and ensuring The Bahamas’ natural beauty is preserved for decades to come.