Leading environmental groups have gotten some serious backing in their continued push to persuade Disney Cruise Line Island Development from pursuing its multi-million dollar plans for Lighthouse Point in South Eleuthera.

Standing shoulder to shoulder with them is New York based organization Waterkeeper Alliance, which yesterday launched a new digital campaign – the focus of which is a new website, StopDisney.com.

The website argues that there are plenty of places in The Bahamas where Disney can dock its cruise ships, but there is only one Lighthouse Point.

Waterkeepers Alliance Executive Director Marc Yaggi believes Disney needs to do more than just go through a minimal government process in The Bahamas. 

He said Disney needs to seriously consider the environmental, economic and social costs of its proposed cruise port.

Environmentalists are calling on Disney to commit to preserving Lighthouse Point for current and future generations by finding a more suitable alternative site for its cruise ships.

The StopDisney website has an online petition. At last count, it had secured 2,000 signatures and climbing steadily.

However, Disney yesterday reaffirmed its commitment to only move forward with Lighthouse Point if the company can do so in an environmentally responsible manner.

In a statement, Disney explained that the company’s internal team of experts is working closely with Bahamians and other experts to develop a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan that aligns with the country’s deep and longstanding commitment to the environment. 

Disney added that once the EIA, which is based on more than a year of field work and analysis is submitted, it will be reviewed by the government and made available for public consultation.

There is also the renewed commitment that Disney will develop less than 20 percent of the property, employing sustainable building practices including an open-trestle pier that eliminates the need to dredge a ship channel, establishing environmental monitoring programs during construction and operation and donating more than 190 acres of privately-owned land, including the southernmost point, to the government conservation and public use, among other commitments.