Resource Mobilization Information Digest
N
o
42
March 2013
Sectoral Integration in Bahamas
Contents
1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Integration of biodiversity concerns in sectoral plans, policies and projects ............................................... 3
2. Agriculture Resources Sector Five Year Plan ............................................................................................ 3
3. Marine Resources Sector Five Year Plan ................................................................................................... 4
4. Forestry ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
5. Tourism ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
6. The Bahamas National Trust Strategic Five Year Plan (2008-2013) .......................................................... 8
7. Network of Protected Areas ..................................................................................................................... 9
Sectoral Coordination ................................................................................................................................. 10
8. Inter-Ministerial Coordination ................................................................................................................ 10
9. Legal and Regulatory Framework ........................................................................................................... 11
Cross-sectoral Integration (mainstreaming) Biodiversity ........................................................................... 11
10. Multi-sectoral Committees ................................................................................................................... 11
11. Co-management Partnerships .............................................................................................................. 14
12. Land Use Project ................................................................................................................................... 15
13. The Bahamas Land Use, Policy and Administration Project (LUPAP) ................................................... 15
14. Cross-sectoral Strategies ....................................................................................................................... 16
Regional Partnerships and Projects ............................................................................................................ 16
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15. International Agreements ..................................................................................................................... 16
16. Mitigating the threat of Invasive Alien Species in the Insular Caribbean (MTIASIC) ............................ 17
17. Integrating Watershed and Coastal Areas Management (IWCAM) Project ......................................... 18
18. The Caribbean Challenge ...................................................................................................................... 19
19. Regional Initiative of The Caribbean Sub-Region for the Development of a Sub-regional strategy to
implement the Ramsar Convention ............................................................................................................ 20
20. Integration of Biodiversity in Environmental Impact Assessments and Strategic Environmental
Assessments. ............................................................................................................................................... 20
21. The Way Forward: Enhancing Cross-Sectoral Integration (Mainstreaming) of Biodiversity in The
Bahamas ...................................................................................................................................................... 21
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1. Introduction
Bahamas reported
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on integration of biodiversity concerns in sectoral plans, policies and projects,
including agriculture resources sector five year plan, marine resources sector five year plan, forestry,
tourism, the Bahamas national trust strategic five year plan (2008-2013), network of protected areas;
sectoral coordination, such as inter-ministerial coordination, legal and regulatory framework; cross-
sectoral integration (mainstreaming) biodiversity, for instance, multi-sectoral committees, co-
management partnerships, land use project, the Bahamas land use, policy and administration project,
cross-sectoral strategies; regional partnerships and projects, such as international agreements,
mitigating the threat of invasive alien species in the insular Caribbean, integrating watershed and coastal
areas management project, the Caribbean challenge, regional initiative of the Caribbean sub-region for
the development of a sub-regional strategy to implement the Ramsar convention; integration of
biodiversity in environmental impact assessments and strategic environmental assessments; the way
forward: enhancing cross-sectoral integration (mainstreaming) of biodiversity in the Bahamas.
Integration of biodiversity concerns in sectoral plans, policies and projects
2. Agriculture Resources Sector Five Year Plan
The Five Year Plan for Agriculture and Marine Resources (2010 - 2014) was developed with the
assistance of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States (FAO) through a Rapid
Assessment process. The Rapid Assessment entailed review of existing literature, consultations with key
stakeholders and inter-island subsector teams for specific thematic areas. The thematic areas focused
on in agriculture were: vegetables, root crops and herbs; tree crops; ornamental horticulture, livestock,
agro-processing; land and water. The policy framework for The Bahamas agriculture resources is based
on the long term development and conservation of the national agricultural resource base as well as the
protection of the country’s future capacity to produce.
The specific agriculture objectives are:
• Vegetable, root crop and herbs: Increase in production and productivity of selected
commodities for import substitution.
• Tree crops: Develop, expand and improve the existing tree crop production systems.
• Ornamental horticulture: Engagement and intensification of ornamental systems in The
Bahamas.
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Bahamas (2011). The Fourth National Biodiversity Report of the Bahamas to the UNCBD, Ministry of the
Environment, June 2011, 139 pp.
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• Livestock: Establish a system of integrated livestock production, allowing for access to markets
and based on principles of sustainable development so as to improve livelihoods, food security and
animal health and welfare.
• Agro-processing: To support the cottage type processing industries in the sparsely populated
Family Islands and encourage and strengthen the links between the commercial agro processors and
the farming communities to minimize the periods and levels of gluts.
• Land and water: To promote sustainable use of land and water resources in agriculture.
Management Objectives of the Agriculture Sector Plan for addressing threats to agriculture biodiversity
Invasive Species
An ornamental research and development programme will be established within the Gladstone Road
Agricultural Complex (GRAC) with the initial research priority being, to investigate possible invasive
species pathways for importations from Florida and mites which affect the Ficus species.
Recommendations from the research would be considered for improved legislation and regulatory
protocols within the industry.
Diseases
To combat diseases, the DOA will establish experimental investigations in tree crop diseases and
production systems in order to provide appropriate technologies. Measures will be taken to improve
the Tree crop research capabilities at the GRAC. In addition, a tree crop plant nursery will be established
at Bahamas Agricultural Research Centre BARC to multiply selected planting material for cultivation by
producers.
Land Conversion
Currently in The Bahamas, even though land may be zoned as agricultural land, the land may be re-
zoned and used for a different use. In order to combat this, Department of Agriculture (DOA) is
proposing the development of a land evaluation system and land zone map for agricultural lands.
3. Marine Resources Sector Five Year Plan
The policy framework for The Bahamas marine resources is based on the conservation and sustainable
use of fisheries resources and the marine environment for the benefit of current and future generations
of all Bahamians (DMR, 2009).
The specific marine resources objectives are (DMR, 2009):
• Ensure that the fishing issues are integrated into the policy and decision-making process
concerning coastal zone management;
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• Take into account traditional knowledge and interests of local communities, small-scale artisanal
fisheries and indigenous people in development and management programs;
• Ensure effective monitoring and enforcement with respect to fishing activities;
• Promote scientific research with respect to fisheries resources;
• Promote a collaborative approach to freshwater and marine management;
• Maintain and restore populations of marine species at levels that can produce the optimal
sustainable yield as qualified by relevant environmental and economic factors, taking into
consideration relationships among various species;
• Protect and restore endangered marine and freshwater species (e.g., marine turtles);
• Promote the development and use of selective fishing gear and practices that minimize waste in
the catch of target species and minimize by-catch of non-target species;
• Cooperate with other nations in the management of shared or highly migratory stocks;
• Preserve rare or fragile ecosystems, as well as habitats and other ecologically sensitive areas,
especially coral reef ecosystems, estuaries, mangroves, sea grass beds, and other spawning and
nursery areas; and
• Develop and increase the potential of living marine resources to meet human nutritional needs,
as well as social, cultural, economic and development goals in a manner that would ensure sustainable
use of the resources.
A few of the priority areas for development are:
• Creation of a data collection system to provide necessary biological, economic and social data
for assessment and management for all major species/fisheries;
• Promote efforts to reduce the amount of Lionfish in The Bahamas;
• Approve a Government policy for aquaculture and provide the legal framework for aquaculture
in The Bahamas; and
• Consult with the public to develop a marine reserve network/national marine park network.
Management Objectives of the Fisheries Sector Plan for addressing threats to marine biodiversity:
Lionfish
In 2009, DMR in conjunction with the College of The Bahamas Marine Environmental studies Institute
(COB-MESI) developed a National Lionfish Response Plan which has been incorporated as an activity
into the 5 year strategic plan for marine resources. Through GEF funding, studies will be conducted on
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the effects to lionfish populations and other marine species populations in areas where lionfish will be
captured and removed. An educational and outreach programme will also be undertaken to educate
people about the policies and regulations that will be developed to manage Lionfish in The Bahamas.
Illegal Fishing
To help combat illegal fishing, The Bahamas intends to conduct additional patrols and investigations
during the spiny lobster and Nassau Grouper closed seasons, to address illegal fishing in the
southeastern and northwestern areas of The Bahamas. The GOB purposes to develop the necessary
diplomatic contacts to reduce illegal fishing/poaching by Dominican Republic fishermen in the southern
Bahamas and US fisherman in the north western Bahamas.
Data (Biological, economic, social)
A data collection system is to be fully implemented by 2014 to provide the necessary biological,
economic and social data for assessment and management for all major species. A Fisheries Census will
be collected by the end of 2011 as part of the dataset. The data will be posted on the DMR website for
access to the general public.
Regulatory Review
By 2014, a regulatory review will be completed to ensure that all major fisheries are covered by
adequate regulations. Issues such as lionfish, aquaculture, and licensing requirement for certain types
of gears and vessels will be considered for incorporation into the legislation/regulations.
4. Forestry
The Bahamas has taken steps to develop a national forestry programme for the sustainable
management of all forest resources, by the enactment of the Forestry Act, 2010. The Department of
Forestry will be under the Ministry of The Environment. The Forestry Act provides protection to
wetlands, endemic flora and fauna and protected trees. The key objectives of the Forestry Act are to:
• Provide a legal framework for the long-term sustainable management of forests;
• Establishment of a Governmental forestry agency;
• Appoint a Director of Forestry;
• Establish a permanent forest estate;
• Declaration of protected trees; and
• Licensing of timber cutting activities.
The Act specifically addresses the following biodiversity concerns:
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• Section 4 of the Act under subsections (e) (f) (g) (h) (l) and (m) mandates that the Forestry Plan
include resources assessment and continuous monitoring activities.
• Section 4 of the Act under subsection (g) and (h) mandates that the Forestry Plan include these
activities.
• Section 5 of the Act mandates that the Director of Forestry develop such plans that included
ways and means for sustaining resources.
• Section 8 of the Act classes forest into the following designations Forest Reserves, Protected
Forests and Conservation Forests
• Section 9 of the Act specifies how the Forest Management Plans are to be formulated by the
Director of Forestry.
This Act mandates that a National Forest Plan be developed every five years to govern management
activities, such as harvesting and reforestation measures, prescriptions for fire prevention, wildfire
suppression and prescribed burning and soil and water conservation. The GOB is partnering with FAO to
develop a five year National Forest Plan. The Department of Forestry has a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the BNT. The MOU provides for financial assistance in establishing
programmes to protect and manage the protected forest reserves.
5. Tourism
In 1994, a sustainable tourism policy, guidelines and implementation strategy was developed for the Out
Islands of The Bahamas by the Department of Regional Development and Environmental Secretariat for
economic and social affairs organization of American States. The purpose of the report was to “define
policies for all components of the travel industry in order to minimize impact on the environment,
restore destroyed environments and protect endangered landscapes and species” (MOT, 1994). The
report consists of a series of policies, with goals, objectives and targets, along with a road map for
achieving the policy. The policies paper addressed green management of accommodation facilities,
EIAs, protection of marine resources, water conservation, sustainable tourism planning and an
environmental educational campaign.
The green management of accommodation facilities encouraged hotels to have an environmental
statement along with an environmental programme that extended into the local community by
discouraging the use of environmentally damaging cleansing agents, and encourage energy conservation
through the use of fluorescent light bulbs and low flow water fixtures. The use of locally sourced
materials for construction and food was encouraged. EIAs were encouraged as method to assess and
preserve the ecological sustainability of the environment. The protection of the marine resources was
encouraged by requiring marinas to have pump out facilities. Water conservation was encouraged by
setting restrictions on use of freshwater lens and by recycling of the wastewater effluent and grey
water. The policy also outlined the formation of a Sustainable Tourism Development Unit. Even though
the entire plan was not implemented, MOT has undertaken projects dealing with aspects of sustainable
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tourism, such as the Blue Flag Marina Certification Programme, The Coastal Awareness Committee and
the Birding Program.
The Blue Flag Marina is implemented through the MOT and BREEF. The Blue Flag Program is a voluntary
eco-label environmental certification program which is renewed annually for beaches and marina. The
categories in which participants are evaluated are: Environmental Education and Information,
Environmental Management, Safety & Services, and Water Quality. The major partners for this initiative
are UNEP, UNWTO, IUCN, ILS, ICOMIA, EUCC and EU. Currently, The Bahamas has 3 marinas with Blue
Flag Certification, the Old Bahama Bay (1st in the Caribbean) (5 years), Atlantis (4 years) and Cape
Eleuthera Marina (2 years).
The National Coastal Awareness Committee chaired by the MOTA is a group of stakeholders drawn from
the private and public sectors, with an aim to educate the public on the threats to our coastal
environment. Some of the activities of the project involve radio and television ads, national school
competitions, field trips for children to various ecosystems, radio and television awareness programs
and coastal clean-ups and exhibitions.
The Bird Watching Programme is an initiative between the MOT and BNT. A draft manual is being
peered reviewed. The manual will be used to train birding guides. Some of the topics covered in the
manual are how to conduct birding tours, identification of birds and trees in which birds nest.
In 2005, a sustainable tourism project for small hotels was undertaken by The Bahamas Hotel
Association. Funding was provided through a grant from the Multi-Lateral Investment Fund of the Inter-
American Development Bank. The project’s main objective was to improve the competitiveness of 10
islands that have been designated as pilot destinations in The Bahamas. The end result of the plan is to
obtain a new mix of diversified tourist products and packages appealing to specific markets such as
heritage eco, cultural and nature tourism. In Exuma, linkages were created between the farers and the
small hoteliers. As a result of the linkage, farmers started producing some of the products required for
the small hotels, allowing them to purchase local goods.
6. The Bahamas National Trust Strategic Five Year Plan (2008-2013)
The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) was established in 1959 by an Act of Parliament for the protection of
the environment. The BNT is a unique collaboration of the private, scientific, and government sectors,
and is the only non-governmental organization to manage a country’s entire national park system. The
Vision of its Strategic Plan is a “Comprehensive system of national parks and protected areas, with every
Bahamian embracing environmental stewardship” (BNT, 2007). The Plan outlines three primary
programmes (National Park Management, Public Education and Environmental Advocacy) and three
support programmes (Membership growth and Fundraising, Financial Development and Institutional
Development) all to be implemented. The goals of the projects are as follows:
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• National Park Management – To effectively manage the nation’s system of parks and protected
areas by creating general management plans for two additional parks per year during the next five
years and by implementing programmes to reduce the impacts of invasive species.
• Public Education - To inspire greater environmental stewardship through diverse educational
programmes by implementing a public awareness programme for the sustainable use of wetlands, by
creating an accessible and comprehensive reference library on The Bahamas environment and by
developing materials and teaching resources in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and other
agencies.
• Environmental Advocacy - To advise decision-makers on ways to balance economic
development with natural resource protection by collaborating with others on critical environmental
issues and by making recommendations to the appropriate governmental agencies on environmental
issues.
7. Network of Protected Areas
Several agencies assist in the management of protected areas in The Bahamas. The DOA for the Wild
Bird Reserves, the DMR for the Marine Reserves, the MTE for Conservation of Forests and the BNT for
the system of National Parks. From the Protected Area Management Effectiveness report (2009) the
following protected areas were identified as facing the most threats and pressures are North Bimini,
South Berry Island, Exuma Marine Reserve – Jewfish, Lucayan, Inagua and Abaco and that the relatively
secure and unthreatened protected areas include Moriah, Exuma, Andros Reef, Andros Crab, Rand, and
the New Providence protected areas. Currently, there are no sustainable financing plans in place that
support the national systems of protected areas. However, the National Parks that are under the
management of The Bahamas National Trust receives $1.25 Million annually from the GOB and raises
the rest of its budget through grants, membership fees and private donations.
The existing marine protected areas in The Bahamas comprise approximately 154,011 hectares, spread
over 10 national parks and three marine reserves (BEST, 2009a). They include coastal and open ocean
sites, inclusive of seabird nesting sites, turtle nesting beaches, coastal mangroves, seagrass beds, coral
reefs and spawning aggregation sites. Species protected as a result of these areas include, but are not
limited to, the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas), Nassau Grouper (Epinephelus striatus) and West Indian
Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) and endemic Rock iguanas (Cyclura spp.).
In 2000, the Minister responsible for Fisheries announced the creation of five marine reserve sites North
Bimini, The Berry Islands, South Eleuthera, Exuma and Abaco. The intent of the marine reserves are for
the maintenance of marine life and habitat in an undisturbed state and for the replenishment of
fisheries while the marine parks were created primarily for the purpose of enhancing recreational use of
coastal waters. The proposed areas, all fall under category IV, Habitat/Species Management Area, of the
IUCN categories for protected area management (Fisheries website).
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In addition to the five marine reserves, The Bahamas has nine marine parks, which are managed by BNT,
the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (1958); Moriah Harbor Cay, Exuma; Pelican Cays Land and Seas Park,
Abaco; Black Sound, Abaco; Walker’s Cay, Abaco; Union Creek, Inagua; West side of Andros National
Park; Andros Barrier Reef National Park; and Bonefish Pond, New Providence. The Exuma Cays Land and
Sea Park was designated a no take zone in 1986. Casual observation and scientific research
demonstrate that the fish are larger and more abundant within the park than outside of the park limits
(Sluka etal.). To help sustain the marine resources, The Bahamas has committed to protect and manage
20% of the marine resources by 2020.
Under the coordination of the National Implementation Support Programme (NISP) Committee, a
Master Plan for the National Protected Area System was created and has been presented to the GOB for
approval. This plan outlines national activities that are to be completed over the next ten years. To
facilitate the Program of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA), The Bahamas started a Full Sized GEF
Project (2010) – “Building a Sustainable National Marine Protected Area Network” to assist in the
expansion and sustainability of the marine protected area network. The goal of the project is to expand
protected areas of globally significant marine biodiversity and increase the management effectiveness of
the national marine protected area network across the Bahamian archipelago. The three demonstration
projects are 1) controlling invasive species (Lionfish) in protected areas (DMR), 2) assessing the impacts
of climate change with mangrove restoration (TNC) and 3) building a sustainable tourism model (BNT).
The project will develop a sustainable financing mechanism for The Bahamas National Protected Area
System (BNPAS) and provide demonstration projects which address specific threats to MPAs. The
Sustainable Finance Plan for the National Protected Area System was completed in June 2008 and
recommends that a Protected Areas Trust Fund be established and administered by a professional
Trustee, such as The Bank of Bahamas Trust Company. The proposed Master Plan and Funding
Mechanisms have been presented to the GOB for approval, optimistically before the end of 2010.
Sectoral Coordination
8. Inter-Ministerial Coordination
In July 2008, The Ministry of the Environment was established. It has the overall responsibility for
coordination of environmental management activities in The Bahamas. Four departments within the
Ministry share various responsibilities. The Bahamas Environment Science & Technology (BEST)
Commission is responsible for protection, conservation and management of the environment and
manages relations with the National and International organisations on matters relating to the
Environment. The Department of Physical Planning is responsible for land use planning and review of
environmental impact assessments. The Port Department is responsible for maritime affairs and the
Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS) is responsible for scientific research and
environment control. However, several other government ministries, departments, statutory
organizations and NGO’s have varying responsibilities for different aspects of biodiversity management
(Table 1).
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9. Legal and Regulatory Framework
The Bahamas has a cadre of legislation, which fragments the management of environmental issues
among several public agencies. In 2010, the Forestry Act and the Planning Subdivision Bill were passed
by Parliament. The Planning Subdivision Act, requires EIAs be completed for projects that may likely
have adverse impacts on the environment. The Forestry Act establishes forest reserves, protected
forest and conservation forest. Table 2 provides key features of the legislation and the applicable
Agencies.
Cross-sectoral Integration (mainstreaming) Biodiversity
10. Multi-sectoral Committees
The Bahamas has many agencies that share the responsibility for national resource management. The
BEST Commission sub-committees bring together experts from relevant agencies. The sub-committees
are: National Implementation Support Partnership (NISP), Biodiversity, Climate Change, Science &
Technology and Wetlands. The BEST Commission itself needs to be strengthened.
The NISP Committee was established in 2004 to implement the Programme of Work on Protected Areas.
The Committee consists of The BEST Commission, DMR, BNT and TNC. A gap analysis, a management
effectiveness plan, a capacity and needs assessment, a sustainable finance plan and a master plan for
protected areas has been completed. The Master Plan with the incorporation of a Trust Fund
mechanism has been presented to the GOB for approval.
Table 1: Institutions and Legislation based on Biodiversity Management
Subject Area
Institutions Responsible
Urban Planning
Dept. of Physical Planning
Dept. of Local Government
Forestry
Forestry Section (Ministry of the Environment)
Dept. of Agriculture
Dept. of Local Government
Agriculture
Dept. of Agriculture
Dept. of Fisheries
Forestry Section (Ministry of the Environment)
Customs
Dept. of Local Government
Crown Lands
Dept. of Lands and Surveys
Dept. of Agriculture
Bahamas National Trust
Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial
Corporation
Water and Sewerage Corporation
Ministry of Housing
Dept. of Local Government
Office of The Prime Minister
Beaches
Dept. of Physical Planning
Dept. of Lands and Surveys
Port Department
Dept. of Local Government
DEHS
Protected Areas
Bahamas National Trust
Dept. of Agriculture
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Subject Area
Institutions Responsible
DMR
Dept. of Lands and Surveys
Water and Sewerage Corporation
Dept. of Local Government
AMMC
Clifton Heritage Authority
Wildlife
Bahamas National Trust
Dept. of Agriculture
Dept. of Lands and Surveys
Royal Bahamas Police Force
Dept. of Local Government
DMR
Marine Habitat
Dept. of Marine Resources
Royal Bahamas Defence Force
Royal Bahamas Police Force
Bahamas National Trust
Dept. of Lands and Surveys
Port Department
Local Government
Waste Management
Dept. of Environmental Health Services
Water and Sewerage Corporation
Dept. of Local Government
Water
Water and Sewerage Corporation
Forestry Section (Ministry of the Environment)
Dept. of Local Government
Land Use Development
Dept. of Physical Planning
Dept. of Lands and Surveys
Dept. of Agriculture
Ministry of Public Works
Dept. of Local Government
Fisheries
Dept. of Marine Resources
Bahamas National Trust
Port Department
Dept. of Lands and Surveys
Royal Bahamas Defence Force
Royal Bahamas Police Force
Customs
MOE
DOA
Dept. of Local Government
Table 2: Legal and Regulatory Framework
ENABLING LEGISLATION
AGENCY
KEY FEATURES
Continental Shelf Act, 1970
Department of Marine resources
(administration); Department of
Environmental Health Services (DEHS)
(monitors and enforces)
Protection, exploration and exploitation of the continental
shelf
Coast Protection Act, 1968
Port Department
Provides power to carry out works for the protection of the
coast (Minister responsible for Ports and Harbours)
Mandates publication of specific maintenance work being
conducted
Provides a recovery mechanism from owners of land abutting
the coast for coastal maintenance work
Archipelagic Waters and
Maritime Jurisdiction Act,
1993
Department of Marine Resources
Delineates the archipelagic waters and exclusive economic
zone of The Bahamas
Roads Act, 1968
Ministry of Public Works & Transport
Governs the removal and possession of sand from coastal
areas
Establishment and control of public roads
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ENABLING LEGISLATION
AGENCY
KEY FEATURES
Local Government Act, 1996
Ministry of Lands and Local Government
Govern solid waste collection in the Family Islands
Freeport Bye-Laws Act, 1965
The Grand Bahama Port Authority
Regulatory oversight of sanitation and hygiene within the
Grand Bahama Port Area
Conservation of water in the Grand Bahama Port Area
Water and Sewerage
Corporation Act, 1976
Water & Sewerage Corporation
Development and control of water supply and sewerage
facilities and related matters;
Regulates the granting of licenses
Designation of water and waste control areas
Protect water resources
Environmental Health
Services Act, 1987
Department of Environmental Services
Regulatory oversight and disposal of solid and liquid wastes
Regulatory oversight of emission or discharge of contaminate
or pollutant into the environment
Facilitates a tipping fee for solid waste and environmental
levies for some imported goods
Ministry of Agriculture
(Incorporation) Act, 1993
Department of Agriculture
Provides the Minister of Agriculture powers to acquire, hold,
lease and dispose of agricultural land
Agriculture and Fisheries Act,
1963
Ministry of Agriculture and Marine
Resources
Establishment of protected areas
Management of Botanicalal Station
Prohibits export of cave earth or guano
Governs produce exchanges and packing houses
Grants powers to inspect, seize and arrest
The Wild Life Protection and
Trade Act, 2004
Ministry of Agriculture
Regulates trade in protected plants and animals
Establishes a National Advisory Committee for the
management and enforcement of wildlife protection
Governs the export and import of species listed in the
Appendices of the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna
Marine Mammal Protection
Act, 2005
Marine Mammal Protection
(General) Regulations, 2005
Department of Marine Resources
Protection and conservation of marine mammals
Governs facilities with dolphins in captivity, and marine
mammal research
Governs the export, import, transport and selling of marine
mammals
Sportfishing Regulations
Department of Marine Resources
Regulates licensing, method of fishing, type of equipment and
catch limits for specific species
Fisheries Resources
(Jurisdiction and
Conservation) Act, 1977
Department of Marine Resources
Establishment of exclusive fishery zones, protected areas,
fisheries access agreements
Regulates local and foreign fishing licensing
Governs fish processing establishments, fisheries research,
fisheries enforcement and the registration of fishing vessels
Provides for conservation measures such as prohibiting the
use of any explosive, poison or other noxious substance for the
purpose of harvesting marine resources; gear restrictions;
close seasons; size restrictions of any fishery resource
Creation of new regulations for the management of fisheries
as and when necessary (Minister responsible)
Prohibits taking, having in one’s possession, buying or selling
any marine turtle, any part of a marine turtle and marine turtle
eggs
Protects the nest of a marine turtle
Fisheries Resources
(Jurisdiction and
Conservation) Regulations
Department of Marine Resources
Prohibits fishing or molesting for marine mammals
Limits the size of the sponges
Governs aquaculture and sport fishing licensing
Wild Animals (Protection)
Act, 1968
Ministry of Agriculture and Marine
Resources; Ministry of the Environment
Governs the removal and export of wild animals such as:
Wild horses (on Abaco Island) and any member species
(Equus Caballus)
Agouti or Hutia (Geocapromys ingrahami)
Iguana (Cyclura species)
Wild Birds Protection Act,
1952
Ministry of Agriculture and Marine
Resources
Ministry of the Environment
Govern hunting licenses and wild bird research
Provides for conservation measures such as closed seasons; kill
and catch limits
Designation of wild birds protected areas and appointment of
game wardens
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ENABLING LEGISLATION
AGENCY
KEY FEATURES
Plants Protection Act, 1916
Department of Agriculture
Govern the importation, detention and examination of plants
Control of pests and diseases injurious to plants
Conservation and Protection
of the Physical Landscape of
The Bahamas Act, 1997
Department of Physical Planning
Protects physical landscape from environmental degradation,
regulates filling of wetlands, drainage basins or ponds,
prohibits digging or removing sand from beaches and sand
dunes
Regulates excavation, landfill, quarry/mine operations and
indiscriminate land clearing and issuance of permits
Management of protected trees
Levies fines for illegal movement of sand, trees, vegetation
and excavation
Merchant Shipping (Oil
Pollution) Act, 1976
Port Department;
DEHS (nearshore)
Governs the provision concerning oil pollution of navigable
waters by ships
The Bahamas National Trust
Act, 1959
The Bahamas National Trust
Management of parks and protected areas;
Protection of places and buildings of historic interest
Planning and Subdivision Bill,
2010
Department of Physical Planning
Ministry of The Environment
Ensuring appropriate and sustainable use of all land
Providing for the orderly sub-division of land
Protecting and conserving the natural and cultural heritage of
The Bahamas
Governs the preparation of Land-use plans for each island, the
preparation physical plans, development control and
regulation, environmental impact assessment and
miscellaneous matters
Registered Land Bill, 2010
Department of Lands & Survey
Govern the registration and transfer of land
Animal Protection and
Control Act, 2009
Animal Control Unit of the
Department of Agriculture
Establishes an Animal Protection and Control Board
Protecting animals from cruelty
Forestry Act, 2010
Ministry of the Environment
Management of the National Forest Estate
Development of management systems compatible with
conservation
Protects rare and endangered species and threatened
ecosystems
Requires an EIA for consideration of an alternate land use
Issues permits for harvesting of protected trees
Governs forestry on private lands
11. Co-management Partnerships
The Government of The Bahamas has partnered with various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
for sustainable development and conservation of biodiversity ecosystems. The Department of Marine
Resources (DMR) continues to work with The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) to implement the “Master
Plan for The Bahamas National Protected Area System.” The DMR partners with TNC and BNT for
meeting the requirements of “The Caribbean Challenge” and the “UN convention on Biological
Diversity.”
The DMR partnered with The Bahamas Marine Exporters Association and TNC for the Lobster Fisheries
Implementation Project (FIP). The project resulted from an independent pre-assessment of the lobster
fishery against Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification standards. The pre-assessment showed
that the lobster fishery would not be likely to attain MSC certification. As a result the FIP was developed
to address the various shortfalls in the way the fishery is managed with hopes that MSC certification and
better management result. Multiple areas are addressed as a part of the FIP including data collection,
outreach, monitoring, enforcement, stock assessments and management. The hope is that MSC
certification will allow the Bahamian lobster fishery to maintain access to foreign markets and at
minimum result in greater assurance that the fishery is well managed.
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The GEF Full Size Project – “Building a Sustainable National Network of Marine Protected Areas” is being
implemented by BEST, DMR, TNC and BNT. The project life is four years and funding is provided by GEF.
12. Land Use Project
“In 2010, a new Planning and Subdivision Act 2010 was enacted by Parliament, which consolidated all
aspects of town planning and subdivisions; including regulations for a revised and restructured
Department of Physical Planning and Town Planning Committee, a new Appeals process and public
participation. A key component of this new law is provisions for land use plans to be prepared for every
Family Islands. The Act sets out what shall comprise a land use plan, which must be consistent with the
National Land Use Development Policies (First Order, 2010).”
To assist in creating the land use plan, first order existing land use maps were created from the
compilation of all existing land use and land resources datasets and information in the country, that was
collected from relevant governmental agencies. For large tracts of land privately owned, the owners
were consulted to ascertain their plans for developing their landholdings. Designations such as
Agriculture, Forest, Green Spaces, Conservation Forest, National Parks, Restricted
Development/mangroves, Heritage Site, Industrial, Residential and Commercial were assigned to the
zoning maps. See Figure 3.2 for the zoning areas assigned for New Providence. One of the major
outputs of the project is the creation of land use and zoning maps, which would be accessible online to
accompany the Land Use Plan. Maps will be created for all of The Family Islands.
13. The Bahamas Land Use, Policy and Administration Project (LUPAP)
The LUPAP project began in 2005 and ended in October 2009. The project’s goals were to improve the
efficiency of land administration and land information management in The Bahamas, prepare modern
land legislation and policy guidelines for the GOB, and thereby contribute to the improved use of land
resources in The Bahamas. The four main components of the project were: 1) land administration
modernization (LS); 2).land information management (and the re-activation of the BNGIS Centre); 3).
the development of national land issues and policy guidelines (LS); and 4) a PCU management – crown
land policy study, crown surveys & GPS (LS). The project was implemented by the Department of Land
Surveys (LS) and the BNGIS Centre (Component 2 Land Information Management only).
An “Initial Global satellite” system was established, as part of a new geodetic infrastructure, for all types
of surveys across the 5 major islands, as well as the development of a new datum (WGS 84 ITRF05
replacing the old North American datum of 1927) was created under LUPAP Component 2. A National
GIS Strategy was conceptualized in consultation with the Geospatial Advisory Committee which
promotes the vision for a comprehensive Bahamas Spatial Data Infrastructure (BSDI), along with draft
legislation for the BSDI with BNGIS as the lead agency.
Under LUPAP Components 1 and 3 executed by the Lands & Surveys Department land use issues and
policy guidelines have been created, but are underutilized in the planning process. Additionally access
to the Parcel Information Management System (PIMS) for New Providence and Grand Bahama which
contains information on crown lands, private lands and land use data is somewhat restricted. Although
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the LUPAP completed the collection of Geospatial data on Inagua which was widely distributed to all
GAC member agencies the data collected on Abaco and Andros was not complete. Maps were produced
identifying conservation and ecologically sensitive areas for the entire Bahamas by BNGIS and will be
presented to GOB for approval. Even though the BNGIS has been re-activated, the information provided
to the BNGIS Centre from custodian agencies such as The Lands & Surveys 2004 ortho-imagery and
vector datasets, the Centre is not authorized to distribute this information to the general public. In
addition, the government agencies would have to submit a formal request for information. LUPAP was
Funded the by a loan from IDB as well as counterpart funds provided by the Centre.
14. Cross-sectoral Strategies
The Bahamas has not developed other national and sub-national strategies and programmes, such as a
Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper or a National Plan for Achieving the Millennium Development Goals
but is seeking to conserve its environment and improve coastal management (World Development
Indicators, 2003). A Draft National Action Programme to Combat Land Degradation was developed and
shelved.
Regional Partnerships and Projects
15. International Agreements
The Bahamas is a party to approximately twenty (20) International Agreements that deal with
environmental and public welfare issues. From a national perspective, The Bahamas is actively involved
in the following Conventions:
• Ramsar Convention – The Bahamas has developed a draft policy on wetlands that seeks to
balance conservation and development efforts and promote greater public awareness. The Bahamas
has also designated the Inagua National Park a Ramsar site, which limits the type of development in and
around the park.
• The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – The Bahamas has developed a
National Climate Change Policy and is in the process of completing the 2nd National Report for Climate
Change. The report will include a national inventory of anthropogenic emission sources.
• United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification – A draft National Action Programme to
address land degradation has been developed, but has not received government’s approval.
• The Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – In December 2004, the
Wildlife Conservation and Trade Act (2004) was passed by Parliament to implement CITES in The
Bahamas. This Act allows the Department of Agriculture (the managing authority) to assume
responsibility for implementing CITES in The Bahamas. Included among the implementation duties are:
the coordination of implementation and enforcement legislation relating to conservation of species, the
establishment of a scientific authority to advise on the import and monitor the export of species and the
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appointment of a national advisory committee to advise the Minister responsible for agriculture on
matters relating to the Act and the implementation of CITES.
• The United Nations Convention on Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) - The BNGIS Centre continues to
play a pivotal role in providing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with GIS technical expertise in conducting
desktop studies for the establishment of the Country’s Maritime Border (Published with the United
Nations December 2009). The Centre also conducted desktop studies on UNCLOS Article 76 “outer
limits’ of the continental shelf and beyond” which resulted in The Bahamas submission of its claim to the
Continental Shelf to the United Nations. Further as a member the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Delegation
for the resumption of talks with Cuba, The BNGIS Centre continues to perform complex geodetic
calculations utilizing specialized modeling software for map reproduction to support The Bahamas
position. This work continues with the latest talks taking place in September 2010 with The Republic of
Cuba Officials. Future talks with Cuba and the Turks and Caicos Islands are anticipated.
A list of the policies and strategies with key features are provided in Table 3.
16. Mitigating the threat of Invasive Alien Species in the Insular Caribbean (MTIASIC)
The MTIASIC project is a regional project between The Bahamas, The Dominican Republic, Trinidad and
Tobago, St. Lucia and Jamaica for the development of a regional invasive species strategy based on
terrestrial, marine and freshwater invasive species. Each country will design a project to either
control/manage or eradicate/prevent the chosen invasive species. The results from the individual
projects would provide input into the regional strategy for combating aquatic and terrestrial invasive
species in the wider Caribbean. The project has a five year life span from 2009-2013 and is funded by
GEF and is implemented by UNEP and Centre for Agricultural Bioscience International (CABI).
The Bahamas’ component will consist of a population control experiment, the development of a Lionfish
collection and Handling Protocol, research into the lionfish ecology, policy and regulatory reform to aid
Lionfish Management and a public education and awareness campaign. The population control
experiment will monitor and determine the effect of lionfish removal, frequency on lionfish densities
and on native fish diversity and food web structures. The study sites are located in New Providence,
Eleuthera, Abaco and Andros. The project provides training of local persons to assist in the underwater
assessments of biodiversity at the study sites. The project involves the Department of Marine
Resources, some of the local NGOs: BEST, BNT, Stuart Cove, BREEF, TNC, along with international
partners from REEF, Simon Fraser University and the University of Oregon.
Table 3: Policies and Strategies
POLICY / STRATEGY
CABINET
APPROVAL
DATE
KEY FEATURES
The Bahamas National
Energy Policy
November
2009
Recommends measures to make the country more energy efficient by utilizing more
sustainable sources of energy
National Policy for the
Adaptation to Climate
Change
March 2005
Recommends steps to be taken to combat climate change as it relates to agriculture,
coastal and marine resources and fisheries, forestry, terrestrial biodiversity, tourism and
water resources.
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POLICY / STRATEGY
CABINET
APPROVAL
DATE
KEY FEATURES
National Environmental
Management and Action
Plan
August 2005
Outlines how consideration of conservation and sustainable use of biological resources can
be integrated into national decision making through the identification of appropriate
administrative structures and involvement of technical and scientific advisors
National Clearing House
Mechanism
June 5, 2005
Facilitate the exchange and cooperation with other partners on biodiversity information
Draft National Action
Programme to Combat
Land Degradation
DRAFT
Identifies some issues of concern within local communities and aims to develop activities
to remedy the negative effects of land degradation in specific ecosystems.
National Environmental
Policy
2005
Highlights five basic principles to guide the environmental policy of The Bahamas
Deals with conserving the diversity, integrity and productivity of natural resources
Road Map for the
Advancement of Science
and Technology in The
Bahamas
March 2005
Presents the Science and Technology Policy
Outlines goals for Science and Technology within the educational system and indicators of
progress and achievement
Promotes the popularization of Science, Technology, Environmental Protection and
Sustainable Development
National Invasive Species
(Policy and) Strategy (NISS)
October 28,
2003
Code of conduct for various categories of stakeholders
Recommends five plant species and two animal species for eradication
Recommends sixteen plant species and six animal species for control and management
Pollution Control and
Waste Management
Regulations
2000
Regulates releases of certain hazardous wastes, contaminates and pollutants
Establishes water quality and air quality criteria
Governs discharge and hazardous waste management permits, packaging and labeling
standards
National Oil Spill and
Contingency Plan
2000
Manage oil spills in territorial waters to minimize damage to the environment and
biodiversity
National Biosecurity
Strategy (NBS) The
Commonwealth of The
Bahamas
DRAFT
Interconnects activities outlined in the NISS and the NBSAP
Highlights priorities and threats to Biosecurity, along with commercial and economic
opportunities arising from Biosecurity
Draws attention to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) issues such as the need to regulate
access to and benefits derived from biological and genetic resources in The Bahamas
Establishes a sequenced approach to invasive species control
Outline measures that should be implemented for the Protection of traditional knowledge
Includes a Biosecurity Act for the eradication of effective management of unwanted
organisms within The Bahamas, and governance of the entry of all alien organisms.
Provides regulations for: management of unwanted organisms and for the control and
management of GMO’s, conservation and sustainable use of biological resources, access
and benefit sharing and protection of traditional knowledge.
17. Integrating Watershed and Coastal Areas Management (IWCAM) Project
The regional IWCAM project commenced in 2005 and involves thirteen (13) of the Small Island
Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean. The project is funded by GEF and implemented by UNEP and
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The goal of the project is to strengthen the
commitment and capacity of the participating countries, to implement an integrated approach to
management of watershed and coastal areas. The main issues addressed by IWCAM are diminishing
freshwater supplies, degraded freshwater and coastal water quality, inappropriate land use and hygiene
and sanitation. Two of the eight demonstration projects are being implemented by The Bahamas. In
Andros, the Land and Sea Use Planning for Water Recharge Protection and Management and in Exuma,
The Marina Waste Management at Elizabeth Harbor, these demonstration projects commenced in
January 2007.
The Exuma project focuses on waste disposal in one of the Caribbean’s busiest harbours. This harbour
has up to 500 marine vessels per day during the peak yachting season in November through April. A
Fixed Activated Sludge Treatment wastewater system with a deep well disposal was installed and is
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waiting commissioning before the 2010-2011 yachting season. The facility will receive waste from a
pump out boat which operates in Elizabeth Harbour. As an interim measure, Sandals resort accepts the
wastewater collected by the pump out boat. Also, 15 moorings for dockage have been installed in
Gaviota Bay, Elizabeth Harbor to prevent boaters from docking on sensitive marine areas. A harbour
inspection and coastal water quality monitoring program was established by the DEHS. Baseline water
quality data has been collected for comparison to water samples collected during the upcoming yachting
season. This component is being implemented by the BEST Commission, the Water & Sewerage
Corporation, BREEF and DEHS.
Andros is home to The Bahamas’ largest freshwater aquifers, vast tidal creek wetlands, and one of the
world’s largest barrier reefs and to a nursery that supports diverse sea life well beyond Bahamian
territorial waters. Andros represents the largest source of freshwater and wetland habitat in The
Bahamas. The main threats to the water regime and related biodiversity include pollution of the
aquifer (salt water intrusion, agriculture, sewage, unsanctioned domestic use, and puncture as a result
of development), encroachment, and destruction of sensitive habitats, dredging, and over-fishing. The
Andros project focuses on managing the sensitive coastal and fresh water resources. A small scale
demonstration project dealing with water conservation will be completed with the North Andros High
School agricultural programme. Composting toilets and mechanical low flow faucets are being installed
at the High School. The project will also provide a zoning map for land and sea areas for future use, an
Ecotourism Plan, baseline information on the marine and terrestrial resources, maps showing the
location of the biodiversity, an economic valuation of resources and biodiversity on Andros, and a water
conservation strategy. The TNC conducted an awareness and educational programme to sensitize the
community to the project benefits.
18. The Caribbean Challenge
In May 2008, The Bahamas’ government alongside leaders from Jamaica, Grenada, The Dominican
Republic and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, launched the Caribbean Challenge. The Caribbean
Challenge is an unprecedented commitment by Caribbean governments to build political support and
financial sustainability for protected areas in the Caribbean. The Bahamas will be the largest contributor
of protected areas and aims to set aside 20% of the marine habitats by 2020. The goals of the project
are to create a network of marine protected areas expanding across 21 million acres of territorial coasts
and waters, to establish protected areas and trust funds to ensure sustainable funding and to develop
national level demonstration projects for climate change adaptation. The GOB has committed $2 million
dollars for the establishment of The Bahamas National Protected Area Fund. Funding has also been
committed by The Nature Conservancy, KfW (the German Development Bank) and other international
funding agencies (BNT, 2010a). The aim is to end paper parks in the Caribbean forever. The project is
supported by the Global Island Partnership and private NGO’s.
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19. Regional Initiative of The Caribbean Sub-Region for the Development of a Sub-regional
strategy to implement the Ramsar Convention
The goal of the project is to create a sub-regional strategy for implementing the Ramsar Convention by
dealing in a comprehensive manner with challenges that climate change, biodiversity loss,
socioeconomic development, conservation and wise use of wetlands and coastal areas entail for
Caribbean States. The Strategy will provide guidelines for the development and establishment of a
coordinated international cooperation framework, the processes and actions for the handling,
management and exchange of experiences best practices and information to address in a regional
manner the problems and challenges associated to the management of wetlands in the Caribbean Sub-
region. This project is in its initial phase.
20. Integration of Biodiversity in Environmental Impact Assessments and Strategic
Environmental Assessments.
Under the Draft Environmental Planning and Protection Act of 2005, Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) Regulations were developed. Even though the EIA regulations were not legally enforceable,
foreign developers were required to undertake an EIA and EMP. A review of the documents were
conducted by the BEST Commission in tandem to a third party reviewer.
The Planning and Subdivision Bill 2010, provides a mechanism for consideration to be given to
environmental impacts from national projects, by requiring EIAs for projects that may likely have
adverse impacts on the environment. The legislation mandates that the EIA be circulated to relevant
referral agencies for review and comments. However, it does not outline specific strategies for
conservation and sustainability of biodiversity. Even though it is not outlined in the legislation, a list of
proposed plants for landscaping either from local nurseries or by importation is included in the EIAs.
Currently, Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is not undertaken in The Bahamas.
In Grand Bahama, the Port Authority formed an Environmental Department in March 2006 with the aim
of developing a capacity to introduce an environmental regulatory framework within the area
designated as the Port Area. Since the formation of the Department, EIA guidelines have been produced
for projects of various natures. In addition, guidelines for License applications relating to a myriad of
projects which may seek to start business in the Freeport area have also been developed. The License
Department has been given a checklist which would determine whether new projects would have an
environmental concern/component. If identified as requiring environmental review, a further
determination would be made as to whether a Basic Site Assessment, EIS, EIA or EMP is also needed
(Wilchcombe, 2010).
All the guidelines consider biodiversity and the impacts and mitigation on the same as a result of
whatever activity is being proposed
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21. The Way Forward: Enhancing Cross-Sectoral Integration (Mainstreaming) of Biodiversity
in The Bahamas
The Bahamas has had numerous studies conducted, adopted policies and enacted legislation which
would contribute to the protection of biodiversity in the country. Despite using the various
mainstreaming mechanisms to develop these documents, the country struggles with making the findings
of the document a reality. Many local environmentalists feel that the environmental protection is
considered as an afterthought. Implementation is hampered by lack of technical skills, lack of man
power, lack of equipment and scarce financial resources. Even though these tools exist to assist in
decision making for development in the country they are more often than not referred to for guidance.
In order to enhance cross-sectoral integration in The Bahamas, the GOB has to make a commitment of
adequate financial resources to provide the needed technical skills, manpower and equipment to
successfully implement the strategic plans for the agriculture, fisheries, forestry and the tourism sectors.
In addition, all of the plans need to have a follow-up mechanism to evaluate the effectiveness of the
plans.
Further, to the five year plan for agriculture, the DOA should ensure that new leases issued on
agriculture land have clauses relating to conservation of biodiversity and the use of pesticides. The DOA
should promote management of agricultural lands with plant biodiversity in mind. Farmers should be
encouraged to set aside a portion of their agricultural land to be fallow for biodiversity conservation and
establish protocols for valuable plant conservation. The number of trained people working with
appropriate facilities in plant conservation should be increased, according to the national needs. The
country should also establish networks for plant conservation activities at the national, regional and
international levels.
In conjunction with the five year plan for marine resources, the DMR should conduct ecological
assessments and continuous monitoring of selected coral reefs and develop and implement restoration
and rehabilitation plans for designated degraded coral reef habitats. EIAs should be required for all
mariculture projects. DMR needs to develop an effective evaluation method for site selection of
mariculture projects along with the appropriate guidelines for effluent and waste control. Also, The
Bahamas should expand the number of inland water ecosystems (e.g. Big Pond) in the existing national
system of protected areas.
The Forestry Act, 2010 mandates that a five year management plan be developed for the forestry sector.
In order to enhance biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, the plan should include the
following:-
• Incorporation of the ecosystem approach in the management of the three types of forest areas
(forest reserves, protected forest and conservation forest);
• An assessment of based plant sources (e.g. silver tops, cascarilla, etc.) and creation of a
management plan for these species;
• Programmes to protect, recover and restore forest biological diversity;
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• Plans to promote the sustainable use of forest biological diversity;
• Measures to improve the country’s understanding of the role of forest biodiversity and
ecosystem functions; and
• Mechanisms to promote access and benefit-sharing of forest genetic resources.
When the NBSAP is updated, and new sectoral plans are developed, many of the guidelines on
biodiversity and tourism development (developed by CBD) should be integrated.
Broadly, there is a need for the GOB to develop strategic plans to deal with environmental matters in
the Commonwealth.
Further enhancement of cross-sectoral integration in The Bahamas requires increasing knowledge and
awareness regarding biodiversity issues among the key decision makers in the various government
agencies, policy makers, stakeholders and the school populous. Policy makers need to be sensitized to
the issues facing biodiversity and should be educated on the economic worth of biodiversity in the
country. Through this insight it will be understood that protection of biodiversity does not hinder
economic development in the country, but helps to safeguard the environment and livelihoods for
future generations. Agencies need to be educated on their responsibilities for implementation of the
Convention on Biological Diversity and other biological diversity related conventions. This should assist
in broadening the mindset of the involved persons. Tourists and locals should be educated on some of
the regulations and conservation methods being used to protect biodiversity in the country, such as
looking at but not touching the marine turtles or that it is illegal to catch, transport or sell birds captured
in The Bahamas. Currently, NGO and private sector partners have on-going educational programmes on
biodiversity matters but are limited due to lack of funding.
Implementation is hampered by the lack of communication among and within agencies. There needs to
be a shift in thinking from territorialism to integrated thinking and that the sharing of knowledge does
not mean a loss of control. Due to the size and archipelagic nature of The Bahamas, enforcement is a
vast task. Dedicated resources such as man-power, equipment and money would assist in more
efficient implementation and enforcement. To truly make enforcement better, the entire country needs
to assist with enforcement. An environmental hotline should be established to direct concerns to the
relevant agencies, instead of the current situation where an individual reporting a concern must often
endure the frustration of calling several different agencies before locating the appropriate contact.