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PROPOSAL FOR GEF FUNDING
National Capacity Needs Self-Assessment for Global Environmental
Management (NCSA)
Country name:
The Bahamas
Project Title:
National Self-Assessment of Capacity Building
Needs for Global Environmental Management
GEF Implementing Agency:
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
GEF Operational Focal Point:
Dr. Donald Cooper, Undersecretary
The Bahamas Environment, Science and
Technology (BEST) Commission
(see Annex 1 for Letter of Endorsement)
National Executing Agency:
The BEST Commission
Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield Centre
P.O. Box CB 10980
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: 242-327-4691; Fax: 242-327-4626
E-mail: [email protected]; Website: www.best.bs
Country Eligibility:
The country is eligible for funding under paragraph
9(a) of the Instrument.
Convention Participation:
Convention
UNCBD
Date of
Ratification/Accession
2 September 1993
UNFCCC
29 March 1994
UNCCD
10 November 2000
GEF Financing:
National Focal Point
Dr Donald Cooper
The BEST Commission
Mr Keod Smith
The BEST Commission
Dr Donald Cooper
The BEST Commission
$150,000
The Bahamas Government Contribution: $107,000
Estimated Total Budget:
$257,000
Estimated Starting Date:
October 2002
Duration of the National Project:
9 months
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List of Acronyms
BDM
BEST
CARICOM
CBD
COP
CPACC
CREDP
EIA
FNC
GEF
IABIN
IDB
NAP
NBSAP
NCB
NCSA
NCWRI
NEMAP
NGO
OAS
PC
UN
UNCBD
UNCCD
UNFCCC
UNEP
WSSD
Biodiversity Data Management
Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology
Caribbean Community
Convention on Biological Diversity
Conference of the Parties
Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change
Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Project
Environmental Impact Assessment
First National Communication
Global Environment Facility
Inter-American Biodiversity Information Network
Inter-American Development Bank
National Action Programme
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
National Coordinating Body
National Capacity-Building Self-Assessment
National Creeks and Wetlands Restoration Initiative
National Environmental Management and Action Plan
Non-Governmental Organization
Organization of American States
Project Coordinator
United Nations
United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
United Nations Environment Programme
World Summit on Sustainable Development
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I. Background, Context and Related Work
Background
1. As a small island developing state, The Bahamas’ environmental concerns can be
directly linked to its size and archipelago status. These concerns include:
 Disposal of wastes
 Pollution
 Scarce freshwater resources
 Scarce land resources
 Over-development (which impacts natural areas and ecosystems)
 Threat from invasion by alien species
These issues are of concern for larger countries also, but are exacerbated in The
Bahamas where the land mass is small to begin with and available resources are even
more limited.
2. Environmental management is made even more difficult by the fact that The Bahamas
is an archipelago with 22 inhabited islands consisting of approximately 5,000 square
miles of land spread over an area of some 124,000 square miles of ocean. Each island
is different in terms of its ecosystems and environmental priorities. Any policy or
models developed for environmental management must be adapted to each island –
one cannot suit all. However, there are overarching priorities for environmental
management that can be considered national, in spite of the uniqueness of each island.
These include:
 Proper waste disposal
 Pollution prevention
 Conservation of freshwater lenses and other groundwater resources
 Establishment of parks and protected areas
 Development of policy requiring environmental impact assessments for
development projects and industry specific EIA guidelines
 Development of coastal zone management plan
 Development of land use policy
 Development of a national environmental management and action plan
 Development of invasive species database and strategy
 Increasing public awareness and education on environmental issues
Environmental Institutions
3. The Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology (BEST) Commission serves as
the focal point for international environmental conventions and agreements to which
The Bahamas is a signatory. These agreements include the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought
(UNCCD) and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
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4. The Commission’s responsibilities include:
 To serve as The Bahamas national focal point and official point of contact for all
international organizations on matters relating to the environment, science, and
technology;
 To coordinate matters relating to International Conventions, Treaties, Protocols and
Agreements on the environment to which The Bahamas is, or will become, a
signatory and ratify;
 To coordinate the national effort to protect, conserve and responsibly manage the
environmental resources of The Bahamas;
 To identify and make application for technical assistance and financial grants to meet
the Commission’s responsibilities.
 To represent the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in discussions
and negotiations with representatives of regional and international organizations and
foreign governments, where appropriate, on matters relating to the environment,
science, or technology;
 To serve as a forum which will encourage open dialogue, thereby facilitating the
exchange of information and improved communication among the Government
agencies and private sector entities responsible for or actively involved in matters
relating to the environment, science, and technology:
 To keep Government informed of the progress of the Commission’s work and the
outcome of its deliberations with international organizations;
 To explain and publicize the policies and activities of The Bahamas’ Government in
the areas of the environment, science, and technology;
 To advise Government in a timely fashion on the environmental impact of various
development proposals submitted for the Commission’s review;
 To conduct site visits for projects under EIA review.
5. Participation in certain aspects of the Commission’s work is open both to public and
private stakeholders, including NGOs and the commercial sector, in order to
efficiently fulfill some of the above responsibilities.
6. The BEST Commission’s Board of Directors consists of the Directors of Agriculture,
Environmental Health Services, Fisheries, and Physical Planning, the DirectorGeneral of Tourism, the President of The College of The Bahamas, the Executive
Director of The Bahamas National Trust, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, the Senior Hydrologist of the Water and Sewerage Corporation, the Port
Comptroller and a representative of the Ministry of Finance. (Further details are given
in Annex 2a)
7. Members of the BEST Board meet regularly to discuss the various project EIA’s,
which are currently under review, in order to provide coordinated responses to the
Government and to provide policy direction on all other aspects of the portfolio of
The BEST Commission.
8. A number of subcommittees have been appointed by the BEST Commission to deal
with specific environmentally related matters and international agreements to which
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The Bahamas is a Party. These subcommittees each consist of members from
Government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private
sector.
Subcommittees appointed at this time include:
1.
Biodiversity Subcommittee
2.
Science and Technology Subcommittee
3.
Climate Change Subcommittee
4.
Ramsar Subcommittee
(See Annex 2b for further details).
9. The BEST Commission has a core staff of technical and administrative officers.
These officers receive support from the BEST Board of Directors, other Government
agencies, non-Governmental agencies, such as the Bahamas National Pride
Association, and experts in various fields. Technical staff members are diverse in
their backgrounds with training in information management, marine management,
coastal zone management, chemistry and engineering. (Annex 3 shows the BEST
organisational structure.)
Environmental Programmes and Projects
10. A number of projects have been completed or are underway in The Bahamas’ efforts
to fulfill its obligations under these various conventions. Projects include:
 Country Study of Biodiversity
 Biodiversity Data Management (BDM)
 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
 First National Communication on Climate Change
 Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change (CPACC)
 Climate Change Enabling Activity for Capacity Building in Priority Areas
 National Creeks and Wetlands Restoration Initiative
11. Projects scheduled for 2002 include:
 Enabling Activities for Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity
 Development of a Database on Invasive Species to link with the IABIN Network
 Development of a National Biosafety Framework
 Development of a National Action Programme to Combat Desertification and
Drought
 Big Pond Park
 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) Report
More details of the projects mentioned above are given in Annex 4.
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Capacity for Environmental Management
12. The Convention on Biological Diversity:
Much work has been done to fulfill obligations under the CBD. This includes completion of
Biodiversity Country Study, Biodiversity Data Management Plan and National Biodiversity
Strategy and Action Plan. Several terrestrial and marine protected areas have been
established. The strong areas of capacity for The Bahamas are public awareness and
education and institutional strengthening of the BEST Commission as the agency
administering work under the CBD. Weak areas include human resource development and
infrastructure, especially in the scientific and technical areas in order to survey and
document biological diversity properly , as well as to store biodiversity information and
biological collections. There is also a need for increased systemic capacity in terms of legal
and regulatory frameworks and cooperation between national institutions and agencies.
13. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change:
The Bahamas’ strength lies in the scientific disciplines of hydrology, meteorology and
marine sciences. Capacity to address the issue of climate change has been increased through
participation in the CPACC project and also in the regional Caribbean Renewable Energy
Development Project (CREDP). These projects have provided avenues for training of
individuals. There is, however, still a need for more training of personnel in negotiation
skills with respect to all international environmental conventions, including the UNFCCC.
As climate change is an area of rapidly evolving science, technical competence must be
enhanced, maintained and built, where it does not exist. This includes technical competence
in vulnerability and adaptation assessment, climate change modeling, and policy and
strategy development. There is also a need for increased public education and awareness.
There is also a need to improve national coordination, and to strengthen interagency
relations and national legislation for implementation of the Convention.
14. The Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought:
Work has just begun on developing the country report and this will involve an initial
assessment of capacity. The National Awareness Seminar held in March 2002 for all
stakeholders determined means by which The Bahamas may fulfill its obligations under the
Convention and priority areas for the National Action Programme.
15. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands:
There is significant national capacity to effectively implement this Convention in the
Bahamas. What is needed is greater commitment by respective agencies whose mandates
affect wetlands conservation and management. There is presently good cross-sectoral and
cross-agency representation on the Ramsar Subcommittee, operating as the National
Wetlands Committee. Strong areas of capacity also include public awareness and education.
Areas of weakness include lack of policies and legislation for the protection of wetlands.
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II. Objectives and Linkages to Ongoing Activities
Objectives
16. The primary goals of the NCSA process in The Bahamas are:
 To identify, through a country-driven consultative process, priorities and needs
for capacity-building to protect the global environment.
 To develop a National Environmental Management and Action Plan (NEMAP)
 To develop thematic programmes for the areas of biodiversity (inclusive of
wetlands), climate change and land degradation
17. The objectives to achieve these goals will include:
 Identification, confirmation and review of priority issues within the thematic areas
of biodiversity, climate change, land degradation and wetlands;
 Identification of synergies across these thematic areas;
 Development of a framework/mechanism for targeted and coordinated action,
including requests for external funding assistance;
 Linkage of country action with respect to capacity-building to a broader national
environmental management and action plan
Links to ongoing activities
18. The NCSA process will build on work completed under the National Biodiversity
Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), the Biodiversity Data Management (BDM)
project, the First National Communication on Climate Change (FNC) and the
National Creeks and Wetlands Restoration Initiative (NCWRI). The process will also
be complemented by activities scheduled to begin this year. These include:
 Development of the National Biosafety Framework
 Development of the National Action Programme to combat land degradation
 Biodiversity Enabling Activities
 Agenda 21 Report for the World Summit on Sustainable Development
All these activities and documents have capacity assessment components of some
kind.
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III. Project Activities
19. Project activities will follow the guidance given in 'A Guide for Self-Assessment of
Country Capacity Needs for Global Environmental Management'. Implementation
will be accomplished through the following steps:
Step 1 Initiating the planning process
20. This has already begun, with national coordinating subcommittees for conventions
under the thematic areas being contacted about the NCSA process, and providing
information for inclusion in the proposal. The proposal has also been reviewed by the
subcommittees prior to its submission to UNEP. On procurement of funding for the
project, a National NCSA Inception Workshop will be held. A stakeholder
identification process will be undertaken prior to the workshop. A provisional list of
stakeholders is included at Annex 2c.
Step 2 Establishing high-level coordination and supervision
21. This will be achieved through the existing structure of the BEST Commission with its
Board of Directors having representation from all key Government agencies,
organizations and corporations with aspects of environmental management in their
mandates or whose mandates impact environmental management. This representation
is at the level of directors, presidents and senior administration.
Step 3 Stocktaking and gap identification
22. Stocktaking will be done of all previous and ongoing capacity assessment exercises.
Subcommittees of the conventions have already begun to identify gaps in capacity
that need to be filled for effective implementation of the conventions. This project
activity will involve consultation with stakeholders, including BEST Board of
Directors, BEST Subcommittees, NGOs, Local Government Councils, scientific
community, tertiary institutions, private sector and industry, and the general public.
There will also be a training workshop on capacity building and assessment targeted
to both Government and non-Government stakeholders.
Step 4 Formulating and undertaking thematic assessments
23. Thematic assessments will be formulated by the NCSA National Coordinating Body
in conjunction with respective subcommittees. The subcommittees will undertake the
assessments for their respective areas, i.e. biodiversity, climate change, land
degradation and wetlands. The Science and Technology Subcommittee will be
involved in all assessments to identify any gaps that are relevant to the objectives of
this subcommittee in promoting science and technology in The Bahamas. Relevant
stakeholders and experts will be consulted as necessary. Other mechanisms identified
in the “Guide for Self Assessment of Capacity Needs for Global Environmental
Management” will be explored and utilized where appropriate.
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Step 5 Identifying synergies and cross-cutting analyses
24. Identification of synergies will be accomplished through a series of workshops
attended by members of all subcommittees with expert consultation as necessary.
These workshops will involve review of obligations under each convention and
actions that have been taken or need to be taken to fulfill these obligations. Areas of
similarity and synergy will be noted and incorporated into the National
Environmental Management and Action Plan to eliminate as much as possible any
duplication of effort. The plan will also identify short-term and long-term goals for
protection and utilization of the environment of The Bahamas that will be compatible
to what needs to be achieved under each convention. Other mechanisms identified in
the “Guide for Self Assessment of Capacity Needs for Global Environmental
Management” will be explored and utilized where appropraite.
Step 6 Developing NCSA Framework for domestic action and external assistance
25. This Framework will incorporate all information gathered through thematic
assessments and analyses. The final document will be developed by the project
coordinator, the NCSA National Coordinating Body and a drafting team.
Step 7 Developing thematic programmes for biodiversity, climate change and land
degradation
26. These will be developed by the respective subcommittees. The Biodiversity and
Ramsar Subcommittees will work together to develop a National Biodiversity
Programme. These programmes will build on existing plans and the thematic
assessments. They will also incorporate long-term goals within each area.
Step 8 Developing National Environmental Management and Action Plan (NEMAP)
27. The NEMAP will be developed through consultation at the national level during the
NCSA process. The NCSA process allows stakeholders from the thematic areas to be
brought together to accomplish a common goal. This should be seen as an
advantageous occasion to develop a national plan in consultation with all these key
players. It is envisioned that this plan will be a living document that will evolve as
capacity increases and goals are accomplished.
Step 9 Developing mechanisms to monitor progress in achieving goals set under NCSA
Framework, thematic programmes and NEMAP
28. Mechanisms need to be developed to assess the effectiveness of these plans and
programmes over time so that they can be adjusted or amended as necessary.
Mechanisms will be developed by the NCSA National Coordinating Body, Project
Coordinator, and Subcommittees, with expert consultation as necessary.
The project timetable is included at Section V.
9
IV. Institutional Framework and Project Implementation
29. The NCSA process will be managed by a NCSA National Coordinating Body
consisting of the Ambassador for the Environment, The BEST Commission and
Chairs of Subcommittees of the Commission. The NCSA National Coordinating
Body will appoint a Project Coordinator who will be responsible for organization and
liaison between the various groups tasked during the process. Groups tasked with
thematic assessments will include the Biodiversity Subcommittee, Ramsar
Subcommittee, Climate Change Subcommittee, Land Use Subcommittee, and Science
and Technology Subcommittee. The Project Coordinator will also be responsible for
completion of systemic, institutional and individual level assessments.
30. The BEST Commission will be responsible for coordination of financial management
and reporting to UNEP. A diagram of the institutional framework for the NCSA
process is given below.
National
Coordinating
Body
Ambassador for the Environment
BEST Commission Staff
Subcommittee Chairs
Project
Coordinator
Biodiversity Climate Change
Land Use
Ramsar
Science and Technology
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V. Project Timetable
Task
Output
Responsibility
1. Initiating the planning process
2. Establishing high level co-ordination and supervision
Formal establishment of NCSA
Meeting
BEST
National Coordinating Body
minutes
(NCB)
Appointment of Project
TORs and
NCB and
Coordinator (PC)
appointment
BEST
First planning session of NCB,
Meeting
BEST and PC
Project Coordinator and
minutes
Subcommittees
3. Stock-taking and gap identification
NCSA/NEMAP National
Workshop
BEST and PC
Consultation Workshop
report
Training workshop in capacity
Workshop
BEST and PC
building and assessment
report and
training
evaluation
1st Report to UNEP on project
Project
BEST
status and finances
Report 1
4. Thematic assessments
Thematic assessments for
Draft
NCB, PC and
biodiversity, climate change,
assessments Subcommittees
land degradation and wetlands
Consultation and development
Thematic
Subcommittees
of thematic profiles/
profiles/
programmes
programmes
1
2
underway
3
4
Months
5
6
7
8
9






11
Task
Output
Responsibility
1
5. Synergies and Cross-cutting
Identification of synergies and
cross-cutting analyses
Draft report
on synergies
2nd Report to UNEP on project
Project
status and finances
Report 2
6. Framework for domestic action
Systemic, institutional and
Needs
individual level assessments
assessment
Second planning session of
Meeting
NCB, Project Coordinator and
minutes
Chairs of Subcommittees
Development of NCSA
Draft
Framework
Framework
7. Developing thematic programmes
Respective subcommittees to
Draft
develop programmes with long
Programmes
term goals
8. Developing a NEMAP
Third planning session of NCB,
Meeting
Project Coordinator and Chairs
minutes
of Subcommittees
NCSA/NEMAP National
Workshop
Planning Workshop
report
Development of NEMAP
Draft Action
Plan
2
3
4
Months
5
6
7
8
9
NCB, PC,
BEST and
Subcommittees
BEST

BEST and PC
BEST and PC

NCB, PC,
Subcommittees
and BEST
Subcommittees

BEST and PC

BEST and PC

NCB, PC,
Subcommittees
and BEST
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Task
Output
Responsibility
Revised
Framework
and Action
Plan
BEST and PC
Final
Framework
and Action
Plan
Project
Report 3
NCB, PC,
Subcommittees
and BEST
1
National workshop to present
project outputs
9. Monitoring mechanisms
Development of mechanisms to
monitor progress
Final report to UNEP with
accompanying documents
produced during the project
(including workshop reports)
2
3
4
Months
5
6
7
8
9

BEST

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VI Budget Summary by Activity (US$)
Activity
Stocktaking
Thematic Assessments
15,000
PROCESS:
(Assessments,
Consultations,
Workshops, etc)
47,700
PRODUCT :
Assessment
reports/ strategy
and action plan
2,000
GEF
(US$)
%
64,700
43%
Analysis of cross-cutting
issues and synergies
National environmental
management and action
plan development
Coordination,
management, monitoring
and evaluation
4,000
9,600
1,000
14,600
10%
8,500
47,600
8,000
64,100
43%
1,500
4,500
600
6,600
4%
Total
29,000
109,400
11,600
150,000
The Government of the Bahamas will contribute an additional $107,000 which will cover
all the costs of project personnel, premises, equipment maintenance and evaluation, and
will contribute towards expendables and non-expendables, travel, training, meetings and
sundries.
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Annex 1
Letter of Endorsement
15
Annex 2
Participants in the proposal preparation and NCSA process
2A
Members of the Board of Directors, BEST
Mr. Keod Smith
Ambassador for the Environment
Chairman of the BEST Commission
Dr. Donald Cooper
Under-Secretary
The BEST Commission
Dr. Leon Higgs
President
College of The Bahamas
Mrs. Lynn P. Holowesko
Senator
Mr. Earlston McPhee
Ministry of Tourism
Mr. Michael Braynen
Director of Fisheries
Mr. E.F. Torchon-Newry
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Livingston Hepburn
Director of Environmental
Health Services
Mr. Simon Wilson
Economist
Ministry of Finance
Mrs. Valerie Outten
Director of Agriculture
Capt. Anthony Allens
Director of the Port Dept.
Mr. Philip Weech
Senior Hydrologist
Water and Sewerage Corporation
Mr. Tex Turnquest
Director of Lands & Surveys
Mr. Gary Larson
Executive Director
Bahamas National Trust
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Annex 2B Members of the BEST Sub-committees
1. Biodiversity
Mr. DeCosta Bethel, Special Assistant to the General Manager Bahamas Electricity Corporation
Eleanor Phillips, Department of Fisheries
Dr. Maurice Isaacs, Department of Agriculture
Stacey Wells-Moultrie, BEST Commission
Stefan Moss, BEST Commission
Sharrah Moss, BEST Commission
Chris Russell, Department of Lands and Surveys
Dr. Ethan Fried, Botanist, College of The Bahamas
Clarence Cleare, Department of Local Government
Dwight Allen, Department of Environmental Health Services
Paul Dean, Ornithologist
Dr. John Hammerton, Weed scientist
2. Climate Change
Mr. Philip Weech, Senior Hydrologist, Water & Sewerage Corporation
Arthur Rolle, Department of Meteorology (Deputy Chairperson)
David Cates, National Disaster Preparedness Office
Michael Braynen, Department of Fisheries
Patrick Hanna, Bahamas Electricity Corporation
Nakira Gaskin-Wilchcombe, BEST Commission
Dave Taylor, BEST Commission
Lambert Knowles, Engineer
3. Ramsar/Wetlands
Mr. Pericles Maillis, Attorney-At-Law
Eric Carey, Botanical Gardens, Department of Agriculture
Karen St. Cyr, Ministry of Education
Anthony Ryan, Department of Environmental Health Services
Koji Wright, Department of Fisheries
Tanya Ferguson, Botanical Gardens, Department of Agriculture
Cadrington Coleby, Water & Sewerage Corporation
Rochelle Newbold, BEST Commission
Dave Taylor, BEST Commission
Lynn Gape, Bahamas National Trust
Stewart Morrison, Ducks Unlimited
4. Science and Technology
Mrs. Beverley J.T. Taylor, Deputy Director, Ministry of Education
Dr. Llewelyn Curling, College of The Bahamas
Karen St. Cyr, Ministry of Education
Dr. Joan Vanderpool, College of The Bahamas
Dr. Keith Richardson, Department of Agriculture
Michael Stubbs, Department of Meteorology
Charlene Collie, Ministry of Public Works
Sheila Cox, Ministry of Tourism
Nakira Gaskin-Wilchcombe, BEST Commission
Stacey Wells-Moultrie, BEST Commission
Stefan Moss, BEST Commission, Sharrah Moss, BEST Commission
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Annex 2C Provisional Stakeholders to be Consulted
Government Agencies and Corporations:
The BEST Commission
Office of the Prime Minister
Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation
Bahamas Electricity Corporation
Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation
Bahamas Customs Department
Bahamas Information Services
Cabinet Office
Department of Lands & Surveys
Department of Statistics
Ministry of Public Works
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Local Government
Ministry of Transport, Aviation & Local Government
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Tourism
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Social Services
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Ministry of Labour and Immigration
Ministry of Financial Services and Investment
Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture
Ministry of Health & Environment
Port Department
Princess Margaret Hospital
Public Hospitals Authority
Public Utilities Commission
Royal Bahamas Police Force
Royal Bahamas Defence Force
Water & Sewerage Corporation
Tertiary Institutions:
College of The Bahamas
University of the West Indies
Bahamas Environmental Research Centre
University of Miami
Private Institutions:
Bahamas Chamber of Commerce
Industrial and Professional Associations
All private enterprise that has environmental impacts, including hotels, manufacturing
facilities, gas stations, etc.
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Non-Governmental Organizations:
The Bahamas National Trust
Bahamas National Pride Association
Andros Conservancy and Trust
Friends of the Environment
reEarth
PURE (People United Regarding Our Environment)
BREEF (Bahamas Reef Education and Environment Foundation)
It should be indicated that this list is not exhaustive and that the general public will be
invited to participate in the process through public meetings and forums.
19
Annex 3
BEST Commission Organizational Structure
Responsible Minister
Permanent Secretary of
Responsible Ministry
Ambassador for the Environment/Chairman
of the Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Undersecretary
BEST
Subcommittees
Technical Staff
Clerical Staff
20
Annex 4
Details of Recent and Ongoing Environmental Programmes and
Projects in The Bahamas
1. Country Study of Biodiversity
A Country Study of Biodiversity was conducted in 1995 as a means to identify
components of biodiversity. The Country Study is considered a “living document” with
new data added as it is obtained. Data collected in 1995, though useful and important,
was not complete; this study highlighted areas that need to be researched.
2. Biodiversity Data Management (BDM)
The Bahamas Biodiversity Data Management (BDM) Plan was developed in 1997. The
BDM Plan was to provide for the efficient management and application of data and
information in support of natural resource policy development, biodiversity conservation
and the implementation of the CBD. In 2002, the Biodiversity Subcommittee of the
BEST Commission plans to update the BDM database and make it more accessible to
both Government agencies and the public.
3. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
The Bahamas National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) was developed in
1998. The NBSAP provides a comprehensive program for biodiversity conservation and
sustainable-use activities. The NBSAP is not a cure-all. It was noted by the Task Force
members that developed it that there was a need for more consultation nationally with all
stakeholders affected by this plan. The NBSAP will be reviewed in 2002 with the intent
to make it more practical, available and comprehensive.
4. First National Communication on Climate Change
Under the UNFCCC, all Parties must report on the steps they are taking or plan to take to
implement the Convention. The Bahamas submitted its First National Communication
(FNC) to the Conference of the Parties at COP-7 in Marrakech, Morocco in October
2001. The Communication includes:
 Economic, social, geographic and climatic information, as well as other factors
relevant to climate change
 A national inventory of greenhouse gas emissions by sources; these sources
include energy activities, agriculture, land use, forestry and waste.
 Findings of the initial vulnerability and adaptation assessment of The Bahamas.
This assessment was completed by Global Change Strategies International. It
identifies sectors sensitive to and impacts of climate change. Sensitive sectors
include tourism, health, water resources, agriculture, fisheries and biodiversity. It
also explores the adaptation options available to The Bahamas.
 Systematic observations of indicators of climate change
 Current capacity and capacity building needs of The Bahamas
 Existing policies, measures and institutional arrangements for implementation of
the Convention
21



Recommendations for future efforts to further implement the Convention; this
includes a description of financial and technological needs associated with
activities and measures envisaged under the Convention.
Description of the National Climate Change Committee and its efforts
Programmes related to areas such as sustainable development, research and
systematic observation, education and public awareness, and training
5. Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change (CPACC)
The Bahamas is one of twelve CARICOM States involved in the CPACC project, which
is managed by the Organization of American States (OAS) and funded by the Global
Environment Facility (GEF). The project began in 1997 with a principal objective to
build regional and national capacity with respect to climate change. This involves
strengthening regional capability to monitor and analyze climate and sea-level dynamics
and to determine the potential impacts of climate change. Other activities under the
CPACC project include:
 design and establishment of a sea-level and climate monitoring network
 development of an inventory of coastal resources and uses
 formulation of a policy framework for integrated coastal zone management
 coral reef monitoring
 coastal vulnerability and risk assessment
 economic valuation of coastal and marine resources; and
 development of a greenhouse gases inventory.
6. Climate Change Enabling Activity for Capacity Building in Priority Areas
This GEF-funded project, referred to as Phase II of the National Climate Change
Programme, will focus on the further development of national capacity through:
 the review of technological needs
 capacity building in systematic observation networks; and
 in the area of emission factors for a small island economy.
Strengths and weaknesses in national capacity have been identified through the initial
Enabling Activity project and are discussed in the First National Communication on
Climate Change.
Activities under this project will include:
 Energy surveys
 Development of a mechanism for the identification of technology transfer
priorities
 Training of personnel in techniques to evaluate climate friendly technologies
 Review of current observation networks
 Preparation of a national programme on systematic observation in accordance
with the Global Climate Observing System
7. National Creeks and Wetlands Restoration Initiative
The NCWRI was launched on 20th April 1999. Conceptualized by the then Minister of
Agriculture & Fisheries, the Honourable Earl D. Deveaux and Pericles Maillis, an
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environmentally active Bahamian citizen, the Initiative is a cooperative effort between
the public and private sectors and local and international NGO communities. Of the
latter, Ducks Unlimited has been instrumental in the execution of projects of the NCWRI.
Objectives of the NCWRI include:
 to identify creeks and wetlands in need of restoration and rehabilitation and to
implement prescriptive measures;
 to encourage participation of local communities in the conservation and wise use
of creeks and wetlands and in the restoration/rehabilitation projects undertaken;
 to undertake a wide variety of activities aimed at raising public awareness of the
values and benefits of creeks and wetlands and the need for their conservation and
wise use;
 to do an inventory and description of those creeks and wetlands that should be
considered as preserves, and to develop and implement management plans for
those sites set aside as preserves; and
 to develop management protocols to ensure the sustainability of creek and
wetland systems and to provide for remediation and mitigation in light of urban
encroachment.
The NCWRI works in conjunction with the Ramsar Subcommittee to minimize overlap
of plans and efforts.
In 1999, a preliminary inventory of 35 degraded wetland sites on Andros, Long Island,
Exuma, Abaco and Eleuthera was prepared by the NCWRI. The inventory lists the
condition of these sites, their restoration potential and the possible benefits to be derived
from them. In 2001, the NCWRI has officially become Wetland Care Bahamas, a
registered non-profit organization established to seek funding for wetland restoration
projects.
Projects scheduled for 2002 include:
1. Enabling Activities for Implementation of the Convention on Biological
Diversity
The BDM and NBSAP projects were accomplished as Enabling Activities under the
CBD. The Bahamas has again been awarded a GEF grant for further Enabling Activities.
These are to include an assessment of its capacity-building needs, participation in the
Clearing House Mechanism of the CBD and preparation of its Second National Report to
the Conference of the Parties.
2. Development of a Database on Invasive Species to link with the IABIN Network
The Bahamas is a participant in a project organized by the Inter-American Biodiversity
Information Network (IABIN) to develop an information database on invasive species in
the region. An important part of this project is collection of data to determine which
invasive species occur in The Bahamas, any potential invasive species, and means by
which they enter the country. The project is scheduled to begin in January 2002 and will
span a 9-month period.
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3. Development of a National Biosafety Framework
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has agreed to aid 100 eligible countries in the
implementaiton of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. This will be accomplished
through the development and implementation of national biosafety frameworks. The
main elements of this framework would be
 a regulatory system
 an administrative system
 a decision making system that includes risk assessment and management
 mechanisms for public participation and information
The Bahamas has submitted a proposal for GEF funding for development of its National
Biosafety Framework.
4. Development of a National Action Programme to Combat Desertification and
Drought
As a signatory member to the Convention, The Bahamas is now obligated to prepare a
National Action Programme as to how the issues of desertification and drought will be
addressed nationally.
One of the first steps in facilitating this process is the organization of a National
Awareness Seminar. This Seminar will focus on relevant stakeholders, government and
non-government individuals and the general public at large.
The specific objectives will include:
 Introduction of the objectives of the United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification
 National assessment of the desertification issues in The Bahamas
 Assessment of public knowledge of desertification matters and of traditional
knowledge and practices that may be used to combat desertification
 Identification and review of national experiences with desertification
 Establishing partnerships with relevant stakeholders, government and nongovernment officials
 Specifying the contributions of major groups in the development of the National
Action Programme (NAP)
 Specifying the methodology in preparing the National Action Programme (NAP)
5. Big Pond Park
For many years, it has been the dream of both local citizens and institutions to reclaim
and restore the natural area surrounding Big Pond. Historically, an area rich in ecological
diversity, it has suffered encroachment from all sides, even losing part of its original
boundaries as a landfill grew on the south end. Even so, it has persevered and even
recovered a bit from past pollution, remaining a valuable natural amenity for New
Providence.
In 1999, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) entered into an agreement with the
Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to finance the improvement of
critical road segments on New Providence. As part of the agreement, it was determined
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that the restoration and protection of Big Pond and its surrounding environs would be the
cornerstone of the project’s environmental mitigation plan. A portion of funding was
reserved for the restoration of Big Pond.
In early 2001, the BEST Commission began the planning process for Big Pond. Working
in conjunction with ICF Consulting, BEST began identifying and interviewing groups
with a vested interest in the outcome of the project.
Using the services of a landscape architect with extensive experience in park planning,
this wealth of input was translated into a conceptual master plan for the area. Per the
common vision of the majority of the stakeholders, what emerged was a blueprint for an
urban green space—a combination of wildlife sanctuary, nature preserve, and passive
recreation area. The conceptual plan was presented to primary stakeholders in April 2001,
with an overwhelmingly favourable response. This completed the initial planning
process, and laid the groundwork for actual implementation.
Key stakeholders involved in this project are the Ministry of Public Works, Bahamas
Electricity Corporation, National Insurance Board, College of The Bahamas, Ministry of
Education, Ministry of Sports, Department of Environmental Health Services, Bain Town
Constituency, Mount Mariah Constituency and The Bahamas National Trust.
In 2002, work is scheduled to commence on implementation of the conceptual plan and
development of the Big Pond Park.
6. World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD)
The report for the Johannesburg Summit is being compiled by the BEST Commission
with information obtained from key agencies, such as the Ministry of Agriculture &
Fisheries, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance, Forestry Unit, Bahamas Electricity
Corporation, Bahamas National Pride Association, Bahamas National Trust and
Subcommittees of the Commission.
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