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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 1 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 2 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. 3 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 4 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. 5 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. 6 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. 7 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. 8 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 10 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 12 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 13 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. 14 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 16 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 17 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. 18 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 22 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. 23 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 24 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. 25