This Act lays down rules for the establishment of an integrated system for the sound and sustainable management of the environment for the benefit of present and future generations; control and mitigation of all forms of environmental degradation or pollution including hazardous substances and wastes for the purposes of protecting human health and maintaining the quality of the environment; the implementation of environmental standards in compliance with various multilateral environmental agreement; sustainable financing for the management of the environment and conservation of natural resources; environmental awareness-raising; and the development of the legal, regulatory and institutional framework for environmental management. Therefore, this Act sets forth provisions on the establishment, administration and functions of the Department of Environment in Part II; powers of inspector and director in Part III; environmental management planning and development of National Environmental Policy Framework in Part IV; procedures for pollution control permits and registration of sources of pollution in Part V; Environmental Impact Assessment processes in Part VI; environmental management and monitoring and related standards, procedures and guidelines in Part VII; natural resources management in the fields of protected area, watershed, and international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora in Part VIII; access and benefit sharing of genetic resources in Part IX; registry, database and inventory related to environmental information in Part X; negotiation and accession to multilateral environmental agreements in Part XI; establishment, purpose, functions and duties of the Sustainable Island Resources Framework Fund in Part XII; compliance and enforcement in Part XIII; offences and penalties related to management and protection of water resources, atmosphere and wildlife in Part XIV; environmental information, research, education and training in Part XV; and miscellaneous provisions on Part XVI.

Articles 65-69 of the Act outline regulations for the international trade of wild fauna and flora, specifically protecting species listed in CITES Appendices I, II, and III. They designate the Department of Environment as the CITES Management Authority, responsible for issuing permits, managing trade, and ensuring compliance. The CITES Scientific Authority, led by the Department of Plant Protection, advises on the impact of trade on species survival, provides guidance on confiscated specimens, and monitors exports to protect endangered species in Antigua and Barbuda.

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