Bahamas National Wetland Policy.

The National Wetland Policy is a national policy with a sectoral approach. The goal of the Policy is to conserve, restore and manage wetlands in conjunction with the sustainable development practices.
In order to ensure sustainable management and use of wetlands, "wise use of wetlands" concept of the Ramsar Convention will be adopted. Management practices vary upon the category of wetlands, which are protected wetlands, partially protected wetlands and developed wetlands. Protection measures will be taken against adverse impacts on wetlands and their habitats. The adverse impacts of the activities on wetlands will be monitored through the environmental impact assessments. Educational institutions, community groups and non-governmental organizations will take place in monitoring processes. Land-use management will be integrated into wetland management to prevent degradation and destruction of wetlands due to the activities of landholders. Restoration and rehabilitation practices will be conducted for the degraded wetlands to restore their ecosystem structure, composition and natural processes. This Policy underlines the contribution of wetlands to the environmental and economic well-being of the community. Therefore community involvement will be promoted in wetlands management and incentives will be provided for the communities to maintain the wetland systems in a sustainable manner. Public awareness-raising and institutional capacity building will be enhanced on the conservation of wetlands and their basic ecological functions. In order to enable more efficient management and conservation of wetlands, cooperation will be established between the relevant government agencies, community groups, private landholders, and the business sector. Furthermore, international partnerships will be established between the Government and international NGOs. Moreover, foreign investments will be encouraged. National standards and guidelines will be established for the assessment of quality and quantity of wetlands. A Database will be established to make an inventory of the wetlands. Research studies will be conducted on wetlands to ensure a sound scientific basis for policy and management.