National Action Programme to combat desertification in The Bahamas.

The National Action Programme (NAP) to combat desertification in The Bahamas outlines the strategies, objectives, and actions to mitigate, and wherever possible reverse, the effects of land degradation by adopting measures to effectively preserve and manage the limited land resources of The Bahamas, through the participation and partnership of the various stakeholders. The NAP adopts a three-tier approach, consisting of preparatory activities, development and implementation stage and programme evaluation.
The NAP addresses the issues of significance for combating desertification/land degradation, such as: uncontrolled land clearing; the use of exotic rather than native species; invasive alien species; pollution and contamination of freshwater resources; cultural practices of farmers; inappropriate building methods; wetland destruction; review and amendment of existing legislation; the enforcement of existing legislation; education and public relations; sustainable development; development of land-use plans; identification of sensitive areas and restoration of protected areas; and strengthening of research capacity.
Tier 1 focuses on the identification of initial stakeholders and legal, financial, and human resources; the development of science-based assessments of land conditions in The Bahamas; strengthened data exchange and collection systems to ensure better understanding of those conditions leading to land degradation in The Bahamas; awareness raising on and assessment of the causes and effects of land degradation; and development of research activies and capacities. Tier 2 activities seek to create various networks and initiatives for addressing land degradation through sustainable practices and partnerships among the stakeholders. At this stage, priority will be given to the projects and programmes on public awareness-raising, reforestation, land use planning, water resource management, cultivation techniques, innovative applications etc. The effectiveness of these projects and programmes will be measures in Tier 3 through the implementation of benchmarks and indicators. Stakeholder subcommittees will be established for the implementation of programme audit activities. The evaluation of programmes, policies and legislation developed to combat land degradation will be strengthened. A National Coordinating Committee will be established to coordinate the implementation of the Convention as appropriate for The Bahamas, and serve as a focal point for the coordination of the NAP and other related programmes.