National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

This National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, consisting of six Chapters, had its formal beginning in September 1996. Biodiversity includes all genes, species and ecosystems and the ecological processes of which they are a part. The overall objective of this Strategy and Action Plan is to provide an overview of the role that biodiversity plays in the social and economic well-being of the Nation, and to recommend the steps that need to be taken to ensure that biodiversity is conserved as economic development continues. The Vision expresses the connection between human and environmental well-being. The foremost goal is to ensure environmental sustainability, while promoting human well-being and addressing socio-economic needs. The Mission directs efforts toward integrated, bioregional planning and management for the Nation and suggests mechanisms for capitalizing on institutional assets now in place as well as improving capacities across the board.
1.1.3 Biodiversity is the natural capital of a country. Biodiversity provides the components of the various ecosystems of a country. Loss of biodiversity disrupts the functioning of ecosystems, their stability and their capacity to deliver services (Box 1.3). Biodiversity maintains the productivity of agriculture, forestry and fisheries and its conservation is a vital component of sustainable development . The World Commission on Environment and Development has defined the latter as, development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs . Its Goals are: Enhance the quality of life in the Bahamas; Ensure environmental sustainability Promote human well-being; Address socio-economic needs; Develop integrated, comprehensive planning; Share information systems; Incorporate cost-benefit analysis and EIA/EIS processes; Provide for community participation; Support research and monitoring; Conserve biological resources and diversity; Develop a more comprehensive system of protected areas; Enhance regulatory and enforcement mechanisms; Provide for the protection of genetic resources; Control alien and invasive species Promote public awareness and education; Secure financial support for implementation of our Mission.
Two primary stated goals of the Government of The Bahamas are sustainability and the elimination of poverty. Both are intertwined with the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
The Government of The Bahamas has endorsed biodiversity conservation. It has recognised that the environment is critically important to the economy and well-being of all generations of Bahamians. As a consequence of this policy, the Government has begun to incorporate the protection and enhancement of the environment and biodiversity into the national planning process. To facilitate this process, the Government created the Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology (BEST) Commission in 1995, passed important environmental legislation, and is actively reviewing international agreements on environment and natural resources.