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Integrating Watershed and Coastal Areas Management (IWCAM) Project
The regional IWCAM project commenced in 2005 and involves thirteen (13) of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean. The project is funded by GEF and implemented by UNEP and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The goal of the project is to strengthen the commitment and capacity of the participating countries, to implement an integrated approach to management of watershed and coastal areas. The main issues addressed by IWCAM are diminishing freshwater supplies, degraded freshwater and coastal water quality, inappropriate land use and hygiene and sanitation. Two of the eight demonstration projects are being implemented by The Bahamas. In Andros, the Land and Sea Use Planning for Water Recharge Protection and Management and in Exuma, The Marina Waste Management at Elizabeth Harbor, these demonstration projects commenced in January 2007.
The Exuma project focuses on waste disposal in one of the Caribbean’s busiest harbours. This harbour has up to 500 marine vessels per day during the peak yachting season in November through April. A Fixed Activated Sludge Treatment wastewater system with a deep well disposal was installed and is waiting commissioning before the 2010-2011 yachting season. The facility will receive waste from a pump out boat which operates in Elizabeth Harbour. As an interim measure, Sandals resort accepts the wastewater collected by the pump out boat. Also, 15 moorings for dockage have been installed in Gaviota Bay, Elizabeth Harbor to prevent boaters from docking on sensitive marine areas. A harbour inspection and coastal water quality monitoring program was established by the DEHS. Baseline water quality data has been collected for comparison to water samples collected during the upcoming yachting season. This component is being implemented by the BEST Commission, the Water & Sewerage Corporation, BREEF and DEHS.
Andros is home to The Bahamas’ largest freshwater aquifers, vast tidal creek wetlands, and one of the world’s largest barrier reefs and to a nursery that supports diverse sea life well beyond Bahamian territorial waters. Andros represents the largest source of freshwater and wetland habitat in The Bahamas. The main threats to the water regime and related biodiversity include pollution of the aquifer (salt water intrusion, agriculture, sewage, unsanctioned domestic use, and puncture as a result of development), encroachment, and destruction of sensitive habitats, dredging, and over-fishing. The Andros project focuses on managing the sensitive coastal and fresh water resources. A small scale demonstration project dealing with water conservation will be completed with the North Andros High School agricultural programme. Composting toilets and mechanical low flow faucets are being installed at the High School. The project will also provide a zoning map for land and sea areas for future use, an Ecotourism Plan, baseline information on the marine and terrestrial resources, maps showing the location of the biodiversity, an economic valuation of resources and biodiversity on Andros, and a water conservation strategy. The TNC conducted an awareness and educational programme to sensitize the community to the project benefits.
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The Caribbean Challenge
In May 2008, The Bahamas’ government alongside leaders from Jamaica, Grenada, The Dominican Republic and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, launched the Caribbean Challenge. The Caribbean Challenge is an unprecedented commitment by Caribbean governments to build political support and financial sustainability for protected areas in the Caribbean. The Bahamas will be the largest contributor of protected areas and aims to set aside 20% of the marine habitats by 2020. The goals of the project are to create a network of marine protected areas expanding across 21 million acres of territorial coasts and waters, to establish protected areas and trust funds to ensure sustainable funding and to develop national level demonstration projects for climate change adaptation. The GOB has committed $2 million dollars for the establishment of The Bahamas National Protected Area Fund. Funding has also been committed by The Nature Conservancy, KfW (the German Development Bank) and other international funding agencies (BNT, 2010a). The aim is to end paper parks in the Caribbean forever. The project is supported by the Global Island Partnership and private NGO’s.
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Regional Initiative of The Caribbean Sub-Region for the Development of a Sub-regional strategy to implement the Ramsar Convention
The goal of the project is to create a sub-regional strategy for implementing the Ramsar Convention by dealing in a comprehensive manner with challenges that climate change, biodiversity loss, socioeconomic development, conservation and wise use of wetlands and coastal areas entail for Caribbean States. The Strategy will provide guidelines for the development and establishment of a coordinated international cooperation framework, the processes and actions for the handling, management and exchange of experiences best practices and information to address in a regional manner the problems and challenges associated to the management of wetlands in the Caribbean Sub-region. This project is in its initial phase.
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Integration of Biodiversity in Environmental Impact Assements and Strageic Environmental Assessments.
Under the Draft Environmental Planning and Protection Act of 2005, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations were developed. Even though the EIA regulations were not legally enforceable, foreign developers were required to undertake an EIA and EMP. A review of the documents were conducted by the BEST Commission in tandem to a third party reviewer.
The Planning and Subdivision Bill 2010, provides a mechanism for consideration to be given to environmental impacts from national projects, by requiring EIAs for projects that may likely have adverse impacts on the environment. The legislation mandates that the EIA be circulated to relevant referral agencies for review and comments. However, it does not outline specific strategies for conservation and sustainability of biodiversity. Even though it is not outlined in the legislation, a list of proposed plants for landscaping either from local nurseries or by importation is included in the EIAs. Currently, Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is not undertaken in The Bahamas.
In Grand Bahama, the Port Authority formed an Environmental Department in March 2006 with the aim of developing a capacity to introduce an environmental regulatory framework within the area designated as the Port Area. Since the formation of the Department, EIA guidelines have been produced for projects of various natures. In addition, guidelines for License applications relating to a myriad of projects which may seek to start business in the Freeport area have also been developed. The License Department has been given a checklist which would determine whether new projects would have an environmental concern/component. If identified as requiring environmental review, a further determination would be made as to whether a Basic Site Assessment, EIS, EIA or EMP is also needed (Wilchcombe, 2010).
All the guidelines consider biodiversity and the impacts and mitigation on the same as a result of whatever activity is being proposed
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The Way Forward: Enhancing Cross-Sectoral Integration (Mainstreaming) of Biodiversity in The Bahamas
The Bahamas has had numerous studies conducted, adopted policies and enacted legislation which would contribute to the protection of biodiversity in the country. Despite using the various mainstreaming mechanisms to develop these documents, the country struggles with making the findings of the document a reality. Many local environmentalists feel that the environmental protection is considered as an afterthought. Implementation is hampered by lack of technical skills, lack of man power, lack of equipment and scarce financial resources. Even though these tools exist to assist in decision making for development in the country they are more often than not referred to for guidance. In order to enhance cross-sectoral integration in The Bahamas, the GOB has to make a commitment of adequate financial resources to provide the needed technical skills, manpower and equipment to successfully implement the strategic plans for the agriculture, fisheries, forestry and the tourism sectors. In addition, all of the plans need to have a follow-up mechanism to evaluate the effectiveness of the plans.
Further, to the five year plan for agriculture, the DOA should ensure that new leases issued on agriculture land have clauses relating to conservation of biodiversity and the use of pesticides. The DOA should promote management of agricultural lands with plant biodiversity in mind. Farmers should be encouraged to set aside a portion of their agricultural land to be fallow for biodiversity conservation and establish protocols for valuable plant conservation. The number of trained people working with appropriate facilities in plant conservation should be increased, according to the national needs. The country should also establish networks for plant conservation activities at the national, regional and international levels.
In conjunction with the five year plan for marine resources, the DMR should conduct ecological assessments and continuous monitoring of selected coral reefs and develop and implement restoration and rehabilitation plans for designated degraded coral reef habitats. EIAs should be required for all mariculture projects. DMR needs to develop an effective evaluation method for site selection of mariculture projects along with the appropriate guidelines for effluent and waste control. Also, The Bahamas should expand the number of inland water ecosystems (e.g. Big Pond) in the existing national system of protected areas.
The Forestry Act, 2010 mandates that a five year management plan be developed for the forestry sector. In order to enhance biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, the plan should include the following:-
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Incorporation of the ecosystem approach in the management of the three types of forest areas (forest reserves, protected forest and conservation forest);
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An assessment of based plant sources (e.g. silver tops, cascarilla, etc.) and creation of a management plan for these species;
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Programmes to protect, recover and restore forest biological diversity;
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Plans to promote the sustainable use of forest biological diversity;
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Measures to improve the country’s understanding of the role of forest biodiversity and ecosystem functions; and
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Mechanisms to promote access and benefit-sharing of forest genetic resources.
When the NBSAP is updated, and new sectoral plans are developed, many of the guidelines on biodiversity and tourism development (developed by CBD) should be integrated.
Broadly, there is a need for the GOB to develop strategic plans to deal with environmental matters in the Commonwealth.
Further enhancement of cross-sectoral integration in The Bahamas requires increasing knowledge and awareness regarding biodiversity issues among the key decision makers in the various government agencies, policy makers, stakeholders and the school populous. Policy makers need to be sensitized to the issues facing biodiversity and should be educated on the economic worth of biodiversity in the country. Through this insight it will be understood that protection of biodiversity does not hinder economic development in the country, but helps to safeguard the environment and livelihoods for future generations. Agencies need to be educated on their responsibilities for implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and other biological diversity related conventions. This should assist in broadening the mindset of the involved persons. Tourists and locals should be educated on some of the regulations and conservation methods being used to protect biodiversity in the country, such as looking at but not touching the marine turtles or that it is illegal to catch, transport or sell birds captured in The Bahamas. Currently, NGO and private sector partners have on-going educational programmes on biodiversity matters but are limited due to lack of funding.
Implementation is hampered by the lack of communication among and within agencies. There needs to be a shift in thinking from territorialism to integrated thinking and that the sharing of knowledge does not mean a loss of control. Due to the size and archipelagic nature of The Bahamas, enforcement is a vast task. Dedicated resources such as man-power, equipment and money would assist in more efficient implementation and enforcement. To truly make enforcement better, the entire country needs to assist with enforcement. An environmental hotline should be established to direct concerns to the relevant agencies, instead of the current situation where an individual reporting a concern must often endure the frustration of calling several different agencies before locating the appropriate contact.
Chapter 4: Conclusions: Progress towards the 2010 Target and Implementation of the Strategic Plan
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Progress towards the 2010 Target
COP VIII (Decision VIII/15) provided a provisional framework of goals and targets and indicators to facilitate parties to consistently and coherently assess progress towards the 2010 targets. Table 4.1 outlines the progress The Bahamas has made relevant to the 2010 targets.
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National Targets and Indicators for Measuring Progress
Success for the implementation of the 2010 goals for the Convention on Biological Diversity was measured by assessing activities that have been undertaken by the various agencies since no national targets or indicators has been established by The Bahamas. Even though sectoral and cross-sectoral plans or projects have been developed, either none or minimal considerations have been provided for the incorporation of the global targets established by the CBD.
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Progress towards the Goals and Objectives of the Strategic Plan of the Convention
Table 4.2 outlines the progress The Bahamas has made relevant to Goals and Objectives of the Strategic Plan of the Convention.
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Obstacles Encountered
The main obstacles encountered during the implementation of the targets for the CBD for The Bahamas was the following:
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Lack of national systems (e.g. technical skills, resources, equipment) to protect biodiversity;
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Lack of resources – manpower, technical skills, equipment and funding;
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Lack of a data management system and analysis of trends for data which has been collected;
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Inaccessibility of existing data;
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Pressures related to population growth and increased poverty levels are undermining environmental programmes, therefore balancing development with environmental protection creates many challenges;
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Enforcement of environmental regulations lacking;
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The overall NBSAP programme is not fully understood by stakeholders; and
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Lack of indicators for tracking progress for the implementation of goals.
Table 4.1: Bahamas’ progress for Implementing CBD Targets
Goals and Targets | Global Indicators | Progress (Scale of 0-5) | Justification (Identify case or example) |
Protect the components of biodiversity
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Goal 1. Promote the conservation of the biological diversity of ecosystems, habitats and biomes
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Target 1.1: At least 10% of each of the world’s ecological regions effectively conserved.
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Coverage of protected areas
Trends in extent of selected biomes, ecosystems and habitats
Trends in abundance and distribution of selected species
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Terrestrial
4
Marine
1
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Approximately 10% of the terrestrial biodiversity has been preserved along with approximately 1% of the marine biodiversity through a system of National Parks and Marine Reserves. The Bahamas has 26 National Parks designated under the management of the BNT and 4 Marine Reserves designated under the management of the DMR. A Gap analysis, a management effectiveness plan, a long term monitoring plan and a Master plan for protected areas have been completed. This long term management plan will assist in monitoring trends.
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Target 1.2: Areas of particular importance to biodiversity protected
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Trends in extent of selected biomes, ecosystems and habitats
Trends in abundance and distribution of selected species
Coverage of protected areas
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3
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Goal 2. Promote the conservation of species diversity
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Target 2.1: Restore, maintain, or reduce the decline of populations of species of selected taxonomic groups.
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Trends in abundance and distribution of selected species
Change in status of threatened species
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2
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The Conservation and Protection and Physical Landscape Act, Species Order of 1997 under the Physical Landscape of The Bahamas Act 1997, list 11 plant species that are protected. Enforcement of the Act and regulations is lacking. Very little work has been done on this, as the 2010 targets were agreed in 2002, and the act predates this.
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Target 2.2: Status of threatened species improved.
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Change in status of threatened species
Trends in abundance and distribution of selected species
Coverage of protected areas
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3
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Species such as the flamingos and marine turtles are protected. An increase in the amount of Flamingos has been observed since the creation of the Inagua National Park in (1965). Protection for the marine turtles started in September 2009. Better monitoring is required to determine if their quantities are increasing. It has been observed by fishermen that there is a decline in grouper, conch and lobster due to having to fish in deeper waters than before to catch the abovementioned species.
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Goal 3. Promote the conservation of genetic diversity
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Target 3.1: Genetic diversity of crops, livestock, and of harvested species of trees, fish and wildlife and other valuable species conserved, and associated indigenous and local knowledge maintained.
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Trends in genetic diversity of domesticated animals, cultivated plants, and fish species of major socio-economic importance
Biodiversity used in food and medicine (indicator under development)
Trends in abundance and distribution of selected species
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1
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The Department of Agriculture has embarked on the preservation of finger and goat pepper. Nothing has been formulated for animals. There are no plans to expand this programme due to a lack of resources.
Limited research is being done on local knowledge, but not well documented.
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Promote sustainable use
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Goal 4. Promote sustainable use and consumption.
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Target 4.1: Biodiversity-based products derived from sources that are sustainably managed, and production areas managed consistent with the conservation of biodiversity.
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Area of forest, agricultural and aquaculture ecosystems under sustainable management
Proportion of products derived from sustainable sources (indicator under development)
Trends in abundance and distribution of selected species
Marine trophic index
Nitrogen Deposition
Water quality in aquatic ecosystems
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1
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There is no available information on the current status of biodiversity based local products, e.g. Thatch palm
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Target 4.2. Unsustainable consumption, of biological resources, or that impacts upon biodiversity, reduced.
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Ecological footprint and related concepts
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1
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The Bahamas struggles with unsustainable consumption of some of its resources such as grouper, conch, land crabs and crawfish. (See Section 1.5)
In terms of terrestrial species, there are closed and open seasons, kill and catch limits, and restrictions on methods used for capturing.
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Target 4.3: No species of wild flora or fauna endangered by international trade.
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Change in status of threatened species
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2
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Wildlife Conservation and Trade Act against international trade of endangered species has been enacted and is currently being implemented. Enforcement is an issue due to archipelagic nature of The Bahamas and lack of training of key personnel at ports of entry and inadequate border control. Not much trade occurs with many of The Bahamas’ wild flora and fauna.
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Address threats to biodiversity
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Goal 5. Pressures from habitat loss, land use change and degradation, and unsustainable water use, reduced.
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Target 5.1. Rate of loss and degradation of natural habitats decreased.
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Trends in extent of selected biomes, ecosystems and habitats
Trends in abundance and distribution of selected species
Marine trophic index
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1
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It is believed that the rate of loss and degradation to habitats is increasing. The Planning and Subdivision Bill, 2010 mandates EIA’s for developments that will adversely impact the environment. This Act, will assist against the destruction and fragmentation of ecosystems.
The passing and enforcement of the Forestry Act, 2010 should assist in reducing the loss and degradation of habitats.
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Goal 6. Control threats from invasive alien species
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Target 6.1. Pathways for major potential invasive alien species controlled.
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Trends in invasive alien species
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1
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NISS was written in October 28, 2003 to assist in the identification and eradication of some of the IAS. It is not clear which agency is to enforce the NISS.
Pathways for invasive species have been identified for some species but the pathways are not well controlled.
A lionfish study (MTIASIC) is underway to determine the effects of the removal of lion fish on its population and on the surrounding fish populations as a part of a regional effort.
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Target 6. 2. Management plans in place for major alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats or species.
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Trends in invasive alien species
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1
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Management plans have been developed for IAS such as the Lionfish, Scaevola (non-native), the Casuarina and the Mucuna; the plans have been used on a limited basis.
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Goal 7. Address challenges to biodiversity from climate change, and pollution
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Target 7.1. Maintain and enhance resilience of the components of biodiversity to adapt to climate change.
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Connectivity/fragmentation of ecosystems
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1
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A demonstration project “Building a Sustainable National Marine Protected Area Network began in 2010 with GEF Funding” (See Section 3.1.6)
The system of National Parks that have been established and will hopefully assist with resilience of biodiversity to adapt to climate change. (See section 3.1.6)
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Target 7.2. Reduce pollution and its impacts on biodiversity.
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Nitrogen deposition
Water quality in aquatic ecosystems
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2
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The GOB has installed landfills in several of the Family Islands and upgraded the New Providence dumpsite to a lined landfill with leachate control. Also, a Hazardous Waste Facility has been established at the New Providence Landfill.
NGO’s are assisting to reduce pollution through various clean-up and educational programmes, such as the Eco-schools Programme.
MOT is assisting in reducing pollution through the Blue Flag Marine Certifications and the Coastal Awareness Committee.
Recycling is done on a limited basis on New Providence and Grand Bahama for bottles by the local distributors and for derelict vehicles by the GOB.
| Maintain goods and services from biodiversity to support human well-being |
Goal 8. Maintain capacity of ecosystems to deliver goods and services and support livelihoods
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Target 8.1. Capacity of ecosystems to deliver goods and services maintained.
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Biodiversity used in food and medicine (indicator under development)
Water quality in aquatic ecosystems
Marine trophic index
Incidence of Human-induced ecosystem failure
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0
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No research has done on the capacity of ecosystems to deliver goods and services in The Bahamas due to lack of resources such as technical, financial, equipment and man-power.
As a result of development, critical waterways are being closed off by infrastructure development and clear cutting of land.
The bulk of work underway is geared towards marine resources rather than terrestrial.
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Target 8.2. Biological resources that support sustainable livelihoods, local food security and health care, especially of poor people maintained.
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Health and well-being of communities who depend directly on local ecosystem goods and services
Biodiversity used in food and medicine
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1
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The Department of Marine Resources has prohibited the use of long line fishing, declared closed seasons for crawfish, the Nassau Grouper and stone crabs, and prohibits the use of explosives, poison or a noxious substance and has size restrictions. Despite the abovementioned, enforcement is an issue resulting in a decline in biological resources.
The Ministry of Tourism provides training to any and all personnel who come in contact with tourists. These courses include lectures on local history and geography, flora and fauna, CITES and other legislations, and invasive alien species. Guides will soon have to obtain a certification. The guides will require knowledge of some of the legislation that governs biodiversity, amongst other things.
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Protect traditional knowledge, innovations and practices
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Goal 9 Maintain socio-cultural diversity of indigenous and local communities
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Target 9.1. Protect traditional knowledge, innovations and practices.
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Status and trends of linguistic diversity and numbers of speakers of indigenous languages
Additional indicators to be developed
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0
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There is no National Strategy in place to protect culture and record indigenous knowledge. No research has been undertaken on the sustainable use of plants for bush medicine in protected areas.
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Target 9.2. Protect the rights of indigenous and local communities over their traditional knowledge, innovations and practices, including their rights to benefit sharing.
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Indicator to be developed
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0
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Ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of genetic resources
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Goal 10. Ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of genetic resources
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Target 10.1. All access to genetic resources is in line with the Convention on Biological Diversity and its relevant provisions.
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Indicator to be developed
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0
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There is no national strategy in place for dealing with genetic resources. There is generally a lack of public awareness on this topic.
E.g. Some of the Estee Lauder products are created from an extract from soft purple coral (Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae).
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Target 10.2. Benefits arising from the commercial and other utilization of genetic resources shared in a fair and equitable way with the countries providing such resources in line with the Convention on Biological Diversity and its relevant provisions
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Indicator to be developed
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0
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Ensure provision of adequate resources
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Goal 11: Parties have improved financial, human, scientific, technical and technological capacity to implement the Convention
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Target 11.1. New and additional financial resources are transferred to developing country Parties, to allow for the effective implementation of their commitments under the Convention, in accordance with Article 20.
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Official development assistance provided in support of the Convention
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3
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Even though, The Bahamas has implemented projects as a result of International Funding, more financial support is needed to fully implement the CBD.
Funding is available through the GEF Small Grants Project, but access by groups, such as local communities and NGO’s is problematic.
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Target 11.2 Technology is transferred to developing country Parties, to allow for the effective implementation of their commitments under the Convention, in accordance with its Article 20, paragraph 4.
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Indicator to be developed
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0
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