PROTECTING, CONSERVING & MANAGING THE ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES OF THE BAHAMAS.
The National Inter-Ministerial Committee on Science and Technology (NIMCOST) was created in 1989 to coordinate the national response to environmental, scientific, and technological matters referred to the Government of The Bahamas by international organisations.
In 1994 NIMCOST became the Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology Commission, and was given the following mandate by Government:
a. to serve as The Bahamas national focal point and official point of contact for all international organisations on matters relating to the environment, science and technology;
b. to coordinate matters relating to international conventions, treaties, protocols and agreements relating to the environment to which The Bahamas is, or will become, a party or signatory;
c. to coordinate the national effort:
i. To protect, conserve and responsibly manage the environmental resources of The Bahamas;
ii. To develop national environmental strategies and related action plans;
iii. To identify suitable scientific and technological advances that can contribute to the development of The Bahamas;
iv. To propose legislation to enforce the provisions of the national environmental plans and policies;
v. To identify and make application for technical assistance and financial grants to meet the Bahamas’ obligations under international conventions, treaties, protocols and agreements relating to the environment.
d. to represent the Government in discussions and negotiations with representatives of regional and international organizations and foreign governments, where appropriate, on matters relating to the environment, science or technology;
e. to serve as a forum which will encourage open dialogue, thereby facilitating the exchange of information and improved communication among the Government agencies and private sector entities responsible for, or actively involved with matters relating to the environment, science and technology;
f. to process administrative arrangements relative to The Bahamas' representation at international meetings and training seminars in the areas of environment, science and technology;
g. to keep Government informed of the progress of the Commission's work and the outcome of its deliberations with international organisations;
h. to explain and publicize the policies and activities of The Bahamas Government in the areas of the environment, science and technology;
i. to advise Government in a timely fashion on the environmental impact of various development proposals submitted for the Commission's review;
j. to prepare papers on various issues to assist in national policy formation.
k. to conduct site visits for projects under environmental impact assessment (EIA) review.
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The Bahamas Environment, Science & Technology Commission also known as the BEST Commission was established in 1994. The BEST Comission manages the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements and reviews environmental impact assessments and environmental management plans for development projects within The Bahamas.
The BEST Commission is located near downtown Nassau, on the second floor of the Manx Corporate Centre (Dockendale House), West Bay Street. Here a team of environmental officers coordinates the review of commercial, industrial, and residential development projects under consideration by the Government of The Bahamas, as well as evaluates research permit applications for scientific investigations involving or affecting natural resources within The Bahamas.
In addition, the team reviews the environmental aspects of various government infrastructure projects and responds to queries regarding the environment and environmental planning and protection.
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12 students from throughout the Bahamas awarded top honours in the National Coastal Awareness competition
By Kelly Meister - 22 June 2011
NASSAU, Bahamas -- Having submitted powerfully creative entries for the National Coastal Awareness competition, 12 young people from throughout our islands, including Abaco, Andros, Long Island and New Providence were awarded top honours in this year’s competition. The annual competition was open to the youth from all islands of The Bahamas. Its main aim is to increase the nation’s awareness of the threats to our coastal ecosystems and to encourage thinking on how we could all be part of the solution to overcome them....
...The 2011 Coastal Awareness Committee includes members from the following organizations:
Ministry of Tourism
Bahamas Environment Science and Technology Commission (BEST)
Bahamas Hotel Association
Bahamas National Trust
Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF)
Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas
College of The Bahamas
Department of Environmental Health Services
Department of Marine Resources
Dive Stuart Cove
Dolphin Encounters Ltd.
The Nature Conservancy
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
Port Department
The College of The Bahamas
The University of The West Indies
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