Environmental Planning and Protection Act No. 40 of 2019. Country/Territory Bahamas Document type Legislation Date 2019 Source FAO, FAOLEX Long titleAn Act to establish the department of environmental planning and protection; to provide for the prevention or control of pollution, the regulation of activities, and the administration, conservation and sustainable use of the environment; and for connected purposes. Subject Environment gen., Water Keyword Air quality/air pollution Capacity building Climate change Community management Enforcement/compliance Data collection/reporting EIA Environmental planning Environmental standards Equity Framework law Freshwater pollution Hazardous substances Hazardous waste Inspection Institution Integrated management Monitoring Offences/penalties Policy/planning Pollution control Protection of environment Public participation Registration Research Sustainable development Standards Effluent waste water/discharge Sustainable use Wetlands Geographical area Americas, Caribbean, Latin America and the Caribbean, North Atlantic, Small Island Developing States Entry into force notes This Act shall come into force on such date as the Minister may appoint by notice published in the Gazette. Abstract This Act sets forth provisions on the responsibilities of the Minister regards to overseeing the administration and enforcement of this Act; the establishment, functions and structure of the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection; the procedures and principles for Environmental Management Plans for the sustainable use and management of water resources and the management of natural resources, including wetlands and coral reefs, and Environmental Impact Assessments; the development of a National Environmental Policy to address environmental issues of national significance in consistency with the international environmental standards; environmental awareness and duties of general public and institutions for protection of environment; protection of natural resources, including coral reefs, ozone layer, wildlife, environmentally sensitive areas and species; management of, record keeping and monitoring requirements for and control over pollution; prohibition and management of hazardous substances; environmental contingency plans and emergency response actions over spill or accidental release of a pollutant, hazardous substance or hazardous waste; the establishment of Environmental Data Registry and research on scientific, technical and management aspects; the powers of environmental officers; environmental monitoring and EIA; and offences and penalties. The objectives of this Act are: (a) the establishment of an integrated environmental management system; (b) protection of environment while maintaining ecological integrity and the social and economic welfare of local communities; (c) strengthened legal framework for the protection, sustainable management and use, and development of the environment for the present and future generations; (d) pollution control for the purposes of maintaining the quality of the environment; (e) the compliance and implementation of obligations under any regional and international agreements or conventions to which the Government of the Bahamas has ratified or acceded to; (f) equitable allocation of the costs of environmental protection and restoration to encourage responsible use of, and reduced harm to, the environment; (g) promoting best practices in environmental management and minimizing harm to the environment through strategic planning, public consultation and effective policies; (h) the development of a robust climate change regime that applies adaptation and mitigation technologies to address vulnerabilities; (i) the establishment of a mechanism for effective public participation in decision making and the formulation of environmental policy; and (j) public awareness raising for a better understanding and appreciation of the environment. The Minister of Environment shall be responsible for the general supervision and management of this Act. Full text English Website elaw.org References - Legislation Implemented by Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. S.I. no. 150 of 2020. Legislation | Bahamas | 2020 Keyword: Certification, Environmental audit, EIA, Environmental planning, Monitoring, Offences/penalties, Special fund, Policy/planning, Freshwater pollution, Effluent waste water/discharge, Pollution control Source: FAO, FAOLEX