Protection, Conservation and Management of the Environment
Relations with National and International Organizations on matters Relating to the Environment, Science and Technology
International Conventions, Treaties, Protocols and Agreements relating to the Environment
Research Permits relating to Terrestrial Resources

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.