This action identifies ecosystems and species that are threatened or degraded, determines the possibility of rehabilitating or restoring such ecosystems location by location, and develops methodologies and action plans for restoration of high-priority sites and species. It protects designated species from further declines in number and increases populations by enhancing existing habitats or stocking new habitats. It addresses degradation caused by habitat fragmentation, pollution, eutrophication, encroachment, poaching and smuggling through restoration methodologies, enforcement measures, and regulatory instruments. Restoration of wetlands, coral reefs and other ecosystems contributes to ecosystem recovery and supports reduction of nutrient loading and associated biodiversity pressures. The 2018/2021 Revision indicates that implementation has advanced through declaration of protected areas, closed seasons for marine species and birds, rehabilitation of wetlands and coral reefs, and continued inter-agency cooperation. These measures demonstrate active conservation and restoration efforts. However, nationally consolidated restoration baselines and standardized ecological performance indicators remain under development, limiting systematic aggregation of outcomes at the national scale. For the GBF targets aligned with this action (Targets 2, 4 and 7), the validation mapping identifies DEPP and the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) as responsible institutions. Government entities aligned to these targets include the Department of Marine Resources (DMR), the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), the University of The Bahamas (UB), the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI), and the Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute (BAMSI). Non-governmental stakeholders identified as aligned contributors include the Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation (BMMRO), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and Wild Bahamas.

This action develops scientifically sound methods for monitoring and evaluating ecosystems and species abundance. It develops methods of data handling, storage and transfer to be used by all agencies working in biodiversity and provides training for Bahamians in monitoring and evaluation. Monitoring is required to ensure that data are comparable over time and spatially and conform to international standards. Activities include review of monitoring methods, field testing of data collection and storage procedures, and training. The 2021 draft NBSAP revision indicates that marine species have been monitored in some areas using the AGRRA methodology, and that Bahamians are being trained in monitoring and evaluation methodologies through programs such as the Kirtland’s Warbler scholarship programme. A GEF 2020 project commenced in 2021 to develop monitoring and evaluation methodologies for other ecosystems and species. For the GBF targets aligned with this action (Targets 4, 20 and 21), the validation mapping identifies DEPP and the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) as responsible institutions. Government entities aligned to these targets include the Department of Marine Resources (DMR), the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), the University of The Bahamas (UB), the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI), and the Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute (BAMSI). Non-governmental stakeholders identified as aligned contributors include the Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation (BMMRO), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and Wild Bahamas.

This action expands the system of National Parks to include representative areas of ecosystems and habitats that are unique to The Bahamas or threatened and not presently represented. It includes preparation of management plans for proposed National Parks, use of legal instruments to provide protection to species and ecosystems, strengthening of legislation for the Bahamas National Trust, and strengthening institutional capacity to manage existing and expanded protected areas. The 2018/2021 Revision confirms that the Master Plan for the Bahamas National Protected Area System (BNPAS) was completed in 2012 and is being implemented. Management plans have been developed for several protected areas and work continues to complete plans for all protected areas within the BNPAS. Legislative instruments including the Forestry Act, Environmental Planning and Protection Act, Wild Birds Act, Wild Animals Act, and Marine Mammals Protection Act provide protection for species and ecosystems. Continued expansion of the BNPAS requires sustained institutional and financial investment. For the GBF targets aligned with this action (Targets 1, 3 and 4), the validation mapping identifies DEPP, the Department of Marine Resources (DMR), and the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) as responsible institutions. Government entities aligned to these targets include the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), the Forestry Unit, the Climate Change & Environmental Advisory Unit (CCEAU), and the Bahamas Customs Department. Non-governmental stakeholders identified as aligned contributors include the Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation (BMMRO).

This action prepares statements on bioregions, major ecosystems and critical species in The Bahamas. It prepares statements on the role of the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors in biodiversity conservation. It also prepares guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). These documents provide scientific baselines to determine priorities for monitoring, identify keystone species and habitats, identify threats and constraints to sustainable use, and define management policy options. They are intended as living documents to be revised as information becomes available and provide a basis for a National Protected Area System and for land use planning. The 2021 draft NBSAP revision notes that the 2002 Ecoregional Plan for the Bahamian Archipelago included an assessment of terrestrial and marine resources and articulated goals and strategies for conservation targets. The 2014 and 2017 Ecological Gap Analyses refined terrestrial and marine conservation targets. The Bahamas 2020 Declaration was the most recent policy statement on achieving these targets. For the GBF targets aligned with this action (Targets 1, 10 and 14), the validation mapping identifies DEPP, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environment (Forestry), and the Ministry of Fisheries as responsible institutions. Government entities aligned to these targets include BNGIS, the Department of Physical Planning, the Ministry of Works (MOW), the Department of Lands & Surveys, the Forestry Unit, and the Animal Control Unit (Ministry of Agriculture). Non-governmental stakeholders identified as aligned contributors include the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), the Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation (BMMRO), the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

This action operationalizes the Bahamas National Biodiversity Management Project by placing the bibliographic database and metadatabase online, producing accessible formats for dissemination, effectively managing and updating these databases, and improving inter-agency communication within The Bahamas. The project was completed in 1997 under a UNEP initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility on Biodiversity Data Management Capacitation in Developing Countries and Networking Biodiversity Information. The 2021 draft NBSAP revision indicates that development of the Spatial Data Support System (SDSS) commenced in 2021 along with re-establishment of the Clearing House Mechanism (CHM). The bibliographic database established under the original project remains intact and has been expanded, with intent to incorporate it into the Bahamas CHM. For the GBF targets aligned with this action (Targets 20 and 21), the validation mapping identifies DEPP and Universities/Academic Institutions as responsible institutions. Government entities aligned to these targets include the University of The Bahamas (UB), the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI), the Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), and the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (MOTIA). Non-governmental stakeholders identified as aligned contributors include the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), the Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation (BMMRO), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and Wild Bahamas.

This action creates awareness among citizens and residents of The Bahamas of the value of biodiversity to the economy and societal well-being, and of their individual and collective responsibilities under the Convention on Biological Diversity. It integrates local communities and stakeholders into the planning process and implementation of Action Plan activities at species and ecosystem levels. The action includes development of a structured public awareness and education campaign, preparation of materials for primary and secondary schools, preparation of materials for consultations in communities throughout The Bahamas, and conduct of National Consultations to develop consensus on conservation priorities, monitoring endpoints, time schedules and partnerships. The 2021 draft NBSAP revision indicates that national consultations were conducted in support of initiatives including the National Invasive Species Strategy (2003 and 2013), the 2012 Master Plan for the Bahamas National Protected Area System, Ecological Gap Analyses, the 20 by 20 Marine Protection Plan, curriculum development with the Department of Education, and public education campaigns for protected areas and key species. For the GBF targets aligned with this action (Targets 20, 22 and 23), the validation mapping identifies DEPP and Social Services as responsible institutions. Government entities aligned to these targets include the University of The Bahamas (UB), the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI), and the Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute (BAMSI). No non-governmental stakeholders were formally mapped under these targets.

This action establishes a multidisciplinary National Biodiversity Task Force composed of professionals from relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies, with adequate support. It prepares for and conducts a National Consultative Process and compiles, based on its outputs, a detailed Action Plan focused on species and ecosystems. The action recognizes that implementation of a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan requires full understanding, support and participation of local communities and stakeholders. It includes appointment of qualified staff, engagement of consultants to guide communications and consultation processes, and coordination across institutions. The 2021 draft NBSAP revision indicates that the National Biodiversity Committee functioned from 1997 through 2008 and was reconstituted in 2018 to lead updating of the NBSAP. The Committee has engaged in national consultations for initiatives including the National Invasive Species Strategy, the National Implementation Support Partnership, the 2012 Master Plan for the Bahamas National Protected Area System, Ecological Gap Analyses and the 20 by 20 Marine Protection Plan. The current Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) was identified as the Lead Agency. Support of the following partners was also envisioned: Department of Local Government, Department of Agriculture, Department of Fisheries, Department of Lands and Surveys, Department of Local Government, Department of Education, College of The Bahamas, Bahamas National Trust, Ministry of Finance, Water and Sewerage Corporation, other non-governmental organizations, and relevant regional and international organizations.