Book Release Features Environmental Issues
The Abaconian 15 April 2002

The Bahamas Environmental Handbook is a new book recently introduced and is the collaborative efforts of the Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology (BEST) Commission, the US-based ICF Consulting and Media Enterprises, a Nassau marketing company. The full color handbook contains contributions from government agencies, Bahamian experts, non-governmental organizations and scientists, both local and international. The book features chapters on biological diversity, the land and sea environments, marine pollution, solid and hazardous wastes, global climate change, national parks and protected areas and the organizations concerned with environmental management in the Bahamas. Funding was provided by the Inter-American Development Bank and the government. " The handbook serves as a marker in the BEST Commission,s efforts to fulfill its mandate to coordinate the national effort to protect, conserve and responsibly manage our environmental resources," according to Mr. James Knowles, Min. of Agriculture and Fisheries. "Its target audience of high school students and the general public will be enriched by the information on its pages. According to Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, "The handbook represents a substantial effort to explain global environmental concerns which have particular relevance to the Bahamas with a view to formulating appropriate responses.

It began as an idea of Mr. Earl Deveaux, former ambassador for the environment, who notes in his foreword that sustainable development requires attention to critical issues like land use planning, waste management, coastal zone management, an improved regulatory environment and better evaluation of the implications of national policies and programs.

Copies of the handbook are being distributed free to all schools and libraries throughout the Bahamas. Media Enterprises will be distributing the publication to book stores and other outlets nationwide with a suggested retail price of $19.95.