This Act establishes the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, provides for the prevention or control of pollution, regulates activities and the administration, conservation and sustainable use of the environment and connected purposes.

This Act establishes the Ministry of the Environment in The Bahamas and sets out its responsibilities and those of the Minister. Among its functions, the Ministry shall publish environmental data and promote public participation in environmental matters.

The objects and purposes of this Act are to provide for a land use planning based development control system led by policy, land use designations and zoning, promote sustainable development in a healthy natural environment, maintain and improve the quality of the physical and natural environment,

This act provides for a more effective organisation of the mitigation of, preparedness for, response to and recovery from emergencies and disasters in The Bahamas.

The Constitution of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas ensures access to information and participation within the framework of the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association. It also provides constitutional guarantees in case the aforementioned rights are infringed.