Public Consultation on the Draft National Forest Bill, 2025
Source: https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/notices/public-consultation-on-the-draft-national-forest-bill-2025
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
Public Consultation on the Draft National Forest Bill, 2025
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26 Jan 2026
#Public
Public Consultation on the Draft National Forest Bill, 2025
Ministry Of The Environment And Housing
The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, Forestry Unit invites members of the public to submit written comments on the proposed Forestry Bill by 10th February 2026 to
daniellehanek@bahamas.gov.bs
.
The Forestry Bill seeks to establish a modern legal framework for the protection, sustainable management, and conservation of forest resources across The Bahamas. The legislation recognises the importance of forests to biodiversity, climate resilience, water resources, sustainable livelihoods and national development.
Public participation is a critical part of the legislative process. Feedback received will help ensure that the Bill reflects national priorities, incorporates local knowledge, and balances environmental protection with responsible economic use. The consultation period commenced on 8th January 2026 and will end on 8th February 2026. A copy of the draft bill may be found below.
View
Draft National Forest Bill, 2025
Download
All submissions will be reviewed and considered as part of the policy-making process.
Key sections of the Bill include:
Establishment of a Forestry Department headed by a Director of Forestry;
Establishment of the National Forest Estate;
Provides for the designation of different categories of forests (such as forest reserves and conservation areas) and sets rules for activities permitted or prohibited within them;
Introduces a system for permits, leases and licences for activities such as harvesting, clearing, or commercial use of forest resources;
Mandates the preparation of forest management plans every 10 years;
Encourages participation by local communities, landowners, and other stakeholders in forest management and conservation efforts;
Provides assistance to private landowners;
Outlines inspection powers, enforcement mechanisms, and procedures
Allows for the authorised persons and authorised officers to assist the department in executing its mandate;
Specifies offences related to illegal clearing, harvesting, or damage to forest resources, along with penalties, fines, or other enforcement measures;
Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, Forestry Unit
Charlotte House, Shirley and Charlotte Streets
Telephone: 322-4546
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Back
Home
Notices
26 Jan 2026
#Public
Public Consultation on the Draft National Forest Bill, 2025
Ministry Of The Environment And Housing
The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, Forestry Unit invites members of the public to submit written comments on the proposed Forestry Bill by 10th February 2026 to
daniellehanek@bahamas.gov.bs
.
The Forestry Bill seeks to establish a modern legal framework for the protection, sustainable management, and conservation of forest resources across The Bahamas. The legislation recognises the importance of forests to biodiversity, climate resilience, water resources, sustainable livelihoods and national development.
Public participation is a critical part of the legislative process. Feedback received will help ensure that the Bill reflects national priorities, incorporates local knowledge, and balances environmental protection with responsible economic use. The consultation period commenced on 8th January 2026 and will end on 8th February 2026. A copy of the draft bill may be found below.
View
Draft National Forest Bill, 2025
Download
All submissions will be reviewed and considered as part of the policy-making process.
Key sections of the Bill include:
Establishment of a Forestry Department headed by a Director of Forestry;
Establishment of the National Forest Estate;
Provides for the designation of different categories of forests (such as forest reserves and conservation areas) and sets rules for activities permitted or prohibited within them;
Introduces a system for permits, leases and licences for activities such as harvesting, clearing, or commercial use of forest resources;
Mandates the preparation of forest management plans every 10 years;
Encourages participation by local communities, landowners, and other stakeholders in forest management and conservation efforts;
Provides assistance to private landowners;
Outlines inspection powers, enforcement mechanisms, and procedures
Allows for the authorised persons and authorised officers to assist the department in executing its mandate;
Specifies offences related to illegal clearing, harvesting, or damage to forest resources, along with penalties, fines, or other enforcement measures;
Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, Forestry Unit
Charlotte House, Shirley and Charlotte Streets
Telephone: 322-4546
Previous
Next
Public
Awarded Public Procurement Opportunities Report-November 2025
Public
Mariners Safety Advisory Notice: Feburary 17th - 24th
Quick Useful Links
The National Honours Society 2026 Call for Nominations
Budget Performance Reports
Budget Documents
Preparing Your Home and Family for a Hurricane
General Orders
Request for Expression of Interest
Hurricane Shelter Listing 2025
Install the BNEA APP
COVID-19 Frequent Asked Questions
Department of Labour’s Jobseekers Portal
Celebrate Bahamas
Load More
For Website Technical Support
Call and speak to a DICT Customer service agent.
+1 242 604 4688
Need to reach the DICT? Send us an email.
support@bahamas.gov.bs
Get in touch with our DICT support team.
get in touch
Explore frequently asked questions.
ask question
This site uses cookies to serve our services. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
Okay, Thanks