Bahamas' Updated Nationally Determined Contribution

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 8 1.1. The Bahamas National Circumstances ............................................................................................. 8 1.1.1. Government ............................................................................................................................. 8 1.1.2. Population Profile ..................................................................................................................... 8 1.1.3. Geography ................................................................................................................................ 9 1.1.4. Climate ...................................................................................................................................... 9 1.1.5. Economic Profile ...................................................................................................................... 9 1.2. Climate Change in The Bahamas .................................................................................................... 10 1.2.1. Impacts of Climate Change .................................................................................................... 10 1.2.2. Loss and Damage ................................................................................................................... 12 1.2.3. Future Climate Projections/Climate Variables Trend ........................................................... 12 1.2.4. GHG Emissions ....................................................................................................................... 13 1.2.5. Climate Action ........................................................................................................................ 14

2. Policy Framework ........................................................................................................................................ 16 2.1. National framework ............................................................................................................................... 16 2.2. International reports and commitments .............................................................................................. 27

3. Gaps, Needs and Opportunities for Climate Action ................................................................................... 31 3.1. Mitigation ........................................................................................................................................ 31 3.2. Adaptation ....................................................................................................................................... 32

4. NDC update process .................................................................................................................................... 33

5. Mitigation ..................................................................................................................................................... 35

6. Adaptation.................................................................................................................................................... 38 7. Information necessary for Clarity, Transparency and Understanding of The Bahamas NDC .................. 42

8. NDC Implementation ................................................................................................................................... 48 8.1. Institutional Arrangements ............................................................................................................. 48 8.1.1. Mitigation Institutional Arrangements ................................................................................. 48 8.1.2. Adaptation Institutional Arrangements ................................................................................ 49 8.2. NDC monitoring ............................................................................................................................... 49

9. NDC Financing .............................................................................................................................................. 52

10. References ................................................................................................................................................... 53 Annex I. SWOT Analysis ..................................................................................................................................... 55 AI.1. Mitigation .............................................................................................................................................. 55 Energy 55 Transportation .......................................................................................................................................... 57 IPPU 58 Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) .............................................................................. 59 Waste 60 AI.2. Adaptation ............................................................................................................................................ 61 Annex II. Detail of mitigation actions ................................................................................................................ 63 AII.1 Energy.................................................................................................................................................... 63 AII.2 Transport ............................................................................................................................................... 80 AII.3 Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU) ...................................................................................... 84 AII.4 Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) .......................................................................... 85 AII.5 Waste .................................................................................................................................................... 88 Index of figures Figure 1. Projected emission reductions by sector with mitigation actions compared to the baseline. ...... 14 Figure 2. Key actors for NDC implementation. ................................................................................................ 48 Index of tables Table 1. GDP Impact of past hurricanes that have strike The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. ................. 11 Table 2. Scenarios described in the AR6 of the IPCC. ...................................................................................... 13 Table 3. List of climate change projects implemented by the Government of The Bahamas since 2015. ... 15 Table 4. Updated NDC mitigation goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) linkages. .................... 35 Table 5. Actions supporting the Updated NDC mitigation goals. .................................................................... 37 Table 6. Updated NDC adaptation goals and SDG linkages. ............................................................................ 38 Table 7. Examples of actions supporting the Updated NDC adaptation goals. .............................................. 41 List of Acronyms ACE Action for Climate Empowerment AOSIS Alliance of Small Island States AML Anti-Money Laundering BAMSI Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute BBSQ Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality BaU Business-as-Usual BEST Bahamas Environment Science and Technology BCCEC Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation BNT Bahamas National Trust BPL Bahamas Power and Light BPAF Bahamas Protected Areas Fund BREEF Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation BTVI Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute BUR Biennial Update Report CAAB Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CCARR Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Research Centre CCCCC Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre CFT Countering the Financing of Terrorism DEPP Department of Environmental Planning and Protection EbA Ecosystem-based Adaptation EE Energy Efficiency EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone ETF Enhanced Transparency Framework FNC First National Communication GBPA Grand Bahama Port Authority GBPC Grand Bahama Power Company GCF Green Climate Fund GDP Gross Domestic Product Gg CO2 Eq Gigagram of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent GHG Greenhouse Gases HCFC Hydrochlorofluorocarbon HFC Hydrofluorocarbon IADB Inter-American Development Bank INDC Intended Nationally Determined Contribution IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPPU Industrial Processes and Produce Use LULUCF Land-Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry MoENR Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources MRV Monitoring, Reporting and Verification NbS Nature based Solutions NBSAPs National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans NCCC National Climate Change Committee NCSA National Capacity Needs Self Assessment NDA National Designated Authority NDC Nationally Determined Contribution NELs Non-Economic Losses NEMA National Emergency Management Agency NEMAP National Environmental Management and Action Plan NEP National Energy Policy NGO Non-Governmental Organization NOU National Ozone Unit PSIP Public Sector Investment Programme RABL Raising Awareness about The Bahamas Landfill RCP Representative Concentration Pathways RE Renewable Energy RER Renewable Energy Rider RGS Renewable Generation Systems SDG Sustainable Development Goals SLR Sea Level Rise SNC Second National Communication SSP Shared Socioeconomic Pathways SSRG Small scale Renewable Generation SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats TACCC Transparency, Accuracy, Comparability, Completeness and Consistency TNC Third National Communication UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change URCA Utilities Regulations and Competition Authority WSC Water and Sewerage Corporation The Bahamas Updated NDC Executive Summary The Bahamas is an archipelago of more than 700 islands and cays in the western Atlantic Ocean covering approximately 100,000 square miles (mi2), and the entire population lives within coastal zone. The Bahamas’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is estimated to be 242,970 mi2 and includes a shelf area of some 41,800 mi2, subject to successful negotiation of its boundaries with neighboring states (Commonwealth of The Bahamas, 2015). It is located in a hurricane hazard prone area which exposes over 390,000 people to the threat and destruction of hurricanes which cause significant loss and damage. The Bahamas, though responsible for only 0.01% of global greenhouse gas emissions, is setting emission reduction targets. In 2016, it ratified the Paris Agreement and submitted its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), committing to a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to its Business- as-Usual (BaU) scenario. Financial, technical, and social constraints need to be addressed in order to realize the potential for mitigation. A thorough analysis of the five priority areas for mitigation action — Energy, Transportation, Industrial Processes and Produce Use (IPPU), Land-Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF), and Waste — showed that there is a need for consistency in dealing with trade-offs between development and climate action and a need for more resources to build capacity in the public and private sectors. There is also the need to safeguard against unintended consequences of mitigation measures such as unemployment. Effective implementation of mitigation measures also requires increased availability and accessibility of data across sectors. The Bahamas has the benefit of national adaptation coverage in coastal areas, but there are still gaps in data and the need for updates to legislation and policies related to adaptation. Access to international funding has increased, helping The Bahamas to recover from climate-related disasters. Continued demand for natural resources and the lack of economic diversification needs to be addressed for adaptation measures to be successful. In its contribution to reaching the international carbon neutrality goal by 2050, in 2030 The Bahamas aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, have at least 30% renewable energy in its energy mix, and have 35% and 15% of vehicle purchases be electric and hybrid, respectively. Reaching these targets requires the promotion of energy efficiency, promotion of renewable generation and incentive mechanisms, and promoting the electrification of road transportation. As climate change takes a toll on The Bahamas, as a small island nation, the country must also take action to prevent and minimize impacts. In this context, The Bahamas seeks to reduce its vulnerability and improve its ability to prepare and respond to climate change. This will be done by strengthening the national regulatory framework and leverage adaptation funding, protecting human health, ensuring food and clean water security, improving ecosystem management and conversation, and increasing resilience of energy infrastructure while diversifying the energy matrix with a focus on renewable energy. This report details the situation of The Bahamas, including the factors that impact its ability to mitigate against and adapt to climate change, and the targets it has set by 2030 along with specific strategic components to meet them. It also links the targets and activities to the Sustainable Development Goals and names relevant sectors while acknowledging that they are interconnected. Implementation of this NDC will require the cooperation of national organizations, municipalities, universities and research centers, and private sector entities. The development of monitoring tools is critical to ensure progress is tracked and information is disseminated to to relevant stakeholders for decision-making. The Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system currently being developed will ensure relevant information is recorded, reported, and used to advance the mitigation and adaptation efforts of The Bahamas. 7 The Bahamas Updated NDC

1. Introduction The Government of The Bahamas ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on 29 March 1994 to contribute to the stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse (GHG) gases. and respond to the threats of climate change based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and in accordance with the respective national capabilities. The Bahamas submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) in November 2016 to achieve the global targets set out in the UNFCCC’s Paris Agreement. to pursue efforts to limit the average temperature increase to 1.5 °C compared to pre-industrial temperatures. This document presents an update to The Bahamas Intended NDC, covering the period between 2020 to 2030 dependent on international financial support. The NDC update is aligned with other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and members of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) by significantly enhancing ambition and increasing its mitigation contribution to be fully compatible with the objectives of the Paris Agreement, and in accordance with the Bahamas Government’s Acts, Policies, Regulations, Vision and Strategies. 1.1. The Bahamas National Circumstances 1.1.1. Government The Bahamas gained independence from England on July 10, 1973 and is now considered a small island state within the Commonwealth of Nations (formerly the British Empire). Head of State (Queen of England) is represented by the Governor-General and the Government comprises the Executive with the Prime Minister, the Attorney-General and at least seven other members. The other Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State are responsible for running their Government ministries. The Legislature is a two- chamber system based on the Westminster model, with a House of Assembly and a Senate. Constituencies of The Bahamas are the electoral divisions for the Bahamas House of Assembly, the lower Parliamentary house. The Assembly currently has 39 single-member constituencies and uses the Westminster first past the post system. There are currently 24 constituencies in Nassau and 15 in the Family Islands totalling 39 House seats. Local Government is made up of 23 Local Government districts The Members of Parliament serve 5-year-terms. The last election was in 2021. Local government in The Bahamas exists in two forms, namely second schedule and third-schedule district councils. There are a total of 32 local government districts: 13 second-schedule districts, which are further sub-divided into town areas, and 19 third-schedule districts, which are all unitary authorities. The second and third schedules together make up the first schedule. Local government policy is formulated and administered by the Department of Local Government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs. The day-to-day policy handling of the portfolio falls to the Minister responsible for Local Government who also is empowered to create new local government areas from time to time based on demographics. The administrative and financial management is overseen by the ministry's permanent secretary. 1.1.2. Population Profile According to the United Nations-World Population Prospects (United Nations, n.d.), the current population of The Bahamas in 2022 is 409,984, a 0.51% increase from 2021. The current life expectancy is 74.17 years, a 0.15% increase from 2021. Current population density is 29.54 people per square kilometer, a 0.51% increase from 2021. The urban population for 2021 was 330,887, a 1.08% increase from 2020. The unemployment rate for 2021 was 13.24% a 0.08% decline from 2020 gross domestic product (GDP) for 8 The Bahamas Updated NDC 2021 was $11.21 Billion, a 15.56% increase from 2020. GDP per capita for 2021 was $28,239, a 14.49% increase from 2020. 1.1.3. Geography The Bahamas is distributed along an archipelago of 700 islands and more than 2000 cays, islets, and rocks in the western Atlantic Ocean covering approximately 100,000 square miles (mi2) of ocean between latitudes 21° and 27° North and longitudes 72° and 79° West, with a total land area of only 5,382 mi2. It is one of the countries with the biggest ocean surface (Government of The Bahamas, 2014) that hosts five percent of the world’s coral reefs and the world’s third longest barrier reef (Simpson et al., 2009). The Bahamas islands are low and flat with an average altitude of 1 meter above sea level for the majority of the islands (~80%). In addition, the country is located in a hurricane hazard prone area and historically has suffered major impacts from destructive storms and hurricanes that have significant physical, environmental and social losses and damages. The majority of the Bahamian population lives in coastal areas and particular attention should be paid to the islands of New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco, where 90% of the country’s population lives (The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, 2010). The remaining 10% of the population is spread around other settled islands and cays, collectively known as ‘the Family Islands’. A total of 29 Bahamian islands are inhabited (Department of Statistics, 2010). 1.1.4. Climate The climate in The Bahamas is sub-tropical, separated in two distinct seasons: warm but dry winter season from November to April and a hot wet summer season from May to October. Precipitation is more common in the northern islands, showing a gradient from the dry south to the humid north (Commonwealth of The Bahamas, 2001). Annual mean temperature in The Bahamas has been increasing, with historical records showing that in the past century, annual mean temperatures have increased by 0.5⁰C since 1960 with an average rate of 0.11⁰C per decade. Further analyzed data show that the mean daily maximum temperature for July has increased an average of 2⁰C in 100 years, and, with the more recent data, at a rate of 2.6⁰C per 100 years. There is also seasonal variation between the islands, with the northern islands having a more rapid rate of warming than south-western islands (The World Bank Group, 2021). 1.1.5. Economic Profile Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism represented the country's largest industry and source of income, constituting 50-70% of GDP and directly employing 65% of the workforce (Rolle et al., 2020). In The Bahamas, tourism includes cruise ship visitors, stopover visitors and sailing guests. Tourism directly or indirectly employs approximately 50% of the Bahamian population. Reefs play a vital role in The Bahamas’ economy as reef diving and snorkeling are an important part of the country’s tourism industry (The Government of The Bahamas, 2020). The financial services sector is the second largest contributor to the GDP. The industrial sector is small but growing. It stands to make increasing contributions to GDP in years to come as development continues. Government (utility) corporations and the public service currently employ more Bahamians than any other single employer. Government utilities include The Bahamas Power and Light Corporation (BPL), The Bahamas Telecommunications Company Limited (BTC, formerly Batelco), The Bahamas Hotel Corporation, the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, Bahamasair Holdings (the national airline) and The Bahamas Water and Sewerage Corporation. The island of New Providence is the center of economic activity in The Bahamas, mainly due to the levels of construction and tourism activity. In 2019, Grand Bahama increased its contribution in the Construction 9 The Bahamas Updated NDC and Accommodation and Food Services sectors. Also, this year, the other Family Island groupings recorded expansions in the arts, other services, agriculture, farming, farming, forestry and fishing and wholesale and retail trade, transportation, and warehousing sectors. However, these increases were insufficient to offset the impact of Hurricane Dorian and its impact on Abaco Island (Bahamas National Stadistical Institute, 2019). The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected the GDP of The Bahamas., according to World Bank data, Bahamian GDP fell by more than $3 trillion in 2020. Although major islands and islands groups did not regain the same level of GDP attained in 2019, several islands are showing significant recovery with regard to 2020, specially New Providence, Abaco and Bimini & Berry islands (Bahamas National Stadistical Institute, 2022). There are also exceptions of islands that are better off in 2021 than they were in 2019, for example, Andros has increased its GDP (Bahamas National Stadistical Institute, 2022). 1.2. Climate Change in The Bahamas 1.2.1. Impacts of Climate Change According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) latest findings on observed impacts and projected risks, some of the climate change impacts that have been increasingly affecting small islands include rises in temperature, stronger and more frequent tropical cyclones, increased storm surges, seal- level rise, coral bleaching, and propagation of invasive species (due to habitat destruction and degradation and the introduction of invasive alien species). Due to its location in the Atlantic hurricane belt and like other Small Island Developing States (SIDS), The Bahamas is extremely vulnerable to the effects of disasters and climate change, as some 80 percent of the landmass is within 5 ft (1.5 m) of mean sea level and coastal areas hold the majority of the population and economic activity. Historically, The Bahamas has been affected by various hurricanes which have caused a lot of loss and damage throughout the archipelago. Since 1990 there has been an increase in the frequency of tropical storms which may be caused by changes in El Niño pattern and increased heat waves, clear evidence of the changing climate (Collins et al., 2019). Observations from the Bahamas Department of Meteorology revealed that in less than a decade, three major tropical cyclones (category 3 or greater) impacted The Bahamas. In October 2016, Hurricane Matthew passed through the chain of islands, varying between category 3 and category 4 intensity levels that left widespread damage in its path. Nearly a year later, Hurricane Irma tore through the country as a category 4 storm in September 2017, rendering many smaller islands uninhabitable in the short -term and changing daily life in those areas in the long-term. In September 2019, the world watched as the category 5 Hurricane Dorian rained havoc down on The Bahamas Islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco and their communities, erasing any evidence of life in some neighborhoods and leaving behind a trail of heartbreak, sorrow, and death. Different studies linking global warming to tropical cyclones suggest that the observed increase in category 4 and 5 tropical cyclones in recent decades represents a detectable change (Knutson et al., 2019). Holland and Bruyère (2014) analyzed changes in the frequency of tropical cyclones for various storms categories and concluded that the proportion of hurricanes reaching category 4 and 5 has increased by 25%-30% per 1°C of global warming in recent decades. 10 The Bahamas Updated NDC Based on the Assessment of the Effects and impacts of hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas by the, the catastrophic damage to livelihoods and billions of dollars of infrastructure on the archipelago present significant challenges to the preparedness of its tourism-dependent economy and its rescue and recovery capacity. According to the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) assessments, the hurricanes that have hit The Bahamas have had a severe impact on the country's GDP: Year Hurricane Category GDP Impact 2015 Joaquin 4 -0.11% 2016 Matthew 5 -0.6% 2017 Irma 5 -0.4% 2019 Dorian 5 -1% Table 1. GDP Impact of past hurricanes that have strike The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Source: Own elaboration based on the IADB Assessments. The Bahamas is also impacted by non-tropical processes. Sea swells from extra-tropical cyclones during the winter season often cause flooding in The Bahamas, due to its low relief, along with beach erosion (The World Bank Group, 2022). In addition, sea level rise (SLR) can lead to coastal flooding. Since most of the islands' infrastructure and settlements are located along or near the coast, serious economic and social consequences for residents and the tourism sector are realized. In addition, hurricanes and extreme weather events can cause significant damage and loss of these marine life forms, which are exacerbated by climate change-related stressors such as rising sea surface temperatures, which are already causing coral bleaching on the nation's reefs. (The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, 2005; The Government of The Bahamas, 2014b). These impacts also involve changes in marine biodiversity and losses in fishery productivity. Another relevant vulnerability is access to drinking water, which is made worse by contamination of water resources caused by storm surges. Groundwater supplies (wells) are at risk of saltwater intrusion and contamination during storm surges, hurricanes, or SLR. In addition, due to their location and lack of resilience water-related infrastructure such as reverse osmosis facilities are also at risk of flooding (The World Bank Group, 2022). According to climate projection data used for the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), The Bahamas may experience warming of mean annual temperature. The rate of warming is expected to be pronounced year- round, but particularly significant in the summer months (June-August) (GCF, 2020). Heat waves are expected to be more frequent, intense and longer lasting, meaning an increase in the number of hot days and the heat index, which will trigger an increase in the frequency and intensity of dry spells and wildfires. Weather projections indicate that fire severity could also increase (GFDRR, n.d.). The projected and estimated temperature increases have serious health implications for Bahamians, as daily temperatures will be able to reach the upper limits of human physiological adaptation more frequently. Heat waves and high temperatures can also have serious impacts and pose a risk to food and nutrition security both directly, through their effects on agriculture and fisheries, and indirectly, by contributing to underlying risk factors (World Health Organization, 2021). Rising temperatures also affect the water- holding capacity of soils and the suitability of the cropland environment (i.e., ecological conditions) and thus their productivity and cropping potential. This leads to situations of food insecurity due to reduced crop yields, causing difficulties in access to food, its nutritional quality and price stability (World Health Organization, 2021). 11 The Bahamas Updated NDC 1.2.2. Loss and Damage The main vehicle to deal with loss and damage under the UNFCCC is the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM), established in 2013 to advance knowledge generation, coordination, and support to address loss and damage. The concept of loss and damage in this NDC refers to the adverse impacts of climate change resulting from slow onset (e.g., sea level rise) and extreme weather events (e.g., cyclones) and affecting both human and natural systems. The Bahamas is comfortable with the definition of loss and damage derived from IADB assessment of the effects and impacts of Dorian in the Bahamas (2019). Damage is defined in the assessment as a monetary estimation of the value of the physical assets partially or totally destroyed in each sector while losses are a monetary estimation goods that go unproduced and services that go unprovided during a period running from the time the disaster occurs until full recovery and reconstruction. As the climate crisis intensifies, impacts might exceed the capacity of human and natural systems to adapt, and thus lead to unavoidable and in some cases irreversible outcomes and can be monetizable (e.g., loss of income and physical assets particularly in hurricanes Irma (2017) and Dorian (2019)) or include non- economic losses (NELs), such as loss of biodiversity, territory, cultural heritage, and those related to the emerging issue of climate-induced human mobility (e.g. hurricane Dorian). The lists of recent reports/studies that have documented losses and damage associated with climate change impacts include: The Bahamas Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC, 2015); Assessment of the Effects and Impacts of Dorian in The Bahamas (2019); The Bahamas Third National Communication (TNC, 2022). Pre-emptive adaptation which indicates the priority programmes for different categories of climate risk management by key sector is contained in the National Development Plan: Vision 2040. As a member of the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF), The Bahamas has in place contingency measures for adaptation. In addition to providing parametric insurance to its members (based on individual country policies) for tropical cyclones, earthquake and excess rainfall, the CCRIF supports the implementation of the Climate Risk Adaptation and Insurance in the Caribbean (CRAIC) Project, which includes a micro-insurance product called the Livelihood Protection Policy (LPP), which helps protects the livelihood of vulnerable low-income individuals such as small farmers, tourism workers, fishers, market vendors, and day laborers, by providing quick cash pay-out following extreme weather events (specifically, high winds and heavy rainfall). The Bahamas has communicated its needs for addressing loss and damage to the UNFCCC through its National Communication and NDC. However, the country will seek to establish a baseline on non-economic and social loss and damage, as well as territory and ecosystem services; and design and development of infrastructure and plans for relocation/resettlement of households and communities from frequently affected areas through the technical assistance that would be channeled through the Santiago Network. The Network was established at COP 25 to catalyze technical assistance on loss and damage for the implementation of relevant approaches at the local, national, and regional level. 1.2.3. Future Climate Projections/Climate Variables Trend Climate projections for temperature and precipitation in The Bahamas were obtained from the global climate model compilations of the CMIP6 that supports the IPCC’s AR6 6. For the AR5, the scenarios used for the projections were based on different greenhouse gas concentration trajectories (Representative Concentration Pathways, RCP), for the AR6 these scenarios were based on five different narratives describing possible socioeconomic developments that could shape our future society (Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, SSP), and describe which reductions in emissions are achievable. 12 The Bahamas Updated NDC Scenario Description This is a pathway that limits global warning to below 1.5⁰C, the aspirational goal of the Paris SSP1-1.9 Agreement. The most optimistic scenario. Global CO2 emissions are cut to net zero by mid- century with a switch to more sustainable practices. This is a "very stringent" pathway. According to the IPCC, RCP 2.6 requires that carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions start declining by 2020 and go to zero by 2100. It also requires that methane SSP1-2.6 emissions (CH4) go to approximately half the CH4 levels of 2020, and that sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions decline to approximately 10% of those of 1980–1990. Temperatures stabilize around 1.8⁰C above pre-industrial levels by 2100. This is the most probable baseline scenario (no climate policies) taking into account the exhaustible character of non-renewable fuels. RCP 4.5 requires that carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions start declining by approximately 2045 to reach roughly half of the levels of 2050 by SSP2-4.5 2100. It also requires that methane emissions (CH4) stop increasing by 2050 and decline somewhat to about 75% of the CH4 levels of 2040, and that sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions decline to approximately 20% of those of 1980–1990. Temperatures rise 2.7⁰C by the end of the century. This is a baseline outcome rather than a mitigation target. Emissions and temperatures rise steadily and global CO2 emissions roughly double from current levels by 2100. Countries SSP3-7.0 become more competitive shifting towards national security and ensuring their own food supplies. Temperatures rise 3.6⁰C by 2100. RCP8.5, generally taken as the basis for worst-case climate change scenarios. Global CO2 SSP5-8.5 emissions levels double by 2050. Economy growth based on intensive fossil fuel exploitation and energy-intensive lifestyles. Temperatures rise 4.4⁰C by the end of the century. Table 2. Scenarios described in the AR6 of the IPCC. Sea-level in The Bahamas might increase by the end of the 21st century ranging from 0.4m under an optimistic scenario with low carbon emissions, high renewables, and strong international cooperation (RCP 2.6) to nearly 0.7m under a pessimistic (business as usual) scenario (RCP 8.5). This could result in immersion of coral reefs and flooding of low-lying lands. Regarding tropical cyclones and severe storms, in 2019 the IPCC concluded with medium confidence that these events are expected to become more extreme in the Caribbean (Magnan et al., 2019). In addition, the latest IPCC report (AR6) concludes with medium confidence that tropical cyclones will increase in the Caribbean and with high confidence that the proportion of intense tropical cyclones (Category 4–5) and peak wind speeds of the most intense tropical cyclones are projected to increase at the global scale with increasing global warming (Gutiérrez et al., 2021; IPCC, 2021). 1.2.4. GHG Emissions The energy sector in The Bahamas is one of the largest GHG emitters in the country. According to the GHG national inventory emissions for 2018, the sector corresponds to 47.09% (2,949.58 Gg CO2-eq) of the total national emissions (6,264.39 Gg CO2-eq) with 48.51% of the emissions associated with the energy industries, 11.87% with the manufacturing and construction industries, 24.67% with transport, 14.95% with other sectors (commercial, institutional, residential and agriculture/forestry/fishing/fish farms), and the remaining 0.0006% of emissions corresponds to fugitive emissions from oil and natural gas distribution. Based on information included in the National Inventory Report1, in The Bahamas most energy sector emissions stem from fuel combustion. Electricity and power generation is based on fuel oil and diesel consumption. On the other hand, the country has limited industrial activities so emissions from fuel consumption in the manufacture and industry sub-sector are derived from construction activities. Regarding the transport sector, it is dominated by road transport, but also domestic aviation and domestic 1 The Bahamas’ Third National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, GHG Emissions and Removals 2001-2018 (March 2022). 13 The Bahamas Updated NDC waterborne navigation play a relevant role, with tourism being a strong driver for the subsector. Emissions in the institutional/commercial subsector are also strongly influenced by tourism activity. Emissions from other sectors, such as agriculture, fisheries and forestry only take place to a limited extent. Finally, it is important to mention that fuel production does not occur in country with the country depending almost 100% on imported oil, however, fuel distribution does. Moreover, data monitoring for carbon capture and storage can be enhanced. With the goal of reducing GHG emissions, the country has put its efforts in developing its Third National Communication (TNC) and Biennial Update Report (BUR) identifying in the process a total of 41 mitigation measures in the five (5) IPCC sectors of Energy, IPPU, Agriculture, LULUCF and Waste. These mitigation measures will contribute to a reduction of national emissions and achieve a goal established in both the National Energy Policy (NEP) 2013-2033 and first NDC of having 30% of the country’s energy coming from renewable sources in 2030. In addition, these measures will contribute achieving a 30% reduction in total GHG emissions in 2030 compared to baseline/BAU value, which is also a goal set on the country’s first NDC. It is however important to highlight that a reduction on emissions from the LULUCF sector plays a major role in achieving the set goals and that the country’s longer-term ambition is to reach net zero emissions from the LULUCF sector by 2045. Figure 1. Projected emission reductions by sector with mitigation actions compared to the baseline. 1.2.5. Climate Action Since the submission of its first NDC, and with the main goals of reducing its GHG emissions and increasing the country's resilience to the impacts of climate change, the Government of The Bahamas has been implementing several projects focused on climate action (Table 3). 14 The Bahamas Updated NDC Year Climate Action Projects 2021 Building the Bahamas capacity in transparency for climate change mitigation and adaptation Meeting the challenges of 2020 in The Bahamas (GEF) Implementing land, water, & ecosystem management in The Bahamas Recommendations for the Implementation of Sustainable and Climate Resilient Tourism 2020 Certifications in the Bahamas Capacity Strengthening for a More Resilient Bahamas Reconstruction with Resilience in the Energy Sector in The Bahamas Advancing Renewable Energy in The Bahamas Supporting a Comprehensive Renewable Energy Program and Institutional Reform in the 2019 Bahamas MARPOL for the Blue Economy: The Caribbean-s First Marine Waste Reception and Processing Facility Supporting Renewable Energy within the Implementation of the Electricity Act in The 2018 Bahamas The Pine Island Project: Forest/Mangrove Innovation & Integration 2017 Climate Resilient Coastal Management and Infrastructure Program Bahamas Energy Learning Exchange Program Support to Climate-Resilient Tourism Development in San Salvador 2016 Sustainable Infrastructure Upgrade for the Family Island Airports Bahamas Sustainable Urban Bus System Planning and Design 2015 Implementation of the ESCI in Nassau, The Bahamas Table 3. List of climate change projects implemented by the Government of The Bahamas since 2015. 15 The Bahamas Updated NDC

2. Policy Framework As a Small Island Developing State and although its contribution to the global emission of greenhouse gases is almost negligible at 0.01% (World Bank, 2015), The Bahamas is a responsible member of the international community, and as such, is committed to setting emission reduction targets. In this context, the country ratified the Paris Agreement and submitted its first NDC in 2016 committing to a reduction of its GHG emissions by 30% compared to its BaU scenario by 2030, conditional upon international support. The Bahamas intends to achieve this target through a sustainable development and economy-wide approach. In addition, recognizing its vulnerability to climate change-related impacts, and the need for planned adaptation to achieve long-term sustainable development, the Government of The Bahamas has important elements and concrete actions to integrate climate change into economic, social and environmental policies. 2.1. National framework The main climate-related policies and instruments in place at national level include: 1963  Public Works Act The main objective of this Act is to regulate the construction, management and development of public works, buildings and roads, and provide protection of public property. It contains 12 sections which refer, among others, to the powers of the Minister with respect to the appointment of roads or the numbering of houses. Section 6 empowers the Minister responsible for Public Works to make Rules for, among other things: the use, obstruction, alteration, encroachment upon, or damage to any of the property belonging to the Government or held by the Government; removal of filth or rubbish and the cleansing and keeping clean of all public drains, and other public lands and grounds and the care and attendance of drains and floodgates. Also, the last sections refer to penalties, reports, vesting of property and contracts. 1968  The Coastal Protection Act The main objective of this Act was to make provision for the protection of the coast against erosion and encroachment by the sea and for purposes connected therewith. It grants power for the Minister to carry out coast protection work whilst placing restrictions on the carrying out of private coast protection work. The Act facilitates the apportionment of charges and/or recovery of charges. It includes prohibition of excavation or removal of materials from seashore. There are Provisions as to compensation as well the requisite regulations. In support of this Act, the IADB, in 2017, grated a loan to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to cooperate in the execution of a climate-resilient coastal management and infrastructure program. 1997  The Conservation and Protection of the Physical Landscape of The Bahamas Act and Regulations This Act outlines the procedure for applying for permission to excavate material, operate a landfill or remove named protected forest tree species. Penalties for breaches are also listed. It seeks to limit the destruction of trees of ecological significance with respect to water percolation rates, so less vulnerable areas are exposed to the impacts of climate change. 1999 16 The Bahamas Updated NDC  The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan This document traces the efforts between September 1996 and 1999 during which the country initiated a Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, the formulation of the then Bahamas Environment Science and Technology (BEST) Commission and a National Biodiversity Task Force. Nine actions or proposals are documented: o Formulation of The BEST Commission, which coordinates the work of all the various Governmental and NGO groups with responsibilities and concerns for the environment as well as resolving conflicts of interest to ensure the most effective use of resources. o Establishment of the National Biodiversity Task Force (Biodiversity) that was formed to provide inter alia a forum for exchange of information among those agencies with responsibilities for conservation and biodiversity. o National Consultative Process. The committee was charged with the role of preparing and conducting the consultative process for the Action plan. o Non-Implementation of the Recommendations of the Biodiversity Data Management Project. o Incomplete Preparation of Bioregional Guidelines. o Planning for a System of National Parks and Protected Areas. o Proposed Development of Monitoring and Evaluation Methodologies. o Proposed Protection and Rehabilitation of Threatened or Degraded Ecosystems and of threatened species. o Improvement of the Botanical Gardens to Enhance its Capacity for Ex Situ conservation. A review done in 2009 states the need for a review of the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), as only the Establishment of a Biodiversity Task Force was recorded as completed. 2002  Bahamas National Investment Policy This Policy was designed to support investment friendly climate; to guarantee the complementarity of Bahamian and overseas investments; and to foster appropriate linkages with all sectors of the economy, in particular, with the tourism and financial services sectors to encourage the exploitation of their natural resources in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner; to foster the economic growth and development of The Bahamas. It includes information on the role of the Bahamas Investment Authority, investment incentives and concessions, areas targeted for foreign investors, areas reserved for Bahamians; and minimum investment and immigration benefits associated with property investments. It also includes a guide to project proposals that any international investor wishing to do business in The Bahamas should submit In 2011, the Government of The Bahamas amended the National Investment Policy to remove foreign investment restrictions on restaurants and entertainment businesses and increase the minimum investment requirement from $250,000 to $500,000. 2003  The Bahamas Building Code – 3rd edition – Ministry of Works and Utilities The purpose of this code (Ministry of Works and Utilities, 2003) is to provide certain minimum standards, provisions, and requirements for safe and stable building design methods of construction and uses of materials in building and/or structures hereafter erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, converted to other uses or demolished, to regulate the equipment, materials, use and occupancy of all buildings. The scope of the code considers: 17 The Bahamas Updated NDC o New buildings and structures hereafter erected in The Commonwealths of The Bahamas, except in Port Area in Grand Bahama Island. o Addition, alterations and repairs in all buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions for new buildings and structures except as otherwise provided in Section 104. o Any material changes of use, or occupancy, of a building shall comply with Rule 4 of The Building Regulation (General) Rules 1971. Improving energy efficiency in buildings is usually very cost-effective, but significant potential remains to save energy in most buildings. Policies such as building energy codes have a proven track record in making new buildings more efficient. Although the country’s building code is considered one of the most robust in the region, Hurricane Dorian has demonstrated that it is not robust enough. For that reason, the building code is being reviewed and updated adopt a stronger code with respect to climate change impacts, specifically, storm events and sea level rise. 2004  The National Wetlands Policy of The Bahamas On June 7, 1997, The Bahamas signed the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The purpose of this document is to have a comprehensive wetland policy that clearly outlines the Government of The Bahamas' guidelines and objectives for the protection of wetlands. This policy can be used by those responsible for the administration of existing laws and regulations related to wetlands as a guideline to ensure their sustainable management. It also serves as a guide for activities that may be carried out in and around wetlands.  The Environmental Health Services Act These Regulations (The Government of The Bahamas, 2004), made under the Environmental Health Services Act, make provision for a public waste collection service and private collection of waste, prescribe rules for the transportation, disposal and collection of domestic and commercial waste including special (hazardous) waste, define prohibited methods of disposal of waste and regulate the operation of waste management facilities including waste recycling plants. No person shall handle special waste except in accordance with directions of the Director of the Department of Environmental Health Services. The Regulations also define duties of waste collectors and prohibit littering and the illegal dumping of waste. 2005  National Environmental Management and Action Plan (NEMAP) The NEMAP was implemented under the framework of the National Capacity Needs Self Assessment (NCSA) project. The key actions to be taken in The Bahamas that were defined in this policy were: o The adoption of a National Environmental Policy. o The enactment of new environmental legislation. o The establishment of a new Department and Ministry of Environment. o The implementation of a new governance structure. o The adoption of an environmental management plan, including new regulations, guidelines and policies. o Options for securing stable and reliable funding for environmental management. o Improvements in human resources, Family Island services, training, information management, and compliance and enforcement.  National Policy for the Adaptation to Climate Change 18 The Bahamas Updated NDC As part of the country’s response to climate change impacts, The Bahamas has developed in 2005 a National Policy for the Adaptation to Climate Change that focuses on ten (10) main sectors of the Bahamian economy: Agriculture, Energy, Transportation, Coastal and Marine Resources and Fisheries, Forestry, Tourism, Human Health, Human Settlement, Water resources, and Finance and Insurance. The policy provides an assessment of the degree of vulnerability of The Bahamas to the projected climate change impacts and of the capacity for adaptation to anthropogenic climate change by sectors and proposes strategies for anticipating and ameliorating or avoiding the negative impacts (The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, 2005). This Policy defines the adaptations measures that need to be implemented in order to fulfil the goals, objectives, principles and directives defined in it. It focusses on the integration of climate change considerations into the planning, development and implementation of virtually all activities and programmes at all levels. Such programmes will allow to reduce vulnerability to existing climate change stresses and promoting sustainable development. The Policy describes the need for the government to be involved as an important facilitator for the implementation of the policy directives to create an enabling environment to foster the development of adaptation programs to ensure planning and development of actions to achieve the objectives in the sectors analyzed in this policy. To further advance adaptation efforts in the country, the Government intends to make amendments to the 2005 National Policy for the Adaptation to Climate Change and develop a national and sector adaptation plan (NAP/SAPs). 2006  The Planning and Subdivision Act This Act provides for a more effective organization of the mitigation of, preparedness for, response to and recovery from emergencies and disasters in The Bahamas.  Roads Act This Act concerns the classification, declaration, construction, maintenance, and control of public roads which are divided into the following classes: major roads and minor roads. It make provision for the establishment of public roads, for the control and maintenance of public roads and for other purposes incidental thereto. Other related matters that are dealt with through this Act include the restriction on the discharge of water and other liquids from private lands onto public roads, the duty of owners of adjoining land in relation with vegetation, restriction on the removal of sand from coastal areas in the vicinity of public roads and the (compulsory) acquisition of land by the Minister and exchange of land. All public roads within The Bahamas shall be under the charge and control of the Minister who shall have and exercise in respect thereof the powers and duties conferred by this Act. 2009  The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) Act The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) was created to serve as the primary governing body of the new regulatory regime for electronic communications in The Bahamas. In addition to its regulatory functions and powers over the electronic communications sector in The Bahamas (including the designation of operators as possessing significant market power), URCA will also be responsible for competition issues arising from anti-competitive agreements, abuse of 19 The Bahamas Updated NDC dominant position and merger control in the provision of networks, carriage services and content services (including broadcasting). Thus, the roles of the national communications regulator and the national competition authority are combined into one agency as URCA. 2010  Disaster Preparedness and Response Act This Act makes provision for land use planning and regulates the subdivision of land. The objects and purposes of this Act are to: (a) provide for a land use planning based development control system based on policy, land use designations and zoning; (b) prevent indiscriminate division and development of land; (c) ensure the efficient and orderly provision of infrastructure and services to the built environment; (d) promote sustainable development in a healthy natural environment; (e) maintain and improve the quality of the physical and natural environment; (f) protect and conserve the natural and cultural heritage of The Bahamas; (g) provide for planning processes that are fair by making them open, accessible, timely and efficient; (h) recognize the decision making authority and accountability of the Government in land use planning; and (i) plan for the development and maintenance of safe and viable communities. According to this Act, there shall be a Land Use Plan for each island of The Bahamas, consistent with all National Land Use Development Policies, which shall be prepared by or for the Department. 2012  Master Plan for The Bahamas National Protected Area System Through this Master Plan the Government of The Bahamas has identified targets for expanding protected areas for terrestrial and marine ecosystems in order to meet its obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). 2013  The Bahamas National Energy Policy 2013 -2033 The country developed its NEP 2013-2033 (Ministry of the Environment and Housing, 2013) to improve the national circumstances around the energy sector. The document outlines several key goals including: the general awareness of Bahamians on the importance of energy conservation; modern energy infrastructure, which would enhance energy generation capacity; the outcome that The Bahamas would become a world leader in providing opportunities in the energy sector; and more dynamic and appropriate governance, institutional, legal and regulatory framework, which would advance future developments in the energy sector. According to the information included in the NEP, The Bahamas is almost 100% dependent on imported oil, which is used for electricity generation and transport in the country. In 2009, 44% of the electricity generated in the country was produced by heavy oil, Bahamas Electrical Corporation/Bahamas Power and Light (BEC/BPL) was the only electricity provider in the country using heavy fuel oil, while the remaining 56% was produced from diesel oil. Different companies are responsible for supplying power to the various islands of The Bahamas. The Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) is the electricity provider on the island of Grand Bahama, the Bahamas Power and Light (Company Ltd. BPL) is responsible for supplying major islands like Abaco, the company St. George’s Cay Power Company provides electricity to the islands of St. George’s Cay (Spanish Wells), Russell Island and Royal Island, and the Morton Power Plant, provides electricity to the island of Inagua. Likewise, the Bahamian energy and electricity infrastructure is affected by climate change, provoking loss and damage, supply interruptions and higher energy prices. The diversification of energy sources 20 The Bahamas Updated NDC and increase of the share of national and decentralized renewable energies in the Bahamian energy mix thus decreases the risk of energy insecurity. In this context, the Policy mainly focuses on lowering the country’s current dependency to imported oil thanks to an increased share of renewable electricity production and use, higher energy efficiency in buildings and to a move towards decarbonized transport. Programmes fostering information and education of households and businesses are also detailed. The main target set in this policy correspond to the obtention of 30% of renewables in the energy mix by 2030.  The Montreal Protocol (Controlled Substances) Act (Cap. 216A) and Customs Management (Amendment) Act of 2013 As a signatory of the Montreal Protocol, The Bahamas published the Montreal Protocol Act (Parliament of The Bahamas, 2008), which places restrictions on the use, manufacture and sale of controlled substances (as specified the First Schedule to this Act) for purposes of giving effect in The Bahamas to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer. No person shall use a controlled substance for agricultural and other purposes unless otherwise specified. The Act provides for a monitoring and control mechanism for the sale and purchase of controlled substances. The Act also prohibits certain release of controlled substances into the atmosphere and empowers the Minister responsible for Environmental Control to make Regulations for purposes of this Act and to amend the Schedules. Currently, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) trade is controlled by the Montreal Protocol (Import/Export Licensing System of Controlled Substances) Regulations (Cap. 216A) and the Customs Management (Amendment) Act of 2013. The Bahamas Customs and Excise Department enforces the regulations and submits compliance data to the National Ozone Unit (NOU). The Bahamas has an enforceable licensing and quota system in place that ensures the country’s compliance with the HCFC phase-out schedule. The Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS) in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources establishes and monitors HCFC import quotas per substance and distributes them to registered importers based on their historic market share dating back to the last five years, and on the consumption, limits established under the Protocol. While the licensing and quota system enabled the country to meet its HCFC consumption reduction targets to date, the Government of The Bahamas still needs to extend the system to include the most commonly used refrigerants such as Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and HFC-based blends. These actions would correspond to the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which the country has not yet ratified. 2014  Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF) Act This Act establishes the BPAF as a body corporate and defines its functions and powers. It also defines the system of protected areas in The Bahamas and requires the Board of the Fund to establish and maintain a register called the Protected Areas Register. This Act also includes protection of carbon sinks.  The Forestry Act (Amended 2014) and Forestry Regulations The Forestry Act was enacted by the Bahamian Parliament in 2010 (The Government of The Bahamas, 2010) and then amended in 2014(The Government of The Bahamas, 2014a), to provide the conservation and control of forests. It establishes a Forestry Unit under the authority of the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources to regulate activities such as wood exploitation, to declare 21 The Bahamas Updated NDC and manage forest reserves, and monitor protected trees. Reserves should be declared according to environmental conservation objectives, to protect wildlife and prevent fires. The Act also regulates activities held on privately held lands. Every five year, a Forest Management Plans must be developed. In 2014, Forestry Regulations (Ministry of the Environment and Housing, 2014) was amended, notably in order to include carbon sequestration and reforestation within the possible objectives of Forest Management Plans and to protect designated mangrove and mangrove ecosystems and other important biological and ecosystem services that are prone to be impacted by sea-level rise. Private landowners are equally encouraged to prepare such plans. Forest roads cannot be used as public highways unless a special governmental authorization is priorly issued. The Regulations require that 20% of the land cover shall be designated into either a forest reserve, a protected forest or a conservation forest. In 2021, an amendment was made to the Forestry Regulations to add a subregulation allowing to make special provision for reduced fees to be payable for royalties, permits and licenses for the purpose of these regulations, in case a hurricane, tornado or any other natural disaster has occurred in any island, islet or cay throughout The Bahamas which causes grave damage to any forest produce or non-forest produce in any designated forest.  Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority Act This Act is divided into six parts throughout which it establishes the Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority as a body corporate and defines its functions and power: to provide for the property rights and liabilities of the public parks and public beaches and to identify, regulate, maintain, develop and conserve public parks and public beaches and for connected purposes. The Authority shall, among other things: control, plan, design, develop, administer, manage and maintain the public parks and public beaches designated by the Authority; propagate, protect and preserve the animals, plants and other organisms within the public parks and public beaches, and preserve objects and places of aesthetic, historical or scientific interest. It also states in this text that the Board shall be the governing body of the Authority. 2015  SIDS DOCK Entered into force on 30 September 2015, SID DOCK, is a treaty establishing the SIDS Sustainable Energy and Climate Resilience Initiative, aimed at connecting the energy sector in SIDS with the global markets for finance and sustainable energy technologies.  Electricity Act (Renewable Energy) (Amended) The Bahamian Parliament enacted the Electricity Act 2015 (Parliament of The Bahamas, 2015a) in order to overhaul the country's energy sector and edict policy targets, among others: 1) security and diversification of power supply and distribution, 2) access to cheap and reliable environmentally sustainable electricity, 3) and the establishment of the Utilities Regulations and Competition Authority (URCA) as the independent regulator of the sector. The Act encourages a higher capacity of renewables electricity generation under a number of ways. It seeks a reorganization of the electricity sector, so that public suppliers shall increase the proportion of renewables in their generation mix. Suppliers shall submit a time-bound plan to URCA over their specific renewables’ objectives and revise this plan every three years. Eventual additional energy needs should be met in priority by new renewables capacity. It also promotes residential renewable energy generation for connection to the grid, and for self- generation. All stages are also regulated by URCA, and households need a grid interconnection 22 The Bahamas Updated NDC agreement to operate. URCA shall maintain a public list of entities granted approval. The document further highlights the need to encourage energy efficiency in the generation, distribution and consumption of electricity.  The Water and Sewerage Corporation Act (Amended) The Water and Sewerage Corporation Act (Parliament of The Bahamas, 2015b) is an Act to establish a Water and Sewerage Corporation for the grant and control of water rights, the protection of water resources, regulating the extraction, use and supply of water, the disposal of sewage and for connected purposes. The Act consists of 41 sections divided into 7 Parts: Preliminary (I); Establishment of Water and Sewerage Corporation (II); Financial provisions (III); Transfer of Corporation of Government Installations (IV); Water-supply (V); Sewerage (VI); Miscellaneous (VII). Section 3 declares water to be national resource of the Commonwealth and all private rights in water subject to the superior right of the Government to control and administer the marketing, production, extraction and use of water in the public interest. The Corporation shall control and ensure optimum development and use of water resources in The Bahamas and provide adequate supplies of water suitable domestic use, livestock, irrigation, etc., and provide adequate facilities for drainage and disposal of sewage. In support to this Act, in 2017, the Government was granted with a senior loan by the GCF (co-financed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)), to enhance the resilience of the water sector in The Bahamas to safeguard the country’s water security in a changing climate. To this end, this project focuses on (i) strengthening the basis for more evidence-based policy and decision making on climate change and the water sector; (ii) supporting relevant stakeholders to apply this knowledge to the development and implementation of a more coordinated and coherent policy and governance framework; and (iii) scaling up investments in highly vulnerable islands to improve the resilience of the water system and services.  The Bahamas’ National Maritime Policy This policy was developed by the Ministry of Transport and Aviation and its aim is to promote sustainable economic development of marine resources and activities and avoid inter-sectoral conflicts. The development of this national policy framework will assist the government of The Bahamas to achieve a number of objectives, including economic development; safeguarding the natural environment; providing for sustainable development; preserving a way of life that has sustained generations of Bahamians, and including recommendations for policies to improve climate resilience. 2016  National Development Plan: Vision 2040 The National Development Plan: Vision20402, provides a roadmap for the future development of The Bahamas. The Plan includes a comprehensive policy framework that will guide Government decision making and investment. Its vision for 2040 highlights the desire of the Bahamian people for a natural environment and infrastructure that promotes a healthy, resilient, beautiful and modern society. Thus, the sixth national priority is to achieve "a sustainable and resilient environment." 2 Working Draft for Public Consultation, available at: https://www.vision2040bahamas.org/media/uploads/Draft__National_Development_Plan_01.12.2016_for_public_release.pdf 23 The Bahamas Updated NDC The Plan has been aimed at addressing four main policy pillars: o Economy: The National Development Plan will identify strategies that can make the Bahamian economy more resilient, create job opportunities for Bahamians and promote entrepreneurial activities and ownership. o Governance: best practices will be highlighted to guide the governance of our institutions to become a more efficient and modern nation. o Social Policy: outline the policies the country needs to improve public safety, healthcare, education and social services. o Environment: invest in strategic infrastructure projects. Also, the Plan will illustrate ways in which beautiful natural environment can be enhanced while maximizing the value of built infrastructure. The fourth pillar refers to both natural and built environment. It highlights the importance of the protection of both spheres, recognizing their central role for economic and social development. To achieve the vision of the National Development Plan, a comprehensive set of reforms is foreseen, to set the country on the path towards modern infrastructure in support of economic growth. Climate change adaptation and mitigation measures are expected to be incorporated into public education, planning and budgetary processes, to increase awareness of climate risks and effects. Other planned outputs include a comprehensive policy on climate change and resilience developed and implemented for all national action plans; preparation of hazard / asset mapping in all islands; annual budgets reflecting budgetary allocations for climate change concerns; and the establishment of a National Implementing Entity for the Green Climate Fund. 2017  National Tourism Development Strategy 2017-2022 The National Tourism Development Strategy 2017-2022 seeks to increase the growth and development of the tourism sector. It concludes with a five-year action plan that serves as a guide for achieving the strategic objectives. These objectives are: o Strengthen the basic fundamentals of the sector: a service-oriented and well-trained workforce; a modern, high-quality tourism infrastructure; and a clean and beautiful environment. o To attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) geared towards the development of smaller hotel properties and more sustainable tourist attraction partnerships. o Establishment of a tourism-related employment index that will allow to expand tourism- based services and to track. o Promotion of domestic tourism to encourage Bahamian entrepreneurs to appreciate and preserve their national heritage and create wealth in the communities. o Creating a sustainable tourism sector by partnering and engaging local entrepreneurs, thereby improving the global trade and economic linkages of The Bahamas. o Development of sustainable ecotourism, culture and historical sites. o Reposition ‘The Islands of The Bahamas’ as the premier tourist destination. 2019  The Environmental Planning and Protection Act The main objectives of this Act are: o To protect the environment of the islands of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in order to provide for development that maintains ecological integrity and the social and economic well-being of the community. 24 The Bahamas Updated NDC o To provide a legal framework for the protection, enhancement and conservation of the environment in a sustainable manner. o To promote the development of policies and plans, as well as public participation in decision-making processes, on environmental management to prevent environmental degradation. o To establish a mechanism for the effective implementation of projects, programs and activities. This law establishes provisions on the establishment, funding and duties of the Department of Planning and Environmental Protection. Due to environmental incidents and emergencies, the Department may issue instructions to take measures to protect the environment, health and safety of people, and to prevent, repair, mitigate or reduce the adverse effects of the incident. In addition, the Minister responsible for environmental planning and protection may issue regulations for the implementation of the provisions of this Act. This Act also covers environmental planning, environmental impact assessment, environmental compliance certificate, duties for the protection of the environment, environmental incidents and emergencies, capacity building through information, research, environmental education and training, investigation and enforcement, offenses and penalties, and compensation for loss of property.  Environmental Protection (Control of Plastic Pollution) Act, 2019 An act to prohibit single use plastic foodware and non-biodegradable, oxo-biodegradable and biodegradable single use plastic bags; prohibit the release of balloons; regulate the use of compostable single use plastic bags, and for connected matters. 2020  The Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) requirements for grid interconnection of small-scale renewable energy generation systems This document describes the general provisions and technical requirements for connecting Small scale Renewable Generation (SSRG) systems to BPL's power system (Bahamas Power and Light, 2020), inclusive of transmission and distribution. These requirements ensure: o The compatibility of the SSRG system with the Grid o The safety of the SSRG system operating in parallel with the Grid o The safety of BPL's employees, agents, customers and the public; and o High standards of power quality. 2021  The Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB) Environmental Regulation The structure and substance of these regulations (CAAB, 2021) is based on Annex 16, Volume IV to the Convention on International Civil Aviation using the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) model regulations. According to these regulations, The CAAB shall approve the airplane operator’s compliance on the basis of satisfactory evidence that the operator meets requirements that are at least equal to those specified in these regulations. Specifically, environmental criteria are established for: o Monitoring of CO2 emissions o Reporting of CO2 emissions o Verification requirements o CO2 offsetting requirements and emissions reductions 25 The Bahamas Updated NDC 2022  Climate Change and Carbon Market Initiatives Act There is a draft law to respond to the Paris Agreement, and to help in the fight against climate change and create initiatives to offset carbon emissions. The main objectives of this Law will be: o Enable the Government to create incentives and implement initiatives to support the overall goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the NDCs. o To ensure the Bahamas' compliance with its obligations under the Paris Agreement, considering the common but differentiated responsibilities, respective capabilities and flexibility provisions recognized in the UNFCCC for small developing states to address climate change. o Enable the establishment of a market in the Bahamas for trading carbon credits. carbon credits.  Carbon Credit Trading Act This draft Bill has already gone out for public consultation in 2022. The Carbon Credits Trading Bill 2022 seeks to establish a regulatory framework for the trading of carbon credits in or from the Bahamas. The main objectives set out for this Act, are: o The creation of a regulatory framework for the conduct of carbon credit business, including carbon trading exchanges, carbon credit verification bodies and carbon trading registries. o Defining the requirements for the Commission's approval of the listing of carbon trading products on carbon trading exchanges. o Define the registration requirements for persons wishing to engage in carbon trading activities or operate. o Define mandatory requirements for registrants to maintain adequate financial resources and solvency. o Define requirements for registrants to implement and maintain registration and data protection measures. o Define requirements for registrants to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) prevention measures and standards. o Establishing offenses, penalties, and sanctions for non-compliance with the bill.  Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) rules and regulations for Renewable Generation Systems (RGS) As mandated in the most recent rate approval, the GBPC has received approval from the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) to begin the Renewable Energy Rider (RER) Pilot program. The RER, which is the first in The Bahamas, will allow residents on Grand Bahama the opportunity to sell the energy they produce using renewable sources to the utility. The approved details of the RER are as follows: o All systems must be installed by a licensed electrician and approved by GBPC & GBPA, this ensures that the systems are properly installed and adhere to safety standards. o The maximum allowed capacity for RGS for Grand Bahama will be 3 MW, this is subject to an annual review by GBPA to determine if an adjustment if necessary. o Individual customer installations will be limited to a maximum of 1.5 times the estimated load for each location. This would limit customers to installations that would serve their needs but limit the size in order to get as much participation as possible given the capacity limit. o This Rider will be made available to all residential and commercial customers. 26 The Bahamas Updated NDC o GBPC will bill the Customer at the normal electricity rates for their particular category based on all the energy consumed. o Regardless of whether it is derived from solar PV, wind, or other means, under the RER, the Customer will receive a credit on their bill for all the electricity generated at the RER credit rate. o The approved Renewable Energy Rider Credit rate is 1.1 times the fuel charge. o With the fuel charge averaging 9.5 cents per kWh, the current rate for the RER is approximately 10.5 cents per kWh. o The Renewable Energy Rider Credit is subject to periodic review by GBPA during the Pilot program. o Customers wishing to install RGS are required to have liability insurance. This RER is guided by specific rules and regulations for RGS, particularly, the document (GBPC, 2022) describes the technical requirements for connecting up to 150kW, or larger if approved in writing by GBPC, to GBPC’s electric distribution system (GBPC’s Grid). These requirements are aimed at, among other things: o ensuring the compatibility of the RGS with GBPC’s Grid; o ensuring the safety of the RGS operating in parallel with GBPC’s Grid; o facilitating the safety of GBPC’s employees, agents, customers and the general public; and o maintaining a high standard of power quality. To be eligible to connect and operate in parallel with GBPC’s Grid, the RGS must be wind and/or solar powered with a maximum aggregate capacity per facility of 1.5 times the customer’s current average usage up to a maximum of 150kW. The average usage will be calculated based on the most recent twelve months that the customer relied on the grid or the most recent months where the customer does not have a twelve-month history.  Bahamas National Trust (Preservation of Natural Parks) Bylaws These Bylaws operate in conjunction with all other laws of The Bahamas and apply to the trust property specified in the First Schedule and held by the Bahamas National Trust for the purposes of the Act (commonly and collectively known as “National Parks”). Among others, the document includes provisions (i) on conservation, preservation and protection of parks, including environmental protection, protection of resources and other prohibited and restricted activities (ii) relating to specific parks shall apply to the park as specified, and on miscellaneous aspects such as authority of wardens, obstruction and other infringements, and prohibition of building structures, etc. below the high tide line. 2.2. International reports and commitments The main climate-related reports and commitments at international level include: 2001  First National Communication The First National Communication (FNC) was submitted to the UNFCCC in 2001 (Commonwealth of The Bahamas, 2001). Although The Bahamas is not a significant source of GHG global emissions, there is a need to reduce the drain of foreign reserves used to acquire imported fossil fuels. Moreover, there would be health 27 The Bahamas Updated NDC benefits from reduced emissions. Importation of fuels for electricity generation is expected to increase over time, driving up emissions, if measures are not taken to reverse or slow this trend. In this document, The Bahamas explicitly mentions that the approach to address climate change mitigation must be multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral. At the same time, it reiterates the need for international assistance, sufficient financial resources and the availability of technological solutions and tools to achieve the objectives. Among the options identified to reduce GHG emissions, in the First National Communication, it is worth highlighting the measures related to energy efficiency and the development of the use of renewable energies and cleaner fuels. In addition, The Bahamas was reviewing ways of achieving GHG reductions in the international bunkering and shipping sectors, which would have global benefits, and explore the feasibility of importing electricity from Florida via submarine cables. Regarding Forestry, another key element for climate action, the pine forests of The Bahamas have been studied and their environmental benefits documented in work that formed part of The Bahamas Land Resources Survey. The protection of Bahamian forests by activities that reduces stresses from fires, and legislation providing for the setting aside of forests as conservation, managed and preservation areas, have the potential for enhancing the service that forests provide as sinks for carbon dioxide. The First National Communication recognizes the country vulnerability to climate change in particular extreme events such as hurricanes and sea level rise. An initial V&A assessment considered both direct and indirect impacts of climate change and identified five sensitive sectors: tourism, health, water resources, agriculture and fisheries and biodiversity. The report laments the inability of the country to seriously address adaptation and it identifies the existence of gaps in research and information needs within ten economic sectors or subject areas. To address those gaps, the document provides broad information on the type of efforts/recommendations, needed to reduce climate change impacts in the country, including: o Increase capacity building in terms of international negotiation, vulnerability and adaptation assessments, and skills needed to translate recommendations into policy options. o Strengthening The Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology (BEST) Commission 3 information technology capacity, and The Bahamas National Geographic Information System Centre (BNGISC). o Improve data collection and monitoring in alignment with international organizations requirements. o Improve climate change monitoring and observations in the country in particular in areas such coral reefs, fisheries, forests, agriculture, GIS, health, public works water resources and supply, economics, climate change awareness. o Continued regional collaboration. o Provide adequate financial resources towards public awareness, education, training and development and the requirement of external resources for CBA analyses, and the pre- feasibility and socio-economic impact analyses. In addition, the First National Communication makes reference to many new laws that were being drafted or that had just come out in different areas and that are still in force today, such as the Conservation and Protection of the Physical Landscape of The Bahamas Act and Regulations (1997). This reflects the need for the necessary updating of laws in the country. 2014 3 A primary government agency for creating framework strategies for sustainable development, for implementing the environmental impact assessment process, and for developing databases of environmental information. 28 The Bahamas Updated NDC  Second National Communication (SNC) In its Second National Communication to the UNFCCC (The Government of The Bahamas, 2014b), The Bahamas introduced the NEP for the first time, committed to “become a world leader in the development and implementation of sustainable energy opportunities, by aggressively re-engineering our legislative, regulatory, and institutional frameworks; retooling our human resources; and implementing a diverse range of well researched and regulated, environmentally sensitive and sustainable energy programmes and initiatives, built upon our geographical (both proximity and diversity), climatic (sun, wind, and sea) and traditional economic strengths (tourism and banking).” Given this commitment the focus of the policies and mitigation measures continued to aim at decreasing the dependence on imported oil, including a reduction in energy demand due to energy efficiency measures of 30% relative to a business as-usual scenario by 2030 and an increase in share of renewable energies in electricity generation of at least 15% by 2020 and 30% by 2030. A mitigation scenario (the first three scenarios are demand-side measures and the fourth is a supply- side measure), mainly focused in the Energy sector, was developed for this report. It consisted of four components: o Rooftop solar thermal hot water heaters replacing electric hot water heaters in residential homes (assuming that 100% of the hot water demand could be met by solar thermal by 2030); o Distributed PV generation in residential homes (assuming that 100% of household photovoltaic potential could be achieved by 2030); o Energy Efficiency measures (assuming that all other energy efficiency measures would amount to a 30% reduction in electricity demand compared to the baseline by 2030); and o New Renewable Generation Mix (assuming that renewable power plants would be introduced to allow for 15% renewable generation by 2020 and 30% renewable generation by 2030). The Second National Communication also provides an analysis of expected climate change impacts and end of century projections (sea-level rise, precipitation, temperature, storm surges associated with hurricanes) for the country. A vulnerability and adaptation assessment (V&A) was carried out following two principal approaches: (i) a consultative process involving key stakeholders and (ii) a modelling approach using climate change and sea-level rise projections for different time horizons in the future. After the evaluation process, it concluded that the key vulnerabilities in The Bahamas were water resources, forests, human health, agriculture, human settlement, disaster management, energy, tourism, and coastal zones; and that these vulnerabilities will get worse if no action is taken. Except for biodiversity, the document identifies a set of potential adaptation options for each sector. Additionally, it provides concrete recommendations associated with water resources, forests, tourism, and the financial, technical, and human resources. This National Communication emphasizes the lack of climate change policies developed for the different sectors, analysing one by one and detailing both their deficiencies and the actions carried out or how they could contribute. In addition, a number of key issues have been identified as fundamental to risk management and climate change adaptation: (i) information and awareness; (ii) education and training; (iii) integration of climate change adaptation into management, planning and budgeting processes; and (iv) cooperation and collaboration. 2015  The Bahamas Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) The Bahamas communicated its INDC to the UNFCCC on November 17, 2015, in line with decisions 1/CP.19 and 1/CP.20 (The Government of The Bahamas, 2015). 29 The Bahamas Updated NDC The Bahamas INDC was built on the participatory multi-stakeholder and cross sectoral consultative processes undertaken during the development of The Bahamas First and Second National Communications to the UNFCCC and its National Energy Policy. Regarding mitigation, through various national policies and initiatives, it was estimated that The Bahamas will reduce its emissions by a minimum of 30% below 2002 levels. According to the INDC, the main instrument for achieving this commitment lies in the implementation of the NEP. The electricity and transport sectors are the main usage sectors of fossil fuels in the country and the electricity demand is expected to increase in the medium term. Accordingly, the Government has defined the policy framework for a low carbon development plan through the National Energy Policy, that sets a target to achieve a minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030 and will allow for a 10% Residential Energy Self Generation Programme within the year. However, efforts to quickly address the renewable energy mix and residential self-generation power program were hampered when the country experienced back-to-back storms and hurricanes between 2015 and 2019. In addition, with Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in 3.4 billion in economic losses and damages, coupled with the additional growing impact of global inflation. The Bahamas NEP establishes linkages with other sectors, (transport, construction, finance, inter alia) of the economy in order to achieve policy coherence and fulfil the achievement of the country’s energy goals. In addition to The Bahamas NEP, the Forestry Act was amended to allow for the establishment of a permanent forest estate. Under the amended Act, 20% of the land cover is designated into one of three categories (forest reserves, protected forests and conservation forests) and will be subject to a management plan for suitable management and environmental conservation. Regarding adaptation, the INDC acknowledges the importance of adaptation to the country in particular the role of near shore environments and protected areas. Provides a list with examples of vulnerable sectors (Agriculture, livestock and fisheries, tourism, Health and wellbeing, Human settlement including housing, design of critical infrastructure, road, bridges, air and seaports, and Water resources management including water supply services, sewage and potable water systems) and associated adaptation options (planned or ongoing). The document clearly states the need of information to facilitate clarity, transparency and understanding; the assumptions and methodological approaches; fairness and ambition; means of implementation; and some additional information on recent impacts. Although very broadly approached, the document explains the absolute necessity of adaptation by way of ongoing and planned work with desalination, the expansion of marine protected areas to conserve and protect fish spawning grounds, coral reefs and beaches all of which have economic significance. In this context, adaptation options are listed for some vulnerable sectors. 2022  The Third National Communication (TNC) and Biennial Update Report (BUR1) In parallel to updating the NDC the country is also developing its Third National Communication (TNC) and Biennial Updated Report (BUR1). One of the main objectives of the TNC/BUR1 process is to build local, individual and institutional capacity to implement the Convention. The TNC/BUR will strengthen the national capacities and further raise general knowledge and promote awareness on climate change and its effects. It will also strengthen the visibility of climate change issues on the national agenda through strengthened cooperation and increased involvement of all relevant stakeholders in the process. 30 The Bahamas Updated NDC

3. Gaps, Needs and Opportunities for Climate Action This section examines the main needs, gaps and opportunities identified at national scale associated with the implementation of climate change-related mitigation and adaptation actions and initiatives in The Bahamas and which served as basis for the identification of key elements for success as well as barriers and opportunities for development of this NDC and the achievement of its targets. Specifically, a sectoral Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis was conducted for the five priority sectors for mitigation action: (1) Energy; (2) Transportation; (3) IPPU; (4) LULUCF; and (5) Waste. The analysis was shared, discussed, and improved upon with key stakeholders. A similar effort was undertaken in adaptation, which also was discussed and improved with experts and stakeholders. The detailed SWOT analysis have been included in the Annex section. 3.1. Mitigation The SWOT analysis of the principal emitting sector in the country revealed several conclusions about gaps, needs, and opportunities in terms of climate action for GHG emission reduction. Although there is a great opportunity to increase the financial backing for mitigation measures across all industries and to fund mitigation measures through carbon markets or climate finance in order to meet the mitigation targets, there are already certain financial incentives in place, including a program of rewards and fiscal measures to encourage and support investments in cutting-edge infrastructure and facilities for the energy sector. Overall, there is the need for increased public investments in infrastructure across all sectors and for the business community to get more involved in the implementation of mitigating measures. In any case, the potential for mitigation actions seems clear, once financial, technical, and social constraints have been addressed. In particular, the country’s potential for renewable energy has been highlighted by stakeholders and in literature. The deployment of renewable energy may lead to several economic and social benefits that are worth noting, for example, the introduction of renewable energy could be seen as an opportunity to diversify the economy and the employment, in addition to enabling people to have energy independence and therefore stable prices. On the other hand, although many regulations (see section 2.1. National framework) are being developed that address several climate change related topics, there are still substantial regulatory needs and certain regulatory loopholes in supporting the goals of the mitigation actions. Consistency is required when trade- offs between development and climate action arise (e.g., mining and land use). Also, there is a need for additional resources and capacity building in the Government, as well as in various public and private institutions. The social implications of the adoption of mitigating measures, such as investments in skill training, cultural practices, and gender parity, also have to be adequately considered. Cultural and practical barriers are for instance key when implementing mitigation actions in the transportation sector. On the other hand, in this sector, actions aimed at reducing GHG emissions may provide many environmental and social co benefits (e.g., improve air quality and therefore human health). In addition, there is a considerable lack of reliable data in some sectors, which will be necessary to implement the mitigation actions. This is relevant in each and every sector. It would also be very relevant to have a comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the impacts due to climate change, as they may jeopardize the implementation of mitigation actions (particularly in the Energy and LULUCF sectors). Due to its geographic characteristics, The Bahamas is particularly vulnerable. Imports are necessary for all sectors, which raises prices and jeopardizes the profitability of the implementation of mitigating measures across all sectors. This also means that the country many times relies on decisions made by external agents in order to fulfil its commitments. This is the case for instance of renovating vehicles or using less GHG- intensive refrigerants. 31 The Bahamas Updated NDC The SWOT analysis revealed that adopting best practices in the execution of this NDC's mitigation efforts will benefit from alignment with international protocols and standards. The results also indicated the importance of developing a plan for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the mitigating measures once they have been put in place. 3.2. Adaptation When it comes to adaptation, the country is blessed with extensive natural adaptation coverage (such as coral reefs and mangroves) which acts as a barrier against climate change impacts, particularly in coastal areas. There is a clear improvement in the last few years in terms of policy development, social awareness, and information. Certain solutions to help deal with climate change impacts in the country have been implemented such as parametric insurance or reinforcement of key infrastructure. However, many gaps remain in terms of scientific data and research/information needed to understand and assess climate change vulnerability across all sectors and legislation. In addition, although adaptation policies and initiatives exist, many are outdated and obsolete. The geographic structure of the country also makes it challenging to face some impacts, due to its reliability on imported products (namely fossil fuels ad food), dispersion of the islands and dependence of natural resources in some sectors (e.g., tourism, fisheries, agriculture). In addition, many communities live in inadequate conditions, with poor sanitation and community infrastructure posing a risk to their health and wellbeing which exacerbates their vulnerability to climate induced impacts. The access and use of international funds has increased in the last few years providing an opportunity for adapting and recovering after climate change induced catastrophes. In this regard, the implementation of mitigation actions may prove useful to diversify the country’s energy mix, as well as to provide climate finance. Synergies between mitigation and adaptation will need to be explored deeper. Still, there is no question that The Bahamas faces a significant threat from unforeseen natural catastrophes due to its location in the tropical belt and hurricanes direct path. Building resilience and adaptation capacity is an urgent need for the country, even if many gaps exist in terms of capacity building and technical expertise. The lack of economic diversification and high demand for natural resources also pose a significand threat to the implementation of successful adaptation measures, although it also provides an opportunity for the development of soft adaptation measures that do not require large financial outlays, such as the inclusion of environmental awareness in the educational system or the practice of social adaptation measures across the country. 32 The Bahamas Updated NDC

4. NDC update process Within its commitment with the international community in the global fight on climate change under the UNFCCC, The Bahamas ratified in 2016 the Paris Agreement that mandates Parties to update and communicate their climate actions in the NDC to the UNFCCC every 5 years, and in 2016 the country has submitted its first NDC reporting its efforts to emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Bahamas Updated NDC was developed under the umbrella of the Readiness and Preparatory Support Project entitled “Building Blocks for Strengthening The Bahamas Country Programme” developed collaboratively between the Government of The Bahamas, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MoENR), which is the National Designated Authority (NDA) and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), whose mandate is to coordinate the Caribbean Region’s response to climate change, is accredited to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and who served as the Delivery Partner with responsibility for the implementation of this Project. Despite of the country’s efforts to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts, The Bahamas needs to keep increasing its commitment and dedication to fight climate change by reducing its GHG emissions and increasing its resilience to climate change impacts. In this context, the definition and prioritization of the appropriate mitigation and adaptation components and measures for short-term implementation (2030) was based on an extensive analysis of the existing regulatory framework and the country’s GHG emissions data focused on five (5) priority sectors (Energy, IPPU, Agriculture, LULUCF, and Waste), as well as a vulnerability analysis and assessment of the most vulnerable economic sectors, including a revision of ongoing and planned initiatives, in collaboration with several key stakeholders. The mitigation and adaptation targets presented in the updated NDC are contingent upon receiving international support for technology transfer, capacity-building and financial resources, including through the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Adaptation Fund (AF), multilateral and bilateral agreements and the local private sector. The frequency and intensity of impacts is well above the ability of the country’s Government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector to adapt. As a result, the strategy is to effectively and efficiently use climate finance to leverage local resources from the Government and the private sector by establishing the necessary national enabling environment to allow for the flow of funds. The latter will be addressed through the Bahamas CBIT Project. To ensure consistency of this Updated NDC with the country priorities and the different instruments used to communicate, report and plan climate change action in The Bahamas such as the National Communications, the Biennial Update Report (BUR), the National Energy Policy 2013-2033, the National Adaptation Policy, and the National Development Plan, a series of multi-stakeholder and cross-sectorial consultative processes were organized. These include sessions undertaken during the development of the Biennial Update Report and the Third National Communication, as well as sessions targeted at (i) assessing and validating the main gaps, threats, strengths and opportunities associated with the implementation of climate change-related actions within different Bahamian sectors, and (ii) aligning the Updated NDC targets with the national priorities ensuring its contribution to reducing emissions as well as the achievement of national economic and development goals. Building a strong foundation for the planning, implementation, and reporting of national climate actions requires adequate institutional, technical, and financial arrangements. In this context, several gaps should be addressed through capacity building and technology transfer. The DEPP requires substantial financial and human resources to achieve its mandate, cooperate effectively with national partners, implement capacity building programs, and establish robust information systems to address the challenges of climate change. 33 The Bahamas Updated NDC To sustain these efforts and scale up the implementation of mitigation and adaptation measures across The Bahamas, a MRV system under the CBIT Project will be institutionalized. The DEPP will establish a Climate Change Unit and assign employees to be responsible for climate data collection. 34 The Bahamas Updated NDC

5. Mitigation Despite contributing only 0.01% of global GHG emissions, The Bahamas is a responsible member of the international community, and as such, has defined two overarching goals towards 2030 that will contribute to the fulfilment of the carbon neutrality international goal by 2050:  Reducing its GHG emission by 30% compared to its BaU scenario. This covers gases and sectors included in The Bahamas National Inventory4.  Having at least 30% of renewables in the country’s energy mix. In addition, in alignment with the BUR and increasing the ambition from its first NDC, The Bahamas is engaged in increasing the sales of electric and hybrid vehicles which will represent 35% and 15% (respectively) of total sales by 2030. It is important to mention that this increase in would need the reinforce from the above measures regarding the change in the energy matrix to increase the electricity generation from renewable sources. Given the current country situation, The Bahamas is aware of the challenges associated with the fulfilment of these goals, and while there have been efforts in place to advance the issue of private electric and hybrid vehicle use, the country will further explore the benefit from a wider public transportation reform that promotes the public use of transportation to drive down greenhouse emissions. These goals will be achieved through the implementation of strategic components that will allow a transition to renewable energy while increasing energy efficiency and savings, the encouragement of sustainable agroforestry practices and an improvement on the waste management across the country. NDC target (2030) Component SDG Linkages Promoting energy efficiency, Reduce GHG emissions by 30% sustainable practices across sectors and enhancing carbon capture. Promoting renewable generation and 30% renewables in the energy mix setting up incentive mechanisms. Electric and hybrid vehicles Promoting the electrification of road represent 35% and 15% of total transportation. vehicle sales, respectively Table 4. Updated NDC mitigation goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) linkages. The NDC mitigation strategic components will be grounded in alignment with the TNC and BUR and through the implementation of the following series of actions covering all five (5) IPCC sectors of IPPU, Agriculture, LULUCF, Waste, and Energy, which has been disaggregated into Energy Demand, Electricity Generation and Transport sub-sectors (for additional details see the Annex II. Detail of mitigation actions): Sector/ Mitigation Actions Sub-sector Promoting energy efficiency, sustainable practices across sectors and enhancing carbon capture Adoption and implementation of revised building code for all new buildings and renovations (including promotion and integration of nature-based Energy Demand solutions for low impact development) * Energy audits for all Government occupied buildings in New Providence 4 The Third National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report to the UNFCCC for GHG emissions and removals 2001-2018 is developed by the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection of the Ministry of Environment and Housing of the Bahamas. The report has not been yet submitted to the UNFCCC. 35 The Bahamas Updated NDC Sector/ Mitigation Actions Sub-sector Energy audits for all existing Hotels and Industrial facilities Lighting retrofits for all Government occupied buildings in New Providence Public awareness campaign for energy efficiency and energy conservation* Streetlighting retrofit Energy Labelling program for all appliances Establish finance mechanism to increase access to low interest loans for EE and RE measures Energy Efficient Standards for air conditioning systems Promotion of Energy Efficiency in Water production Promotion of the use of Public Transport Transport Sustainable agroforestry practices in Andros, Grand Bahama, Acklins, Crooked Island, Planna and Samana Cays* Conservation and Sustainable management practices and the establishment LULUCF of a forest estate with 20% land cover Reestablishment & Rehabilitation of 50 ha of Davis Creek, Andros Ecosystem - 20% Phase Out of HFC IPPU Development of a waste management system to include composting systems Introduction of a National Recycling Program Waste Identify sustainable waste management practices Promoting renewable generation and setting up incentive mechanisms Increase solar water use by 40% for The Bahamas Introduce incentives for solar water heater installation Establish finance mechanism to increase access to low interest loans for EE Energy Demand and RE measures Five (5) carbon neutral Marine Protected Area facilities (photovoltaic substitute for diesel generators) Assessment of Renewable Energy Potential Across all occupied Islands* Achieve 30% Renewables on each major island by 2030* 3MW Solar farm in Grand Bahama 3MW of distributed generation in Grand Bahama through the Renewable Energy Rider program Additional 30MW of Solar PV Installed Installation of 20MW of wind power Installed Installation of 10MW of distributed generation on rest of islands Upgrade incentives for renewable energy systems Energy Generation Integrated resource and resilience plan for Grand Bahama Power Company and Bahama Power and Light* 10 MW of installed distributed generation through a Renewable Energy Rider for Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) customers in New Providence Installation of approximately 1.2MW of distributed generation on 9 Government Facilities Reduce Transmission and Distribution losses by 2% Pilot Project for a 30kW OTEC Plant Energy Generation Installation of 15MW Waste to Energy /Waste Promoting the electrification of road transportation Standards implemented for vehicle fuel efficiency Transport 36 The Bahamas Updated NDC Sector/ Mitigation Actions Sub-sector Improved Incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles* Assessment of Government vehicles and program for replacement of suitable vehicles with electric vehicles Introduction of electric vehicles to Government Fleet* Installation of charging stations for electric vehicles *This action has adaptation co-benefits Table 5. Actions supporting the Updated NDC mitigation goals. 37 The Bahamas Updated NDC

6. Adaptation Climate change is already causing a toll on the country with severe impacts on the territory, population, and major economic sectors. Tourism, which is the largest sector in The Bahamas, is affected by rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and impacts on biodiversity; also, agricultural yields are sensitive to changes in rainfall and temperature; other sectors critical to ensuring sustainable development, such as water resources, health and energy, are also affected by the region's increasingly variable climate and extreme weather events such as hurricanes. In this context, The Bahamas seeks to highlight the sense of urgency to take definitive action to reduce the climate change-related impacts that are affecting the country with increasing force. This NDC includes specific strategic components for 2030 aimed at reducing the country’s vulnerability and improve its ability to prepare and respond to climate change, while ensuring equitable, sustainable, and resilient growth, expanding the ambition by including additional coverage with respect to the previous NDC. These components focus on strengthening national policies and planning across all sectors, leveraging funding for adaptation action, strengthen public health security and resiliency to climate-related hazards, enhancing management of natural resources and promoting nature-based solutions, and improving the resilience of all infrastructure while strengthening and mainstreaming climate change education and awareness across all sectors. NDC target (2030) Component SDG Linkages Improve planning, preparedness, and response to climate emergencies Strengthen the national regulatory framework and leverage adaptation funding Protect human health and Reduce the country’s ensure population’s food and vulnerability and improve its water security ability to prepare and respond to climate change, Improve management and while ensuring equitable, conservation of ecosystems sustainable, and resilient growth Increase resiliency of energy infrastructure and diversify the Bahamian energy matrix with a focus on renewable Improve education and awareness on climate change impacts Enhance climate change information and monitoring Table 6. Updated NDC adaptation goals and SDG linkages. 38 The Bahamas Updated NDC A few examples of the actions that can be implemented by 2030 to support the targets of the adaptation strategic components are listed below: Adaptation Actions Sector Improve planning, preparedness, and response to climate emergencies Improve access to accurate weather and climate-related data and projections (including flood maps to inform land use planning) to develop a better understanding of the risks and consequences of climate change across sectors Engage the community in the implementation of regular simulation evacuations Develop and implement community-based climate change adaptation plans on most vulnerable islands. Develop contingency planning for essential systems (electricity, heating, Cross-sectorial cooling, ventilation, water supply, sanitation services, waste management and communications) to ensure that they will not be cut off during extreme weather events Strengthening sensitive social and economic infrastructure across islands Develop and implement a plan for integrated coastal zone management to promote a sustainable development of coastal zones Build capacity among local communities for alternative livelihoods as a means of economic recovery/diversification to improve climate resilience Strengthen the national regulatory framework and leverage adaptation funding Conduct a national study on sectoral vulnerability based on geographic data Cross-sectorial and indicators Conduct a study on economics of climate change in The Bahamas with a cost Cross-sectorial benefit analysis of adaptation actions Develop and implement a National Adaptation Plan covering priority sector Cross-sectorial Review and update the National Policy for Adaptation to Climate Change Cross-sectorial Update and implement the Building Code so it considers the incorporation of the climate variable into infrastructure construction and reconstruction Infrastructure processes (including the promotion of nature-based solutions for low impact development) Enhance land use planning across the country to ensure climate change- related risks are appropriately addressed, including providing guidance on the Human Settlements location of coastal development Promote the use of public and private partnerships to increase funding for Cross-sectorial adaptation actions Leverage carbon markets to access adaptation funding Cross-sectorial Protect human health and ensure population’s food and water security Explore new technological solutions for ensuring population’s access to drinking water (e.g., a pilot project for a rainwater harvesting plant, that Water Resources connects the most vulnerable households to a drinking water supply system, or for it to be maintained as backup in the event of a natural disaster) Modelling extreme precipitation, sea-level rise and storm surge events, to develop a better understanding of the risks and consequences of these Water Resources phenomena on water utility systems and availability of groundwater resources Increase investments in desalination plants to ensure water availability, particularly on the islands with fewer freshwater resources (ex. New Water Resources Providence) and promote on-site renewable power supplies (lowering costs of operation) Raise awareness among vulnerable populations on climate change and Health climate-related health risks 39 The Bahamas Updated NDC Adaptation Actions Sector Strengthen epidemiological surveillance systems and develop epidemic early warning systems informed by climate scenarios, to prevent the spread of Health infectious diseases Promote climate-smart clinics and health-related infrastructure Health Provide farmers with relevant meteorological information regularly, as well as Agriculture weather forecasts, with the aim to foster climate-sensitive farming Promote climate-smart sustainable agriculture measures (optimization of water use/storage, soil conservation, etc.) and agroforestry practices Agriculture (including diversification of crops and raising livestock simultaneously, using significantly less land) Assess climate change risk and impacts on the Agriculture/Fisheries sector Agriculture/Fisheries (productivity and food security) Investment in research on climate-resilient crops Agriculture Establishment of climate monitoring systems for farms Agriculture Improve management and conservation of ecosystems Establishment of payments for ecosystem services and other sustainable financing options to enhance protection of habitats for climate resilient Forests/Biodiversity communities (water purification, flood mitigation, carbon sequestration, etc.)* Review and update existing forest management plans (such as the Master Forests Plan for The Bahamas National Protected Area System) Increase (marine and terrestrial) protected areas under effective Biodiversity management Enhance protection and restoration of damaged/degraded ecosystems (e.g., Biodiversity terrestrial forests, mangroves, coral reefs) * Promote Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) approaches to sustain ecosystems that ensure resilience against climate-related threats (ex. coral reef and Biodiversity mangrove) involving local communities Develop ecological and economic analysis to increase knowledge on the value Forests/Biodiversity of forest, mangrove, coral reef and sea grass ecosystems Protect freshwater lenses to avoid losing natural well-fields to other land use Water Resources Increase resiliency of energy infrastructure and diversify the Bahamian energy matrix with a focus on renewable Achieve a 30% of renewable energy mix on each major island by 2030* Energy Increase the percentage of electric vehicles to Government Fleet* Transport Adoption and implementation of revised building code for all new buildings Infrastructure and renovations* Include climate change considerations in the design of new energy infrastructure (establish requirements), as well as contingency plans to Infrastructure reduce long power outages Awareness campaign for energy efficiency and energy conservation* Energy Assessment of renewable energy potential across all occupied islands* Energy Assessment of variations in energy demand derived from the effect of climate Energy change Develop incentives to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles* Transport Improve financial incentives for citizens/businesses to convert to solar* Energy Improve education and awareness on climate change impacts Strengthen effective delivery of climate change contents in the national educational program including usefulness of relevant meteorological Cross-sectorial information* 40 The Bahamas Updated NDC Adaptation Actions Sector Increase awareness of the importance of coral reefs and mangrove forests for Biodiversity sustainable development and coastal protection Promote public awareness of the possible effects of climate change and disseminate good adaptation practices, in alignment with the Action for Cross-sectorial Climate Empowerment (ACE) Enhance climate change information and monitoring Establish national standards for collecting geospatial data particularly for coral reefs, fisheries, forests, agriculture, health, public works, water resources and supply, economics, and climate change awareness* Cross-sectorial Improve tracking and data collection of renewable energy installations (both private and public) in order to ensure we have an accurate record of all renewable energy systems* *This action has mitigation co-benefits Table 7. Examples of actions supporting the Updated NDC adaptation goals. 41 The Bahamas Updated NDC

7. Information necessary for Clarity, Transparency and Understanding of The Bahamas NDC According to Article 4.8 of the Paris Agreement, “Parties shall provide the information necessary for clarity, transparency and understanding” based on elaboration of information elements identified in paragraph 27 of the decision 1/CP.21. In this context, The Bahamas has adopted this guidance within its capacities and this section provides supplemental descriptive, explanative, and contextual information to facilitate clarity, transparency and understanding of the Updated NDC. Guidance provided by Decision 4/CMA ICTU applicable to The Bahamas NDC 1 Quantifiable information on the reference point (including, as appropriate, a base year): The reference year for the target is 2030 and the target is expressed both as relative to a BAU scenario for that year, and relative to 2010 baseline emissions. a Reference year(s), base year(s), reference period(s) or other starting point(s) The BAU emissions projections have been calculated based on policies in place since 2013. Total GHG emissions in The Bahamas rose from 5,214.80 Gg CO2-eq in 2001 to Quantifiable information on the reference indicators, their values in the 6,169.88 Gg CO2-eq in 2018 (TNC and BUR1). b reference year(s), base year(s), reference period(s) or other starting point(s), The absolute emissions reductions resulting from this NDC contribution is 2,125Gg and, as applicable, in the target year CO2e (2030). Total economy-wide BAU emissions projections are 6,347Gg CO2e (2030). For strategies, plans and actions referred to in Article 4, paragraph 6, of the - National Policy for the Adaptation to Climate Change (2005) Paris Agreement, or polices and measures as components of nationally c - National Adaptation Plan (under development) determined contributions where paragraph 1(b) above is not applicable, - Green Climate Fund Country Programme (under development) Parties to provide other relevant information The Bahamas 2030 targets are: - 30% GHG emission reduction compared to its BAU scenario. Target relative to the reference indicator, expressed numerically, for d - At least 30% of renewables in the country’s energy mix. example in percentage or amount of reduction - Electric and hybrid vehicles represent 35% and 15% of total vehicle sales, respectively. Quantification of the reference indicators is based on data reported in The Bahamas´ emissions projections (BAU and mitigation scenarios) as part of its BUR, up until the e Information on sources of data used in quantifying the reference point(s) end of the period. Following the end of the period quantification will be based on historic data reported in the National Inventory Report for the period, which can be compared with the previous projections made for that period (2001-2030) 42 The Bahamas Updated NDC Guidance provided by Decision 4/CMA ICTU applicable to The Bahamas NDC The Bahamas may update the base year data based on the continuous Information on the circumstances under which the Party may update the F methodological improvement and data availability. Any updated information will be values of the reference indicators included in the Biennial Update Report or Biennial Transparency Report. 2 Timeframes and/or periods for implementation Time frame and/or period for implementation, including start and end date, consistent with any further relevant decision adopted by the Conference of a 2020-2030 the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA) b Whether it is a single-year or multi-year target, as applicable Single-year target (2030) 3 Scope and coverage a General description of the target Absolute economy-wide emissions target expressed as a single-year target Sectors, gases, categories and pools covered by the nationally determined Carbon dioxide (CO2); Methane (CH4); Nitrous oxide (N2O). All sectors as defined by b contribution, including, as applicable, consistent with Intergovernmental the IPCC 2006 Guidelines. Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines The scope of the coverage of this NDC has been extended to all categories of anthropogenic emissions in line with paragraph 31(c) by conducting a complete update of the historical sectors emissions. The Bahamas’ GHG inventory is complete, recognizing that there are some estimated gaps related to baseline information, but How the Party has taken into consideration paragraphs 31(c) and (d) of are prioritized to be addressed in future inventory cycles - as per a UNFCCC QA C decision 1/CP.21 exercise – in alignment with Transparency, Accuracy, Comparability, Completeness and Consistency (TACCC) principles. The country recognizes this and is committed to improving the completeness and accuracy of the GHG inventory for the next update of the NDC. While data management remains a challenge, over time data gaps are being closed. Support from international partners continues to be needed. Mitigation co-benefits resulting from Parties’ adaptation actions and/or economic diversification plans, including description of specific projects, Some of the proposed adaptation actions have mitigation co-benefits as they will d measures and initiatives of Parties’ adaptation actions and/or economic contribute to GHG reduction. Further details on section 6. diversification plans. 4 Planning Processes Information on the planning processes that the Party undertook to prepare a its nationally determined contribution and, if available, on the Party’s See section 4 implementation plans including, as appropriate: 43 The Bahamas Updated NDC Guidance provided by Decision 4/CMA ICTU applicable to The Bahamas NDC (i) Domestic institutional arrangements, public participation and For the validation of this NDC, consultative workshops were arranged with engagement with local communities and indigenous peoples, in a gender- stakeholders. responsive manner (ii) Contextual matters, including, inter alia, as appropriate: - (iia) National circumstances, such as geography, climate, economy, sustainable development and poverty eradication; - (iib) Best practices and experience related to the preparation of the See sections 1 and 4 nationally determined contribution; - (iic) Other contextual aspirations and priorities acknowledged when joining the Paris Agreement; Specific information applicable to Parties, including regional economic integration organizations and their member States, that have reached an agreement to act jointly under Article 4, paragraph 2, of the Paris b (to be confirmed) Agreement, including the Parties that agreed to act jointly and the terms of the agreement, in accordance with Article 4, n/a 16 paragraphs 16 18, of the Paris Agreement How the Party’s preparation of its nationally determined contribution has Not applicable. The first global stocktake will occur in 2023. The Bahamas will take its c been informed by the outcomes of the global stocktake, in accordance with outcomes into account in the preparation of future NDCs. Article 4, paragraph 9, of the Paris Agreement Each Party with a nationally determined contribution under Article 4 of the Paris Agreement that consists of adaptation action and/or economic diversification plans resulting in mitigation co-benefits consistent with Article 4, paragraph 7, of the Paris Agreement to submit information on: (i) How the economic and social consequences of response measures have been considered in developing the nationally d Not applicable for this NDC determined contribution; (ii) Specific projects, measures and activities to be implemented to contribute to mitigation co – benefits, including information on adaptation plans that also yield mitigation co-benefits, which may cover, but are not limited to, key sectors, such as energy, resources, water resources, coastal resources, human settlements and urban planning, agriculture and forestry; and 44 The Bahamas Updated NDC Guidance provided by Decision 4/CMA ICTU applicable to The Bahamas NDC economic diversification actions, which may cover, but are not limited to, sectors such as manufacturing and industry, energy and mining, transport and communication, construction, tourism, real estate, agriculture and fisheries. Assumptions and methodological approaches, including those for estimating and accounting for anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and, as appropriate, 5 removals Assumptions and methodological approaches used for accounting for The Bahamas will account for its 2030 single-year target on the basis of total net anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and removals corresponding to a national emissions reported in its National Inventory Report for the year 2030, the Party’s nationally determined contribution, consistent with decision submitted under the Paris Agreement. 1/CP.21, paragraph 31, and accounting guidance adopted by the CMA Assumptions and methodological approaches used for accounting for the b implementation of policies and measures or strategies in the nationally (to be confirmed) determined contribution If applicable, information on how the Party will take into account existing Global Warming Potentials (GWP) are based on IPCC AR5. methods and guidance under the Convention to account for anthropogenic c The recommendations on accounting (accountability) contained in Annex II to emissions and removals, in accordance with Article 4, paragraph 14, of the Decision 4/CMA.1 shall be used for the accounting of anthropogenic emissions and Paris Agreement, as appropriate removals. The 2022 NDC update GHGI is based on the 2006 IPCC Guidelines IPCC methodologies and metrics used for estimating anthropogenic d methodologies. It covers the period 2001-2018. greenhouse gas emissions and removals The Bahamas will partially address emissions and subsequent removals from natural disturbances in accounting for its NDC. The carbon stock changes from natural Sector-, category – or activity-specific assumptions, methodologies and disturbances will partially be included in the national emissions totals (emissions approaches consistent with IPCC guidance, as appropriate, including, as from fires has not been estimated yet, as described in The Bahamas’s BUR), applicable: consistent with approaches set out in the IPCC 2006 Guidelines. The Bahamas will continue to provide information on its approach to addressing emissions and subsequent removals from natural disturbances in its next Inventory reporting cycle. e The Bahamas will partially address emissions and subsequent removals from natural disturbances in accounting for its NDC. The carbon stock changes from natural disturbances will partially be included in the national emissions totals (emissions (i) Approach to addressing emissions and subsequent removals from natural from fires has not been estimated yet, as described in The Bahamas’s BUR), disturbances on managed lands; consistent with approaches set out in the IPCC 2006 Guidelines. The Bahamas will continue to provide information on its approach to addressing emissions and subsequent removals from natural disturbances in its next Inventory reporting cycle. 45 The Bahamas Updated NDC Guidance provided by Decision 4/CMA ICTU applicable to The Bahamas NDC (ii) Approach used to account for emissions and removals from harvested Not applicable (emissions from harvested wood products have not been estimated wood products; as part of the emissions inventory reported under the BUR). (iii) Approach used to address the effects of age-class structure in forests; Not applicable for this NDC Other assumptions and methodological approaches used for understanding the nationally determined contribution and, if applicable, estimating corresponding emissions and removals, including: (i) How the reference indicators, baseline(s) and/or reference level(s), including, where applicable, sector-, category – or activity-specific reference levels, are constructed, including, for example, key parameters, assumptions, definitions, f methodologies, data sources and models used; (to be confirmed) (ii) For Parties with nationally determined contributions that contain non-greenhouse-gas components, information on assumptions and methodological approaches used in relation to those components, as applicable; (iii) For climate forcers included in nationally determined contributions not covered by IPCC guidelines, information on how the climate forcers are estimated; (iv) Further technical information, as necessary. The Bahamas has put into place a legislative and policy regime, i.e., the Climate The intention to use voluntary cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Change and Carbon Markets Initiative Act and the Carbon Trading Act to facilitate g Agreement, if applicable. both Article 6 and market mechanisms in the VCM, which can benefit the country in the implementation of its climate targets. 6 How the Party considers that its nationally determined contribution is fair and ambitious in the light of its national circumstances Although its contribution to global GHG emission is residual, as part of its international commitment The Bahamas is putting its efforts to transition to a low carbon sustainable development and plans to achieve its emission reduction targets How the Party considers that its nationally determined contribution is fair by promoting (i) energy efficiency, sustainable practices across sectors and a and ambitious in the light of its national circumstances enhancing carbon capture, and (ii) renewable generation and the setup of incentive mechanisms. In this context, The Bahamas Updated NDC reflects the country's commitment in enhancing its mitigation efforts by 2030 with an increase in ambition from its previous NDC targeted at the promotion of the electrification of road 46 The Bahamas Updated NDC Guidance provided by Decision 4/CMA ICTU applicable to The Bahamas NDC transportation. The specific target is to have a 35% and 15% representation of electric and hybrid vehicles (respectively) of the total vehicles sales by 2030. In addition, climate change impacts are already taking a toll on the country and increasing the development challenges that the country, as many other Caribbean SIDS, face. In this context, this Updated NDC not only reflects an increased ambition in terms of renewable transition but, in the light of national circumstances, also expands its coverage to reduce the country’s vulnerability and improve its ability to prepare and respond to climate change while ensuring equitable, sustainable, and resilient growth. b Fairness considerations, including reflecting on equity Refer to 6(a) c How the Party has addressed Article 4, paragraph 3, of the Paris Agreement Refer to 6(a) d How the Party has addressed Article 4, paragraph 4, of the Paris Agreement The Bahamas 2030 targets are "economy-wide absolute emission reduction targets". As a Small Island Developing State, The Bahamas 2030 targets reflect the country's e How the Party has addressed Article 4, paragraph 6, of the Paris Agreement context and circumstances. 7 How the nationally determined contribution contributes towards achieving the objective of the Convention as set out in its Article 2 This Updated NDC will contribute to "strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change, in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate How the nationally determined contribution contributes towards achieving poverty" by reducing its contribution to global GHG emissions that are affecting the a the objective of the Convention as set out in its Article 2 climate system and implementing actions that will reduce the country’s vulnerability and improve its ability to prepare and respond to climate change, while ensuring equitable, sustainable, and resilient growth. With the GHG emission reduction target set in this Updated NDC, The Bahamas will contribute to "Holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above preindustrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, recognizing that this would significantly reduce How the nationally determined contribution contributes towards Article 2, b the risks and impacts of climate change". In alignment with its BUR and TNC, the paragraph 1(a), and Article 4, paragraph 1, of the Paris Agreement country is committed in implementing a series of mitigation actions/strategies across the following categories: Energy Demand, Electricity Generation, Transport, Agriculture, Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry, Industrial Processes and Product Use and Waste, that will support the achievement of the 2030 target. 47 The Bahamas Updated NDC

8. NDC Implementation 8.1. Institutional Arrangements To ensure an adequate implementation of the Updated NDC, it is important to guarantee the existence of effective, flexible and sustainable institutional arrangements that ensure appropriate coordination between the different intergovernmental institutions, private sector entities and other key actors in the Bahamian society. In this context, the implementation of this NDC will be coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources’ Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) as the country’s operational focal point for the UNFCCC, with the support from The Bahamas National Climate Change Committee (NCCC), that includes representatives from government, private and civil agencies and provides strategic level guidance on climate change related activities, policies and plans, and functions as the National Project Consultative Committee for national reporting to the UNFCCC or other climate entities. Other key actors that will facilitate the development, implementation, follow-up and monitoring of the NDC include the different national agencies, and other public and private actors. Public Scientific Private Associations and National Universities and Municipalities businesses in organizations research centres general Design the policy Play an important role in the Research and development frameworks on which the In many cases, they will be implementation and of new solutions and actions country's planning is based. the recipients of the monitoring of planning at for both mitigation and They also play an important measures to be national level. In some adaptation to climate role in coordinating and implemented, which is why cases, the implementation of change. These new assisting in the development their involvement from the the identified actions will be technological options will be of national policies. They are outset is key. They can also a provincial/municipal the basis for future actions key agents in the be a very important source competence, requiring to be included in public implementation of actions of information for monitoring collaboration between the planning. They also play a and in providing useful data the evolution of the different levels of key role in the follow-up of and information for the measures implemented, as government. The same indicators for monitoring the follow-up and monitoring of well as services and funding applies to the provision of NDC and can provide the policies, strategies and for the development of the data needed for follow-up baseline information for its national initiatives actions. and monitoring. calculation. developed. Figure 2. Key actors for NDC implementation. Source: Own elaboration. 8.1.1. Mitigation Institutional Arrangements The national process for preparing The Bahamas’ energy initiatives is currently guided by a collaboration between the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bahamas Power and Light (BPL), Department of Environment Planning and Protection, Water and Sewerage Corporation and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce. The Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) is the institution responsible for conception, proposing and implementing the national environmental policy and the national environmental management program; guiding, coordinating and supervising all the activity of the Ministry in accordance with the law; and ensuring the correct application of the technical and scientific development policy for the sector’s human resources. These institutional arrangements must be strengthened and formalized to ensure that all segments of society are involved. 48 The Bahamas Updated NDC 8.1.2. Adaptation Institutional Arrangements The Government of the Bahamas established the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to coordinate the preparedness, response to and mitigation of emergencies on a national level through collaboration, cooperation, coordination, between government and non-governmental agencies. NEMA is headed by a public officer holding the office of Director. The Director is assisted by several public officers appointed or assigned to NEMA and other persons whose services have been engaged by, or who have volunteered their services to NEMA. There is also an Advisory Committee of NEMA composed of representatives from relevant Government Ministries and Departments and from the private sector. The Committee meets to discuss means to mitigate the impact of disasters, including hurricanes. Each of the Government Agencies is also responsible to prepare a Disaster Preparedness Plan which details the steps the agency takes in preparing for and responding to a disaster whether natural or man-made. The Advisory Committee of NEMA also focuses on the importance of being properly prepared for a hurricane or other disaster. The Government’s disaster management programme has been linked to the urban renewal initiative in Nassau. Regarding emergency preparedness and response, the Ministry of Health and Environmental Services counts with the Health Emergency Plan that is activated before hurricane landfall and staff deployed with emergency supplies to all the islands to be present in a state of readiness. Likewise, the Red Cross, The Bahamas Defense Force and the Police Department have programs, however they require strengthening and institutionalization through appropriate legislation. In addition, the Draft National Disaster Plan sets out the Basic Plan, Emergency Support functions for the key response and support agencies, the Recovery Function and Standard Operating Procedures for the National Emergency Operations Centre. 8.2. NDC monitoring For an adequate implementation of the Updated NDC, it is necessary to have the appropriate monitoring tools to obtain reliable and transparent information on its state of progress. At the same time, appropriate communication and dissemination channels must be in place to enable effective communication of its implementation to the different stakeholders. Having ratified the Paris Agreement, The Bahamas has the responsibility to fulfil the requirements of the Paris Agreement, including the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) that specifies how Parties to the Agreement must report on progress in climate change mitigation, adaptation measures and support needed. In this regard, The Bahamas is committed to ensuring transparency and openness of key information related to climate change impacts and progress in climate action by measuring, reporting, and verifying the following activities and actions at the national level:  Activities that cause climate change (Greenhouse Gas Inventory).  Actions taken that prevent climate change (mitigation actions and NDC implementation progress).  Climate change impacts and adaptation.  Actions taken to adapt to climate change (adaptation actions and NDC implementation progress).  Financial and other support needed and received for undertaking actions above. In this context, the country is currently developing a Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system to generate information on progress in the implementation of the Updated NDC, as well as information on the funding, technology transfer and capacity building support requested and received. Once implemented, this system will allow for the proper monitoring of the Updated NDC actions through the application of monitoring indicators for mitigation and adaptation actions that will, in turn, measure the success of each action and identify corrections, adjustments and updates as needed. The information and knowledge provided by these indicators is a decisive input for decision-making, as well as for ensuring the success of the NDC. However, it should be noted that in order to define an agile 49 The Bahamas Updated NDC monitoring system, it is necessary to bear in mind the availability of basic information and data quality, and it is necessary to continue working on improving the data surveying and collection processes. In alignment with other recent national reports to the UNFCCC, the key implementation and stakeholder institutions for climate MRV in The Bahamas include: Area Stakeholders

1. Dept of Agriculture

2. Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority Forestry Unit

3. Bahamas National Trust (BNT)

4. Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF)

5. The Nature Conservancy

6. Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources

7. Grand Bahama Power Company

8. Bahamas Power and Light

9. Port Department

10. Bahamas Maritime Authority

11. Road Traffic Department

12. Dept of Statistics

13. Customs Dept.

14. Dept of Environmental Health Services Mitigation

15. Ministry of Works

16. Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC)

17. Bahamas Waste

18. University of Bahamas

19. Department of Lands and Surveys

20. Fuel Importers

21. Industry Companies (Salt, Cement)

22. Easy Car Sales (RE Electric Vehicle sales)

23. Construction Association

24. Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC)

25. Family Islands Chambers of Commerce

26. Raising Awareness about The Bahamas Landfill (RABL) - community awareness group

27. Re-earth- environmental advocacy group

1. University of The Bahamas, Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Research Centre (CCARR)

2. BREEF

3. TNC

4. BNT

5. Dept of Social Services

6. Dept of Gender and Families

7. NEMA

8. Dept of Marine Resources Adaptation

9. WSC

10. Ministry of Health

11. Ministry of Tourism

12. Ministry of Works

13. Dept of Meteorology

14. Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI)

15. The Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ)

16. University of The Bahamas, Faculty of Pure & Applied Sciences

17. IOM Bahamas 50 The Bahamas Updated NDC Area Stakeholders

18. Civil Society Bahamas (CSB)

19. Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI)

20. Ministry of Education

21. Ministry of Public Works

22. Young Marine Explorers (YME) (Coastal conservation group)

23. Caribbean Challenge Initiative (CCI) - work group on protected areas under UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

24. Department of Physical Planning (Town Planning Committee)

25. One Eleuthera Foundation

26. Cape Eleuthera Institute, The Island School

27. Perry Institute of Marine Science

28. Bahamas Red Cross Society

29. Buckeye Bahamas Hub

30. Representatives from the Tourism Industry

31. Local Government

1. Bahamas Protected Areas Fund

2. Dept of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP)

3. Office of the Prime Minister • The Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit. • Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP). • The Economic Development and Planning Unit. • Climate Change and Environmental Advisory Unit. Support • Sustainable Development Goal Unit. requested

4. Ministry of Finance and received • Economic Development and Planning • Budgetary Planning & Central Bank of The Bahamas • Government Finance and Borrowings • Relations with Multi-Lateral Financial Institution

5. Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI)

6. Bahamas National Trust

7. Bahamas Development Bank 51 The Bahamas Updated NDC

9. NDC Financing The mitigation and adaptation targets presented in the updated NDC are contingent upon receiving international support for technology transfer, capacity-building and financial resources, including through the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Adaptation Fund (AF), multilateral and bilateral agreements and the local private sector. The indicative cost for The Bahamas identified NDC measures through 2030 is in excess of USD 4000 million for mitigation and adaptation actions. The exact cost for these activities will be further developed over the next few years. As a result of low international ambition for mitigation as well as still very high subsidies for financing of carbon intensive activities, the cost of adaptation is expected to continue to increase and even go beyond the ability of certain sectors to adapt. The Bahamas is not able to pay for the incremental cost of adaptation and mitigation while supporting the development agenda of the country. 52 The Bahamas Updated NDC

10. References Bahamas National Stadistical Institute. (2019). GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT of The Bahamas by Islands. Bahamas National Stadistical Institute. (2022). ADVANCED ESTIMATES OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT BY MAJOR FAMILY ISLANDS & ISLAND GROUPS SERIES: 2021. https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/wcm/connect/f171ccdc-92e0-469c-9180- 54ba6e6789e4/Family+Island+GDP+2021-Press+Release.pdf?MOD=AJPERES Bahamas Power and Light. (2020). Requirements for Grid Interconnection of Renewable Generation Systems. http://www.blpc.com.bb/images/brochures/requirements_for_grid_interconnection.pdf CAAB. (2021). The Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas Environmental Regulation (p. 96). https://doi.org/10.4337/9781785368547.00014 Collins, M., Sutherland, M., Bouwer, L., Cheong, S.-M., Frölicher, T., Des Combes, H. J., Roxy, M. K., Losada, I., McInnes, K., Ratter, B., Rivera-Arriga, E., Susanto, R. D., Swingedouw, D., & Tibig, L. (2019). Chapter 6: Extremes, Abrupt Changes and Managing Risks. IPCC SR Ocean and Cryosphere, 6-1-6–67. Commonwealth of The Bahamas. (2001). First national communication on Climate Change. In First National Communication on Climate Change (Issue April, pp. 1–98). http://www.best.gov.bs/Documents/FNC main doc.pdf Commonwealth of The Bahamas. (2015). The Bahamas’ National Maritime Policy. https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/portal/public/About Us/Goals and Objectives/!ut/p/b1/vZXbkqo4GIWfpR- gm4RT4BIR5YwQIsiNBR4QBEWg5fD0gz17ampmqtu52CW5orJWfcX6swgVUSEVXeJ7lsZtdr3ExeM94r fuDLjYFBlpqS0Y4BqqJLAQAcAzk2AzCcA3jwS-_AxYWpLECpZD-yLQoAx5g3BgqdK__N8JNPinf-l Department of Statistics. (2010). The Commonwealth of The Bahamas: Census of Population and Housing. 197. GBPC. (2022). Grand Bahama Power Company rules and regulations for renewable generation systems (p. 20). GCF. (2020). Climate resilience of the water sector in The Bahamas. GFDRR. (n.d.). ThinkHazard! Gutiérrez, J. M., R.G. Jones, G.T. Narisma, L.M. Alves, M. Amjad, I.V. Gorodetskaya, M. Grose, N.A.B. Klutse, S. Krakovska, J. Li, D. Martínez-Castro, L.O. Mearns, S.H. Mernild, T. Ngo-Duc, B. van den Hurk, & J.- H. Yoon. (2021). Atlas. In Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (V. Masson-Delmotte, P. Zhai, A. Pirani, S.L. Connors, C. Péan, S. Berger, N. Caud, Y. Chen, L.Goldfarb, M.I. Gomis, M. Huang, K. Leitzell, E. Lonnoy, J.B.R. Matthews, T.K.Maycock, T. Waterfield, O. Yelekçi, R. Yu, & B. Zhou (eds.)). Cambridge University Press. https://interactive-atlas.ipcc.ch/ IPCC. (2021). The Physical Science Basis Summary for Policymakers: AR6. Knutson, T., Camargo, S. J., Chan, J. C. L., Emanuel, K., Ho, C. H., Kossin, J., Mohapatra, M., Satoh, M., Sugi, M., Walsh, K., & Wu, L. (2019). Tropical cyclones and climate change assessment. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 100(10), 1987–2007. https://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-18-0189.1 Magnan, A. K., Garschagen, M., Gattuso, J. P., Hay, J. E., Hilmi, N., Holland, E., Isla, F., Kofinas, G., Losada, I. J., Petzold, J., Ratter, B., T.Schuur, Tabe, T., & Wal, R. van de. (2019). Cross-Chapter Box 9: Integrative Cross-Chapter Box on Low-Lying Islands and Coasts. In H.-O. Pörtner, D. C. Roberts, V. Masson- Delmotte, P. Zhai, M. Tignor, E. Poloczanska, K. Mintenbeck, A. Alegría, M. Nicolai, A. Okem, J. Petzold, B. Rama, & N. M. Weyer (Eds.), IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (pp. 657–674). 53 The Bahamas Updated NDC Ministry of Environment and Housing. (2013). Environmental Health (Vehicle emissions) regulations. Ministry of the Environment and Housing. (2013). The Bahamas National Energy Policy, 2013-2033 (p. 40). https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/wcm/connect/c0934c9b-fc0e-4496-90e7- 5d273c57553a/energypolicy.pdf?MOD=AJPERES Ministry of the Environment and Housing. (2014). Forestry Regulations. Ministry of Works and Utilities. (2003). Bahamas Building Code - Third Edition 2003 (3rd ed.). Parliament of The Bahamas. (2008). Montreal Protocol (Controlled substances) Act (p. 17). Official Gazette the Bahamas. Parliament of The Bahamas. (2015a). Energy Act (p. 87). Official Gazette the Bahamas. Parliament of The Bahamas. (2015b). The Water and Sewerage Corporation Act. Official Gazette the Bahamas. Rolle, S., Minnnis, J., & Bethell-Benett, I. (2020). Tourism Development, Governance and Sustainability in The Bahamas. https://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Ki3tDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT11&dq =tourism+bahamas&ots=SpLTVlYrHc&sig=RwvlKNt5tW0lttddoe6lODm4F60&redir_e sc=y#v=onepage&q=tourism bahamas&f=false Simpson, M. C., Scott, D., New, M., Sim, R., Smith, D., Harrison, M., Eakin, C. M., Warrick, R., Strong, A. E., Kouwenhoven, P., Harrison, S., Wilson, M., Nelson, G. C., Donner, S., Kay, R., Geldhill, D. K., Liu, G., Morgan, J. A., Kleypas, J. A., … Stager, H. (2009). An Overview of Modeling Climate Change Impacts in the Caribbean Region with contribution from the Pacific Islands. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. (2005). National Policy for the Adaptation to Climate Change. In National Policy for the Adaptation to Climate Change (Issue March). The Government of The Bahamas. (2004). Environmental health services (collection and disposal of waste) regulations (p. 20). The Government of The Bahamas. (2010). Forestry Act (p. 23). Official Gazette the Bahamas. The Government of The Bahamas. (2014a). Forestry Act (Amendment). Official Gazette the Bahamas. The Government of The Bahamas. (2014b). The Second National Communication Report of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas Under The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 191. https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/bhsnc2.pdf The Government of The Bahamas. (2015). Bahamas Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) under the UNFCCC. The Government of The Bahamas. (2020). 2020 Fiscal Strategy Report. www.bahamasbudget.gov.bs The World Bank Group. (2021). Climate Change Knowlegde Portal. https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/ The World Bank Group. (2022). Bahamas, The - Vulnerability | Climate Change Knowledge Portal. https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/bahamas/vulnerability United Nations. (n.d.). World Population Prospects - Population Division. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://population.un.org/wpp/ World Health Organization, U. N. F. C. on C. C. (2021). Health and Climate Change Country Profile 2021. Bahamas. 54 The Bahamas Updated NDC

Annex I. SWOT Analysis AI.1. Mitigation Energy Strengths Weaknesses  Limited financial (public sector) resources, to support greater provision of renewable energy and staffing/capacity needed in the area of renewables & environmental protection.  Lack of adequate data (national energy balance).  Weak coordination amongst different Ministries which limits the coordination of the identified mitigation action.  Lack of awareness, knowledge and skills among users, planners, designers, and service providers  Good potential for use of renewable energy sources (bioenergy, solar, wind, about renewable energy technologies and how they can be applied. ocean thermal energy conversion OTEC, wave energy and waste-to-energy).  Historically, carbon reduction and climate change are treated with low priority by Political  Steep drop-offs in most of the major islands that make OTEC technology directorate. feasible, as well as seawater district cooling and deep-well reverse thermal  Limited staffing (experts). conversion technologies.  Slow bureaucracy in Public Service.  No proven existing reserves of easily exploitable fossil fuel sources.  Limited policies/laws that encourage energy conservation and no energy efficiency standards.  The Ministry of Finance is developing and implementing a programme of  Policy inconsistencies: Actual Electricity Act of 1956 does not allow independent power producers incentives and fiscal measures to enable and support investments in modern (IPPs) to sell to the national grid. This is a major barrier to the use of renewable sources. facilities and infrastructure in the energy sector.  Grid intertie has not been effectively implemented, so net metering in necessary  Low levels of awareness of energy conservation practices (energy efficiency).  Low efficiency of energy production and distribution (due to leaks and losses that entails in representative amounts of fossil fuel waste).  High dependency on fossil fuel imports.  Limited sectoral training in GHG accounting. Opportunities Threats  Unwillingness to invest in plant upgrades and new infrastructure.  Transition to electric vehicles.  Resistance to subsidy removal on fuels.  Retrofit public buildings so that they are more energy efficient.  Slow legislative agenda / implementation changes in country´s political landscape can cause  Weatherize low- and middle-income households so that they are also more disruptions to the climate change program. energy efficient.  High capital costs for the implementation of renewable energy initiatives.  MRV system (finance) – capacity building.  Unwillingness to supply data to relevant authorities.  Improved technologies within energy efficiency are available.  A natural disaster area. The Bahamas is in the tropical belt and is the direct path of hurricanes. 55 The Bahamas Updated NDC  Declining cost of renewable energy.  Oil exploration and extraction, as it will increase greenhouse gas emissions globally, at a time when  Current high cost of fossil fuels makes renewables and alternative fuels & the UN Secretary General has called to accelerate the phase-out of coal and fossil fuel extractions. technologies economically attractive (reasonable payback). In addition, this is a threat given the failed exploration activities in 2021, including technical failures  Introduction of carbon emissions and energy efficiency as factors in and a lack of accountability by exploring corporations to pay related debts to the government and negotiations and for commitments. others.  Availability of access to climate finance grants and low-interest loans for SIDS to help reduce the costs of implementation of renewable energy initiatives.  Increase of the energy security and coverage.  Obtention of more affordable energy to consumers due to the reduction of costs of energy production.  Development of new industry with the provision of opportunities or innovation and employment generation.  Archipelagic nature of The Bahamas provides a viable option to install small renewable energy systems in mini-grids or stand-alone systems.  Reduction of the dependency of imported fossil fuels.  Reduction of energy losses due to the distribution of electricity through the grid.  The implementation of energy efficiency and conservation measures will be the least expensive, lowest risk and most effective means of immediately reducing energy consumption.  Improvement of air pollution and air quality.  Potential business opportunities for the private sector (subject to the review and update of the actual electricity act of 1956). 56 The Bahamas Updated NDC Transportation Strengths Weaknesses  High Initial cost of electric vehicles compared to conventional vehicles.  The government is encouraging people to shift to electric  Existence of gaps of data on climate change and energy usage in the transportation sector. vehicles.  Limited public resources to build infrastructure for electric vehicles (enough electric vehicle charging stations). o By 2030, The Bahamas intends to sell 15% hybrid  Oil companies supply the fuels and lubricants derived from fossil fuels used in the transportation sector. vehicles and 35% electric vehicles.  Tax revenues might go down in the transition to EV.  The operational cost of electric vehicles is cheap compared  Lack of technical knowledge from policymakers. to conventional cars.  Cultural challenges to switching to public transportation, such as public safety.  The government is committed to assessing the possibility to  The vehicles used for public transportation are not commonly fuel efficient. switch from fossil fuels to electric vehicles.  Extreme events may affect not only EV infrastructure but also public transportation.  Coherence with political context and international goals  Supply chain challenges for electric vehicles. (climate change and air pollution).  Limited sectoral training in GHG accounting.  Import duties for electric vehicles is 11% compared to roughly 80% for others.  Non reliable electricity.  Lack of training on new technology and competition and location of charging station. Opportunities Threats  Financing opportunities using climate finance or carbon markets.  Geographical vulnerabilities and dependency on imported vehicles. Decisions in other markets will therefore  Air quality benefits linked with the use of electric vehicles. affect the country.  Reducing GHG emissions through the transportation sector.  Expensive initial cost of electric vehicles could cause consumer reluctance.  Declining cost of electric vehicles.  Changing cultural practices (e.g., waiting to charge the vehicle), might not be accepted.  Electric vehicles are more attractive due to the increasing  Social impacts, such as unemployment generated by self-charging electric vehicle stations. fuel costs.  Vandalism in electric vehicle stations.  Implementation of standards for vehicle fuel efficiency,  Currently, there are few small islands that can only be reached by boat; thus, marine transportation might be which would reduce consumption of fossil fuels. harder to address.  Installation of charging stations for electric vehicles.  Potential revenue losses for the government if switching to electric vehicles (because a reduction in the  Incentives for electric vehicles distributors and buyers. number of fossil fuel cars can lead to a reduction in road taxes levied depending on the type of fuel used in  Improving public transportation systems to provide better cars). social benefits.  Unemployment in the auto-mechanic sector.  Changing practices and preferences.  Centralizing the solution in electric vehicles, could impact the result, public transportation and fuels efficiency  Upskill in auto-mechanics and skills in repairing electric will need to take an important role as well. vehicles.  Potential for mass damage to public charging stations due to extreme weather events.  Accessibility for walking and biking will also be key for low- carbon transportation. 57 The Bahamas Updated NDC IPPU Strengths Weaknesses  Kigali Amendment not yet ratified.  Lack of data.  International regulations in place to limit GHG intensive HFC gases.  Need for internal regulation.  Limited sectoral training in GHG accounting. Opportunities Threats  Compatibility of eco-friendly refrigerants.  Synergies with Energy efficiency measures.  Difficulties for monitoring leaks on GHG- intensive HFC gases.  Creating strategies involving the private sector on the climate change mitigation  Relying on imports for refrigerants. activities within the IPPU sector.  Synergies in GHG regulations for The Bahamas and Port Area. 58 The Bahamas Updated NDC Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) Strengths Weaknesses  Lack of information on the potential climate change impacts on Bahamian forests and their vulnerability.  Competition for space with other economic sectors.  Environmental Assessments required by regulation for certain interventions.  Low soil fertility in certain areas and soil fragility.  Public appreciation for green spaces (residents and tourists).  Lack of awareness in some economic sectors about the benefits  Forestry Act and Forestry Regulations provide a regulatory framework for LULUCF activities, and co-benefits of forests. including the establishment of a permanent forest estate.  Lack of participation on international Committees in this sector.  In accordance with the Forestry Act of 2010, the Ministry of the Environment formed a Forestry  Blue carbon projects tend to be very expensive if co benefits are Unit to oversee, manage, and develop forests. This unit is led by a Director of Forestry. not considered and monetized.  Forestry and land cover in national park system, with The Bahamas National Trust legislation.  Significant lack of capacity, in terms of resources, in the Forestry  The forestry and land use change sectors serve as a sink for greenhouse gas emissions in The Unit. Lack of capacity in the National Trust. Bahamas.  Lack of standardized methods of monitoring and local ownership  Carbon markets Act. maps. Lack of standardization in environmental assessments.  Eco-tourism activities are already taking place.  Lack of a clear definition of authority for protected areas.  Lack of a comprehensive land ownership tenure and jurisdiction map for the Bahamas.  Limited sectoral training in GHG accounting. Opportunities Threats  Approving permits based on ineffective environmental impact  Need for compliance with international standards and protocols. assessments.  To establish institutional arrangements for forestry (Forestry Unit).  The land can become exhausted after a few seasons of farming.  To assess the existing forest management plans.  The agricultural sector is greatly affected by international  Enabling the sustainable use of the resources found in the natural pine forests. competition.  Carbon markets and climate finance can provide incentives. Blue and green carbon stand out in  Potential for increased incidence of pests. voluntary carbon markets.  Plants/crops sensitive to increasing temperature.  Educational programs at the University of The Bahamas.  Potential high risk of forest fires.  Co benefits of green/blue areas: leisure, erosion reduction, tourism and economic activities, etc.  Loss of native animal and plant species.  Potential markets for timber-based products.  Incoming mining projects and Mining Act.  Ministry of Tourism has issued a Global Sustainable Tourism Certificate.  Lack of comprehensive land use planning.  Mitigation of effects in temperature through technological advancement and climate-controlled  Pressure of development, e.g., housing, infrastructure needs. spaces.  Climate change impacts may include drought, storm energy and  Many partners with formal relationships have data and are willing to share. (Bahamas National SLR and each of these impacts should be treated differently. Trust, Real Estate Agencies, The Royal Bahamas Police Force, Water and Sewerage Corporation).  Illegal land clearing. 59 The Bahamas Updated NDC Waste Strengths Weaknesses  Lack of public awareness. Tourists sometimes show more awareness than locals.  Waste is not separated at household level.  Domestic, industrial, and commercial waste regulations.  Lack of baseline data.  Construction and demolition waste regulations.  Tourism waste is on the rise, and the existing strategy has not taken this into full  Existing experiences separating cooking oil and composting. account.  Consideration is being given to building a 15-Megawatt waste-to-energy  Less than 20% of residences are connected to public sewage drainage, collection, power station for both electricity production and waste management. treatment, and disposal systems, hence the majority of liquid waste is disposed of through septic tanks.  Accumulations of waste affect the local water resources. Opportunities Threats  Technological options available to improve waste management (although potentially expensive and require substantial areas).  Financial support can be provided by climate finance or carbon markets.  Existing policies need to be updated.  There is a great market for aluminum cans and glass bottles.  Running out of land to dispose of the waste.  Waste can be a useful resource to produce energy (e.g., organic waste can  Lack of technology to The Bahamas to implement non-conventional waste produce cooking gas in household digesters, methane gas can be collected management. from landfills).  Existing informal settlements that are currently managing waste.  Education can transform people’s behavior.  Public-private partnerships can deliver good results. 60 The Bahamas Updated NDC AI.2. Adaptation Strengths Weaknesses  Gaps in scientific data and research to understand and assess climate change vulnerability across all sectors and also to inform policy- and decision-making.  There are knowledge gaps associated with the value of ecosystems, the importance of conservation, and climate change socioeconomic impacts particularly in the forestry and biodiversity sectors.  Lack of awareness in climate change impacts.  The legislation is somewhat outdated (ex. Coastal Protection Act 1968, National Biodiversity  Extensive natural adaptation (ex. mangrove and coral) coverage which act as a barrier Strategy and Action Plan 1999, Planning and Subdivision Act that looks into land use planning - towards climate change effects. 2010) and needs revision (particular attention should be given to coastal  Increased political will, focused on climate change aspects (an example is the creation development/construction. of the NCCC).  High dependance on imported fossil fuels.  Electricity has been supplied to all major islands.  Heavy economic reliance on a single industry and a single market (tourism and financial services  Recent infrastructure improvements (including roads, airports, water and sewerage). being the main economic drivers in the country).  Legislation and international protocols to protect the environment are in place.  High dependence on imported food.  The existence of a parametric insurance (through the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk  There are highly vulnerable communities that live in inadequate conditions, with poor sanitation Insurance Facility) that gives government access to short-term liquidity mechanisms to and community infrastructure. deal with the emergency (such as hurricanes) and reducing budgetary volatility.  Although since 2017 there is an operational national evacuation plan, evacuation protocols and  Some studies also show that there is a relatively high level of awareness of climate procedures can be improved to avoid chaos during an emergency. Early warning systems change in The Bahamas, compared to other developing countries. mechanisms are in place but there is the need to ensure population adhere to these warnings  Certain strategic documents have already been amended to include climate adaptation- (particularly for tornados). related considerations (for example, the Forestry Act Regulations, which include  Limited capacity within the country to implement adaptation actions (poor coordination and data objectives to protect mangrove ecosystems from sea-level rise). communication between government entities and technical institutions, financial constraints, etc.).  Lack of trained staff in the agriculture sector that understand climate change and that has access and know how to use smart devices; and also lack of personnel to transfer information to farmers.  Technical capacity constraints in key public sector entities, mainly due to lack of funding allocations and investments for capacity building and also due to Bahamas’ population size.  Lack of maintenance of infrastructure. Opportunities Threats  The Bahamas geographic characteristics makes the country very vulnerable to climate change-  Tourism is heavily owned by foreign operators and generates ~ 50% of total direct related events (such as SLR, coastal erosion, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather GDP – priority to implement adaptation measures and develop the right strategies for events) because of its limited land masses, low-relief and dispersion of islands. attracting greater private sector partners/funding (ex., by restructuring  Lack of warning system for climate- and health-related issues makes the population’s health a MOUs/agreements, creating a Fund to support adaptation measures in the sector). particular concern (ex. extreme heat events and saltwater intrusion on groundwater sources 61 The Bahamas Updated NDC  Due to the impact of the recent hurricanes that have hit the country several settlements increases the risk for population with high blood pressure) with the adherence or trust in must be completely rebuilt - opportunity to design resilient spaces through adequate systems being an issue. land use and zoning schemes and draft new post disaster strategies that could be  Lack of purposeful built hurricane shelters in the country with tropical cyclones increasing in expanded to the rest of the country. strength.  Multilateral investments in adaptation projects have been increasing in the past years  Salt-water intrusions and arising water table from SLR and storm surges may render the already creating, among others, opportunities for integration/strengthening nature-based limited arable land unfit and contaminate freshwater resources posing a risk to food security and solutions across multiple sectors. human health.  Some climate adaptation investments can be channeled to the reconstruction projects.  Extreme events cause loss and damage to energy infrastructures and price fluctuations due to  The country can take advantage of the need to renew sectoral policies and plans to changes on demand, posing a risk to energy security. incorporate the climate change variable and propose more ambitious actions.  High costs of innovative and climate smart technology.  To diversify the country’s energy sources (ex., increasing the renewable share) as this  Public fiscal constraints, which are becoming increasingly pronounced with successive hurricane decreases the risk of energy insecurity. seasons and the COVID-19 pandemic.  Through agreements with international partners in academia, donors, NGO and  Increases in mean temperature and humidity may facilitate the introduction and spread of exotic businesses the country can become an innovation hub for new technologies for diseases and disease vectors. adaptation (ex. The Bahamas became the first country in the Caribbean to join the  Increased demand on limited natural resources (ex., the increased demands from industry, Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate – a joint initiative by the US and the United agriculture, and population growth are putting a pressure on the country’s finite and vulnerable Arab Emirates that aims at catalyzing investments in research for climate-smart water resources). agriculture and food systems innovation between 2021-2025).  Lack of willingness from people in different sectors (e.g., farmers) to provide data and to  Participation in Carbon Markets (Article 6 and Voluntary Markets) can help to channel implement necessary climate actions. much needed adaptation finance support for the country.  Noncompliance with environmental laws - pressure on natural resources including trees, mangroves, sandbanks, which help with reducing flooding.  Vulnerable economy based largely on a single sector.  Despite all the policies and acts in place there is a lack of funding allocated for environmental management.  While there may be early warning systems, awareness campaigns and community workshops around safety and security protocols, non-vulnerable areas within communities, food depots, and the importance of adhering to public announcements is lacking.  The adherence to early warning systems is a complex problem involving a large migrant problem.  Oil exploration and extraction is also a threat, particularly given the failed exploration activities last year. The Bahamas is particularly at threat due to the location in a hurricane zone, lack of capacity for clean-up, and clear climate vulnerabilities. 62 The Bahamas Updated NDC

Annex II. Detail of mitigation actions AII.1 Energy Type of information Brief description 1.- Adoption and implementation of revised building code for all new buildings and renovations. Name and general descriptions The Bahamas currently has a building code from 2003. The revised building code of the mitigation actions is expected to improve the minimum standards, provisions, and requirements for safe and stable building design and construction methods. Coverage:  Local Plans and Regulations.  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. By 2025, the energy demand has decreased, and resilience increased due to the Quantitative goals implementation of the new building code. The estimated avoided GHG emissions related to the implementation of this action is 22.6 GgCO2-eq by 2030.  New and renovated buildings implemented using regional energy efficiency building code. Progress indicators  Education and awareness programs conducted on regional energy efficiency building code.  Practitioners trained in the revised building code. Modelled using the LEAP software. It is assumed that the adoption and implementation of The Bahamas revised building code will reduce energy used for cooling and lighting by 25% in the new residential and commercial buildings. One thousand one hundred thirty-two new residential (1132) buildings per year are assumed, with an average annual electricity consumption of 1835 kWh/household for lighting and 2618 kWh/household for air conditioning (AC). Methodologies and assumptions One hundred and ten (110) new commercial buildings per year are assumed, 86% of which are non-governmental. The average floor space is assumed as 1455 m2/building, with an average annual electricity consumption of 31.2 kWh/m2 for lighting and 58.13 kWh/m2 for AC. It is assumed that all new residential and commercial buildings will have air conditioning systems. This revised building code will impact the new construction of residential and commercial buildings between 2024 and 2030. To adopt and implement the revised building codes for all new construction and Objectives of the measures renovations. Yes. This action can lead to improved energy efficiency and reduced energy losses from the infrastructure which can play a crucial role during storms, Adaptation co-benefits droughts, extreme heat or during power cuts, reducing vulnerability against the current and future effects of climate change. Improving building design can reduce the energy demand and enhance resilience. The adoption and implementation of this revised building code will assist in the reduction of emissions for commercial and residential buildings. The revision of the building code is currently ongoing, with several stakeholder workshops and webinars. The revised building code is expected to cover the Appropriateness and entire Commonwealth of The Bahamas except for the Port area in Grand effectiveness of the mitigation Bahama Island. In the 2013-2033 Energy Policy, the need to encourage the actions integration of renewable energy in building design the physical planning process is highlighted. This is encouraged to be integrated using an appropriately revised building code (Ministry of the Environment and Housing, 2013). In addition, The Bahamas is also currently in the process of adopting the regional Energy Efficiency Building Code. Status Ongoing Duration 2020-2025 Lead Agency Department of Physical Planning, Ministry of Public Works, Building Control 63 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description 2.- Energy audits for all Government occupied buildings in New Providence. Name and general Energy audits are instrumental in the identification of energy efficiency options for descriptions of the buildings. This is an enabling measure for the introduction of energy efficiency mitigation actions building measures Coverage:  Local Plans. Coverage and addressed  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). NDC commitment Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC):  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030 Quantitative goals The emissions reduction potential cannot be quantified ex-ante.  Government buildings in New Providence audited. Progress indicators  Audit reports received. Not modelled. This action in preparatory for actual retrofits. The buildings identified Methodologies and are expected to be occupied for long term. The measures identified are also assumptions expected to be combined into specific mitigation actions for the buildings. Objectives of the measures To conduct energy audits for all Government occupied buildings in New Providence. Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and It will help to identify and quantify specific energy efficiency measures and potential effectiveness of the reductions. mitigation actions Status Ongoing Duration 2020-2025 Department of Physical Planning, Ministry of Public Works, Bahamas Power and Lead Agency Light Type of information Brief description 3.- Energy audits for all existing hotels and industrial facilities. Name and general Energy audits are instrumental in the identification of energy efficiency options for descriptions of the buildings. The tourism sector is a key economic factor in The Bahamas and the hotels mitigation actions plays a critical role in energy consumption. This is an enabling measure for the introduction of energy efficiency building measures. Coverage:  Local Plans. Coverage and addressed  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). NDC commitment Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC):  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030. The avoided GHG emissions by 2030 in the ambitious scenario is estimated at 74.6 GgCO2-eq for replacement of diesel generators and 61.3 GgCO2-eq for Quantitative goals implementation improvements in energy intensity in the industry sector. The combined effect of these two measures would result in 135.9 GgCO2-eq of avoided GHG emissions.  Hotels and industrial facilities audited. Progress indicators  Number of audit reports received Modelled using the LEAP software. This action is preparatory for actual retrofits. The measures identified are also Methodologies and expected to be combined into specific mitigation actions for the facilities identified. assumptions In the modelling an ambitious mitigation scenario was developed and proposed measured were modelled for the hotel and industrial sector. It was assumed that currently diesel is used in backup generators that provide distributed electricity in 64 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description some of the service sector facilities. In this ambitious scenario, the distributed solar PV systems will displace 30% of the diesel used in the service sector. In addition, the industrial sector will experience a reduction in energy intensity by 2% annually compared to the 0.5% reduction modelled for the baseline and mitigation scenarios. Objectives of the To conduct energy audits for all existing hotels and industries. measures Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and This mitigation action will support the country in achieving the NDC target based on effectiveness of the economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario mitigation actions by 2030. Status Ongoing Duration 2020-2025 Lead Agency Ministry of Tourism, Chamber of Commerce, Bahamas Power and Light Type of information Brief description 4.- Lighting retrofits for all Government occupied buildings in New Providence. The adoption of lighting retrofits is usually seen as a quick and low-cost energy Name and general descriptions of efficiency measure in budlings. This energy efficiency measure will help reduce the mitigation actions the energy demand in the government buildings. This measure is expected as one of the first results of the energy audits. Coverage:  Infrastructural Projects. Coverage and addressed NDC  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). commitment Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC):  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030. Quantitative goals The estimated avoided GHG emissions are 8.2 GgCO2-eq by 2030. Progress indicators  Buildings retrofitted for lighting; number and type of lights replaced Modelled using the LEAP software. The assumption is that fluorescent lights in buildings are being replaced with LEDs, leading to a 60% reduction in electricity consumption for lighting in Methodologies and assumptions Government buildings. This reduction can be further enhanced with additional measures proposed from the energy audits. Approximately, 14% of all buildings in New Providence are Government occupied, which represent 402 buildings. The retrofits are implemented starting in 2020 and reach 100% by 2030. To undertake comprehensive lighting retrofits for all Government occupied buildings in New Providence. To reduce energy demand and emissions in Government buildings in New Objectives of the measures Providence. To improve energy efficiency in Government occupied buildings in New Providence. Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and This mitigation action will support the country in achieving the NDC target effectiveness of the mitigation based on economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to actions its BaU scenario by 2030. Status Ongoing Duration 2020-2030 Department of Physical Planning, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Lead Agency Environment and Housing Type of information Brief description 5.- Public awareness campaign for energy efficiency and energy conservation. Name and general descriptions of Public Education and awareness are an important mechanism to maximize the mitigation actions emission reduction. Education and awareness of the public on energy efficient 65 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description equipment available to encourage increase in uptake and measures to conserve energy to reduce consumption. Coverage:  Education and Awareness. Coverage and addressed NDC  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). commitment Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC):  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030. This is an enabling activity and therefore no direct emissions reduction Quantitative goals potential is attributed to this action.  Percentage increase in purchase of energy efficient equipment. Progress indicators  Reduction in energy demand. Not modelled. Public Awareness and Education on energy efficiency will Methodologies and assumptions increase penetration of energy efficient equipment in both the residential and commercial sectors. To encourage the public to adopt energy efficiency and energy conservation Objectives of the measures measures. Yes. Public education in these topics will enhance awareness on how energy efficiency and conservation activities can contribute to, among others, Adaptation co-benefits reducing reliance on energy generated through the combustion of fossil fuels, and lowering the energy demand during for example periods of heat waves and extreme weather events, contributing to energy security. Although this action is not expected to have a direct emission reduction Appropriateness and potential, it is expected that it will help the country to achieve the NDC target effectiveness of the mitigation based on economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to actions its BaU scenario by 2030. Status Planned Duration 2022-2033 Ministry of Environment and Housing, Bahamas Power and Light, University of Lead Agency the Bahamas, Chamber of Commerce Type of information Brief description 6.- Streetlighting retrofit. Name and general descriptions of Retrofits of streetlights through the replacement of commonly high-pressure the mitigation actions sodium bulbs to either LED or solar lights to help reduce energy consumption. The streetlight project is currently ongoing. Coverage:  Infrastructural Projects. Coverage and addressed NDC  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). commitment Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC):  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030. Quantitative goals The estimated avoided GHG emissions by 2030 are 18.5 GgCO2-eq. Progress indicators  Number of Lights and type of lights retrofitted Modelled using the LEAP software. Assumed that current streetlights in The Bahamas will be replaced either by 100% more efficient solar lights or 60% more efficient LED lights. There are approximately 46,000 streetlights in The Bahamas, including high-pressure Methodologies and assumptions sodium (HPS), mercury vapor, metal halide, incandescent, LED, and solar. Streetlights are assumed to be on for 12 hours per day. 24% of the existing lights are LED, and less than 1% is solar. Starting in 2020 and by 2025, all other lights (estimated as 35,000 250 W lights) will be replaced by 70 W LED lights. To undertake lighting retrofits to reduce energy consumption and emissions Objectives of the measures from streetlighting. Adaptation co-benefits No 66 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description Appropriateness and This mitigation action will support the country in achieving the NDC target effectiveness of the mitigation based on economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to actions its BaU scenario by 2030. Status Ongoing Duration 2020-2033 Lead Agency Bahamas Power and Light Company, Grand Bahama Power Company Type of information Brief description 7.- Increase solar water use by 40% for The Bahamas. Name and general descriptions of Replacement of electrical and LPG water heaters both in the residential and the mitigation actions commercial sectors with solar water heaters will help reduce energy consumption and emissions. Coverage:  Infrastructural Projects.  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Quantitative goals The estimated avoided GHG emissions are 34.5 GgCO2-eq.  Number of new solar water heaters installed. Progress indicators  Percentage increase in solar water heaters. Modelled using the LEAP software. It is assumed that the current uptake of solar water heaters is 5%, and an increase in use of solar water heaters of 40% is expected by 2030. Of the current 115660 households, 60% use water heaters. The average annual energy Methodologies and assumptions consumption of water heaters is 1890 kWh/household. There are currently 3946 commercial buildings with an average floor space of 1455 m2/building. 10% of commercial buildings use water heaters with an average annual energy consumption of 2.15 kWh/m2. Currently, water heating is mainly electric or with LPG. Only 5% of water heaters are solar. Objectives of the measures To increase the uptake of solar water heaters by 20%. Adaptation co-benefits No This mitigation action will support the country in achieving the two main Appropriateness and commitments of the country expressed in its first NDC. On one hand, the NDC effectiveness of the mitigation target based on economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when actions compared to its BaU scenario by 2030; on the other hand, the target related to a minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Status Planned Duration 2022-2033 Lead Agency Ministry of Environment and Housing Type of information Brief description 8.- Introduce incentives for solar water heater installation. Name and general descriptions of The introduction of incentives will encourage the uptake of solar water heaters. the mitigation actions This action is an enabling action to the previous mitigation action (Increase solar water use by 40% for The Bahamas). Coverage:  Regulations.  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Quantitative goals Bundled with Mitigation Action “Increase solar water use by 40% for The 67 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description Bahamas”. Progress indicators  Number of concessions processed for solar water heaters Not Modelled. The introduction of incentives for solar water heater installation will increase the use of solar water heaters. This action was not modelled as single mitigation strategy but is assumed to be incorporated into the modelling of mitigation action 7 as an enabling factor to increase the installation and adoption of solar water heaters. Incentives are expected to encourage the Methodologies and assumptions adoption and installation of more solar water heaters. The Bahamas Energy Policy indicates that the Ministry of Finance will be responsible for developing a programme of incentives and fiscal measures to enable and support investments in energy efficiency and conservation initiatives. To achieve this mitigation action, there is the need to identify and develop a list of suitable incentives for solar water heater installation. Objectives of the measures To promote and increase the uptake of solar water heaters use. Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and This mitigation action is quite important to support the achievement of the effectiveness of the mitigation previous mitigation action (Increase solar water use by 40% for The Bahamas), actions both are complementary. Status Planned Duration 2022-2025 Lead Agency Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment and Housing Type of information Brief description 9.- Energy Labelling program for all appliances. Name and general descriptions of Mandatory labelling standards to inform consumers on the energy efficiency of the mitigation actions appliances. Coverage:  Local Plans and Regulations. Coverage and addressed NDC  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). commitment Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC):  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030. Quantitative goals N/A  Number of labelling standards developed. Progress indicators  Percentage increase in appliances with energy labels. This action will not be modelled. Energy labelling will give consumers a more informed decision when purchasing products and coupled with public Methodologies and assumptions awareness and education will assist in the shift to more energy efficient equipment. To provide clear and simple indication of energy efficiency of appliances and Objectives of the measures inform consumers. Adaptation co-benefits No Although this action is not expected to provide direct emission reductions, it is Appropriateness and expected that it will help the country to offer a better knowledge to the effectiveness of the mitigation population about the energy efficiency of appliances, so they will have the actions opportunity to make better decisions. Status Planned Duration 2022-2033 Lead Agency Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality 68 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description 10.- Establish finance mechanism to increase access to low interest loans for EE and RE measures. This finance mechanism is expected to facilitate the sourcing of low-cost Name and general descriptions of development funds for productive enterprises for energy and energy efficiency the mitigation actions projects. This will allow both businesses and residents to access low interest loans to finance energy and energy efficient projects through the establishment of a special fund. Coverage:  Local Plans.  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Quantitative goals N/A  Financing mechanism established. Progress indicators  Number of applications to receive financing.  Number of loans approved. This action will not be modelled. The introduction of the facility will encourage Methodologies and assumptions the uptake of renewable energy and energy efficient equipment. To establish a finance mechanism to increase access low interest loans for Objectives of the measures energy and energy efficient measures. Adaptation co-benefits No Although this action is not expected to provide direct emission reductions, it is Appropriateness and expected that it will help the country to obtain funds for productive enterprises effectiveness of the mitigation for energy and energy efficiency projects, which will help the country later to actions reduce emissions. Status Planned Duration 2022-2025 Ministry of Finance, The Bahamas Development Bank, Ministry of Environment Lead Agency and Housing Type of information Brief description 11.- Energy Efficient Standards for air conditioning systems. Name and general descriptions Mandatory standards for air conditioning will encourage the adoption of more of the mitigation actions energy efficient equipment. A shift to more energy efficient air conditioning systems will reduce energy consumption and long-term costs to the consumers. Coverage:  Regulations. Coverage and addressed NDC  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). commitment Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC):  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030. The estimated avoided GHG emissions by 2030 is 109.6 GgCO2-eq for use of more efficient air conditioning systems. In the ambitious scenario, the use of sea Quantitative goals water cooling in hotels is expected to have a reduction in GHG emissions by 6.2 GgCO2-eq. Progress indicators  Percentage increase in energy efficient appliances on island Modelled using the LEAP software. The adoption of standards will improve the energy efficiency of the equipment purchased. Number of households are currently 115,660, the number of commercial buildings is currently 3,946 with an average floor space of 1,455 m2/building. Approximately 60% of households Methodologies and assumptions in The Bahamas have AC, with an average annual electricity consumption for AC of 2,618 kWh/household. All commercial buildings have AC, with an average annual electricity consumption for AC of 58.13 kWh/m2. The standards are assumed to consider a 30% increase in efficiency by 2030. 69 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description In the ambitious scenario, the adoption of seawater cooling in hotels was modelled for more efficient cooling. Currently, there are approximately 300 hotels in The Bahamas, with an average of 3,425 m2/building and average annual electricity consumption for cooling of 50.4 kWh/m2. By 2030, 20% of all hotels will implement sea water cooling. This technology reduces energy consumption for cooling by 80%. Objectives of the measures To encourage the shift to more energy efficient air conditioning systems. Adaptation co-benefits No This mitigation action will support the country in achieving the NDC target based Appropriateness and on economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU effectiveness of the mitigation scenario by 2030. In addition, this mitigation action will also support the actions mitigation action under the IPPU sector (HFCs gases). Status Planned Duration 2022-2025 Lead Agency Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality Type of information Brief description 12.- Promotion of Energy Efficiency in Water production. Name and general descriptions of The water production in The Bahamas is a very high energy intensive process the mitigation actions (reverse osmosis). The introduction of energy efficient measures will reduce energy costs and reduce emissions. Coverage:  Infrastructural Projects. Coverage and addressed NDC  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). commitment Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC):  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030. Due to constraints with energy consumption data in the water production Quantitative goals process, this action was not modelled. Progress indicators  Percentage reduction in energy demand in the water sector Not modelled. Due to constraints with energy consumption data in the water Methodologies and assumptions production process, this action was not modelled. Objectives of the measures To improve energy efficiency in the water sector. Adaptation co-benefits No At this moment the information available to estimate the mitigation potential Appropriateness and is not enough, however, it is supposed that promoting energy efficiency in any effectiveness of the mitigation sector would allow the country to reduce emissions. The country needs to actions continue working to achieve the required information and based on the estimates, report the required information. Status Ongoing Duration 2022-2033 Lead Agency Water & Sewage Corporation Type of information Brief description 13.-Five (5) carbon neutral Marine Protected Area facilities (photovoltaic substitute for diesel generators). Substituting diesel generator for photovoltaic systems will demonstrate the Name and general descriptions of social, environmental, and economic feasibility of climate change mitigation the mitigation actions through implementing innovative carbon neutral solutions that will contribute to the effective management of marine protected areas and to reduce risks associated to the use of diesel such as “pollution / storage”. Diesel fuel requires storage of bulk fuels on the islands and the transfer of fuel from bulk storage 70 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description to monthly storage for daily use. This storage and transfer increase the risk of a spill into the water or ground resources of the park. The proposed sites are (i) Visitors Centre for Warderick Wells (ECLSP), (ii) West Andros Fee collection booth, (iii) Bonefish Pond high visibility demo pilot. Coverage:  Infrastructural Projects.  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Quantitative goals Estimated total GHG emissions reduction is 3.5 Gg CO2-eq.  Number of kW of PV systems installed. Progress indicators  Emissions reductions of CO2eq. Modelled using the LEAP software. Solar PV systems will be installed to complete replace the diesel generators at the facility. The assumptions are that each location currently has 100kW generator in use. Each gallon of diesel fuel Methodologies and assumptions produces, on average, 10,084 g of CO2. 60 kW Diesel Generator at ¾ load fuel consumption = 5.8 gallon/hr32. By 2030, 5x100 kW generators at 75% load factor and 25% efficiency will be replaced by PV systems. To demonstrate the viability of photovoltaic systems in creating carbon neutral Objectives of the measures facilities. Adaptation co-benefits No This mitigation action will support the country in achieving the two main Appropriateness and commitments of the country expressed in its first NDC. On one hand, the NDC effectiveness of the mitigation target based on economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when actions compared to its BaU scenario by 2030; on the other hand, the target related to a minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Status Ongoing Duration 2017-2030 Lead Agency DEPP, Bahamas National Trust, Department of Marine Resources Type of information Brief description 14.- Assessment of Renewable Energy Potential Across all occupied Islands. The Bahamas energy mix is currently dominated by fossil fuels. The Bahamas Name and general descriptions of aims to reach 30% renewables in the electricity generation by 2030. An the mitigation actions assessment of renewable energy potential will help identify possible locations for renewable energy projects and/or interventions. Coverage:  Local Plans. Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. The emission reduction potential will be determined upon completion of Quantitative goals assessment. Progress indicators  Number of assessments completed The assumption is that The Bahamas has an abundance of renewable energy Methodologies and assumptions potential, but the exact size, location and type of the renewable energy potential has not been determined yet. To undertake a complete assessment of the renewable energy potential across Objectives of the measures The Bahamas. Yes. Renewable energy as a distributed energy resource, contributes to climate- Adaptation co-benefits resilient and less-capital-intensive adaptation. 71 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description Appropriateness and Considering the general goal and the scope of this mitigation action and effectiveness of the mitigation considering the goal and scope of the mitigation action “30% Renewables on actions each major island by 2030”. Status Planned Duration 2022-2025 Ministry of Environment and Housing, Bahamas Power and Light, Grand Lead Agency Bahama Power Company, Morton Salt Company Type of information Brief description 15.- 30% Renewables on each major island by 2030. The Bahamas energy mix is currently dominated by fossil fuels. The Bahamas Name and general descriptions of aims to reach 30% renewables in the electricity generation by 2030. 30% the mitigation actions renewable energy is proposed on the major islands New Providence, Grand Bahama, and the Family Islands as a group. Coverage:  Infrastructural Projects.  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Quantitative goals A reduction in emissions of 412.6 GgCO2-eq is estimated. Progress indicators  kW of installed renewable energy systems. Modelled using the LEAP software. The utility grids are able to handle the increase in renewables without undergoing major upgrades to their system. To Methodologies and assumptions achieve 30% in renewable energy penetration, the following was modelled 174MW of Solar PV systems, 30kW of OTEC, 15MW of Waste to Energy and 20MW of wind. Objectives of the measures To increase the penetration of renewable energy by 30% by 2030. Yes. This action will help diversify the Bahamian energy mix reducing its Adaptation co-benefits dependency to fossil fuels and consequently, reducing the probability of system disruptions due to extreme weather and spikes in demand. This mitigation action will support the country in achieving the two main Appropriateness and commitments of the country expressed in its first NDC. On one hand, the NDC effectiveness of the mitigation target based on economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when actions compared to its BaU scenario by 2030; on the other hand, the target related to a minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Status Planned Duration 2022-2030 Ministry of Environment and Housing, Bahamas Power and Light, Grand Lead Agency Bahama Power Company Type of information Brief description 16C.- 3MW Solar farm in Grand Bahama. The Bahamas energy mix is currently dominated by fossil fuels. The Bahamas Name and general descriptions of has set a target of generating 30% of its power from renewable sources by the mitigation actions 2030. Installation of renewable energy systems will help achieve this goal as well as significantly assist in achieving emission reductions. Coverage:  Infrastructural Projects.  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O)- Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. 72 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description Quantitative goals Bundled in Mitigation Action “30% Renewables on each major island by 2030”. Progress indicators  kW of installed solar PV system. Modelled using the LEAP software. Bundled in Mitigation Action “30% Methodologies and assumptions Renewables on each major island by 2030”. Objectives of the measures To increase the penetration of renewable energy by 30% by 2030. Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and This mitigation action is complementary to the previous mitigation action (30% effectiveness of the mitigation Renewables on each major island by 2030). actions Status Ongoing Duration 2020-2025 Lead Agency Grand Bahama Power Company Type of information Brief description 17.- 3MW of distributed generation in Grand Bahama through the Renewable Energy Rider program. The Bahamas energy mix is currently dominated by fossil fuels. The Bahamas' Name and general descriptions of goal is to produce 30% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. the mitigation actions Installation of renewable energy systems will help achieve this goal as well as significantly assist in achieving emission reductions. This includes renewable energy systems installed for residential and commercial buildings that are grid- connected in Grand Bahama. Coverage:  Infrastructural Projects.  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Quantitative goals Bundled in Mitigation Action “30% Renewables on each major island by 2030”. Progress indicators  kW of installed renewable energy systems. Modelled using the LEAP software. Bundled in Mitigation Action “30% Methodologies and assumptions Renewables on each major island by 2030”. Objectives of the measures To increase the penetration of renewable energy by 30% by 2030. Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and This mitigation action is complementary to the previous mitigation action (30% effectiveness of the mitigation Renewables on each major island by 2030). actions Status Ongoing Duration 2016-2025 Lead Agency Grand Bahama Power Company Type of information Brief description 18.- Additional 30MW of Solar PV Installed. The Bahamas energy mix is currently dominated by fossil fuels. The Bahamas Name and general descriptions of has established a target of 30% renewables in the electricity generation by the mitigation actions 2030. Installation of renewable energy systems will help achieve this goal as well as significantly assist in achieving emission reductions. Coverage and addressed NDC Coverage: commitment  Infrastructural Projects. 73 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC):  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Quantitative goals Bundled in Mitigation Action “30% Renewables on each major island by 2030”. Progress indicators  kW of installed solar PV systems. Modelled using the LEAP software. Bundled in Mitigation Action “30% Methodologies and assumptions Renewables on each major island by 2030”. Objectives of the measures To increase the penetration of renewable energy by 30% by 2030. Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and This mitigation action is complementary to the previous mitigation action (30% effectiveness of the mitigation Renewables on each major island by 2030). actions Status Idea Duration 2022-2030 Lead Agency Ministry of Environment and Housing, Bahamas Power and Light Type of information Brief description 19.- Installation of 20MW of wind power Installed. The Bahamas energy mix is currently dominated by fossil fuels. The Bahamas is Name and general descriptions of aiming to generate 30% of the electricity from renewables by 2030. Installation the mitigation actions of renewable energy systems will help achieve this goal as well as significantly assist in achieving emission reductions. Coverage:  Infrastructural Projects.  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Quantitative goals Bundled in Mitigation Action “30% Renewables on each major island by 2030”. Progress indicators  kW of installed wind power systems Modelled using the LEAP software. Bundled in Mitigation Action “30% Methodologies and assumptions Renewables on each major island by 2030”. Objectives of the measures To increase the penetration of renewable energy by 30% by 2030. Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and This mitigation action is complementary to the previous mitigation action (30% effectiveness of the mitigation Renewables on each major island by 2030). actions Status Idea Duration 2022-2030 Lead Agency Ministry of Environment and Housing, Bahamas Power and Light Type of information Brief description 20.- Installation of 10MW of distributed generation on rest of islands. The Bahamas energy mix is currently dominated by fossil fuels. The Bahamas Name and general descriptions of has committed to generate of the electricity from renewables by 2030. the mitigation actions Installation of renewable energy systems will help achieve this goal as well as significantly assist in achieving emission reductions. This includes renewable 74 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description energy systems installed for residential and commercial buildings that are grid- connected in the Family Islands. Coverage:  Local Plans.  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Quantitative goals Bundled in Mitigation Action “30% Renewables on each major island by 2030”. Progress indicators  kW of installed solar PV system. Modelled using the LEAP software. Bundled in Mitigation Action “30% Methodologies and assumptions Renewables on each major island by 2030”. Objectives of the measures To increase the penetration of renewable energy by 30% by 2030. Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and This mitigation action is complementary to the previous mitigation action (30% effectiveness of the mitigation Renewables on each major island by 2030). actions Status Ongoing Duration 2017-2030 Lead Agency Bahamas Power and Light, Ministry of Environment and Housing Type of information Brief description 21.- Upgrade incentives for renewable energy systems. Name and general The Bahamas energy mix is currently dominated by fossil fuels. The Bahamas aims to descriptions of the increase to 30% the renewables in the electricity generation by 2030. The upgrade of mitigation actions incentives will encourage the installation and implementation of renewable energy systems. Coverage:  Local Plans and Regulations.  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Coverage and addressed Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): NDC commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Quantitative goals No direct GHG emissions reductions. Progress indicators  Number of upgrade of incentives approved. Not modelled. Assumption that the upgrade of incentives would increase the use of Methodologies and renewable energy systems. This action is considered an enabling factor to accelerate assumptions the adoption of renewables. Objectives of the To increase the penetration of renewable energy by 30% by 2030. measures Adaptation co-benefits No Although this action is not expected to provide direct emission reductions, it is Appropriateness and expected that it will help the country to upgrade the achievement of incentives which effectiveness of the will encourage the installation and implementation of renewable energy systems, mitigation actions projects which will help the country later to reduce emissions. Status Planned Duration 2022-2025 Lead Agency Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment and Housing 75 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description 22.- Integrated Resource and Resilience Plan for Grand Bahama Power Company and Bahama Power and Light. The Bahamas energy mix is currently dominated by fossil fuels. The Bahamas Name and general descriptions of aims to achieve 30% renewables in the electricity generation by 2030. the mitigation actions Integrated Resource and Resilient Plans (IRRP) will plan how the country can supply its electricity needs in the future. This will take into considerations the goals and renewable energy resource assessments conducted. Coverage:  Local Plans.  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Quantitative goals This action is not expected to provide direct emission reductions. Progress indicators  Number of integrated resource and resilience plans undertaken. The integrated resource and resilience plans undertaken by each power provider to improve planning for renewable energy introduction and improve resilience. Methodologies and assumptions Assumption that integrated resource and resilience plan will provide a comprehensive overview of necessary upgrades, improvements and additions to the systems required in each time frame. It will also help identify the best mix of renewables for The Bahamas. To identify the best mix of renewable energy systems to increase resilience, Objectives of the measures energy independence and maintain low system costs. Yes. The development of IRRPs will help to increase the energy system Adaptation co-benefits resiliency to impacts of climate change. Appropriateness and Although this action is not expected to provide emission reductions, it will help effectiveness of the mitigation to identify and quantify specific renewable energy installations and potential actions reductions. Status Idea Duration 2022-2025 Bahamas Power and Light, Grand Bahama Power Company, Ministry of Lead Agency Environment and Housing Type of information Brief description 23.- 10 MW of installed distributed generation through a Renewable Energy Rider for Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) customers in New Providence. The Bahamas energy mix is currently dominated by fossil fuels. The Bahamas' goal is to produce 30% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Name and general descriptions of Installation of renewable energy systems will help achieve this goal as well as the mitigation actions significantly assist in achieving emission reduction. This includes renewable energy systems installed for residential and commercial buildings that are grid- connected in New Providence and excludes the 1.2MW identified through the Solar Assessment report. Coverage:  Infrastructural Projects.  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Quantitative goals Bundled in Mitigation Action “30% Renewables on each major island by 2030”. Progress indicators  kW of installed solar PV system. Methodologies and assumptions Modelled using the LEAP software. Bundled in Mitigation Action “30% 76 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description Renewables on each major island by 2030”. Objectives of the measures To increase the penetration of renewable energy by 30% by 2030. Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and This mitigation action is complementary to the previous mitigation action (30% effectiveness of the mitigation Renewables on each major island by 2030). actions Status Ongoing Duration 2017-2024 Lead Agency Bahamas Power and Light; Ministry of Environment and Housing Type of information Brief description 24.- Installation of approximately 1.2MW of distributed generation on 9 Government Facilities. The Bahamas energy mix is currently dominated by fossil fuels. The Bahamas Name and general descriptions of aims to reach 30% renewables in the electricity generation by 2030. Installation the mitigation actions of renewable energy systems will help achieve this goal as well as significantly assist in achieving emission reduction. This project was identified through the solar assessment report. Coverage:  Infrastructural Projects.  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Quantitative goals Bundled in Mitigation Action “30% Renewables on each major island by 2030”. Progress indicators  kW of installed solar PV system on public institutions. Modelled using the LEAP software. The following is assumed for this project; 1.2 MW will consist of the following:  Roof mounted systems: o 12.0 kW at the House of Assembly and Senate Buildings. o 51.0 kW at C.I Gibson Senior High School; 56.1 KW at Uriah McPhee Primary school. o 83.1 kW at Doris Johnson Senior High School. o 136.2 kW at T.G Glover Primary School. o 76.5 kW at Customs Headquarters. o 73.2 kW at Ministry of Education Building. Methodologies and assumptions o 167.1 kW at C.V Bethel Senior High School.  Carport Systems: o 475.5 kW at the Office of the Prime Minister. o The following rates were assumed for the project. o $2.50/W for PV system under 20kW (roof-mounted). o $2.25/W for PV systems between 21kW and 100kW (roof- mounted). o $2.00/W for PV systems over 100kW (roof-mounted). o $5.00/W for carport Po Systems. The total cost of the installation is estimated at $3.78 Million dollars (BAH) Objectives of the measures To increase the penetration of renewable energy by 30% by 2030. Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and This mitigation action is complementary to the previous mitigation action (30% effectiveness of the mitigation Renewables on each major island by 2030). actions Status Ongoing 77 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description Duration 2019-2030 Lead Agency Ministry of Environment and Housing Type of information Brief description 25.- Reduce Transmission and Distribution losses by 2%. Name and general descriptions of Reducing transmission and distribution losses, reduces the amount of the mitigation actions electricity to meet demand. Capital investments are required in transmission equipment and meters. Coverage:  Infrastructural Projects. Coverage and addressed NDC  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). commitment Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC):  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030. Quantitative goals Estimated GHG emissions reduction of 32.4 GgCO2-eq. Progress indicators  Percentage reduction in transmission and distribution losses. Modelled using the LEAP software. Assumed that reduction by 2% of losses in transmission and distribution is achieved by 2030, and further reduction is Methodologies and assumptions achieved by 2050. The average T&D losses in The Bahamas will be reduced from 10% in 2018 to 8% by 2030. To increase the energy efficiency of the transmission and distribution system Objectives of the measures by reducing losses. Adaptation co-benefits No This mitigation action will help the country to reduce the amount of energy Appropriateness and production needed to attend the energy demand, that is, it is a mitigation effectiveness of the mitigation action linked to energy efficiency during the energy transmission process actions instead of in the energy use. This mitigation action is quite important for the country not solely in terms of emissions reduction. Status Planned Duration 2022-2030 Lead Agency Bahamas Power and Light Type of information Brief description 26.- Pilot Project for a 30kW OTEC Plant. The Bahamas is currently in discussions with CARICOM, CCRREE, CCCCC and Name and general descriptions of SIDS DOCK to develop a pilot OTEC plant. However, OTEC is still seen as being the mitigation actions in its experimental stage globally. Still, The Bahamas has a reverse geothermal energy profile, and it may be possible to obtain the necessary temperature difference for OTEC from deep wells rather than cold seawater. Coverage:  Infrastructural Projects.  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Quantitative goals Bundled in Mitigation Action “30% Renewables on each major island by 2030”. Progress indicators  kW of OTEC produced. Modelled using the LEAP software. Bundled in Mitigation Action “30% Methodologies and assumptions Renewables on each major island by 2030”. Objectives of the measures To increase the penetration of renewable energy by 30% by 2030. 78 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and This mitigation action is complementary to the previous mitigation action (30% effectiveness of the mitigation Renewables on each major island by 2030). actions Status Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Duration Planned Lead Agency 2022-2030 Type of information Brief description 27.- Installation of 15MW Waste to Energy. The Bahamas energy mix is currently dominated by fossil fuels. The Bahamas Name and general descriptions of has committed to generate 30% of the electricity from renewables by 2030. the mitigation actions Installation of renewable energy systems will help achieve this goal as well as significantly assist in achieving emission reduction. Coverage:  Infrastructural Projects.  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030.  A minimum of 30% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Quantitative goals Bundled in Mitigation Action “30% Renewables on each major island by 2030”.  kW of installed waste to energy plant. Progress indicators  kg of waste processed through plant. Modelled using the LEAP software. Bundled in Mitigation Action “30% Methodologies and assumptions Renewables on each major island by 2030”. Objectives of the measures To increase the penetration of renewable energy by 30% by 2030. Adaptation co-benefits No This mitigation action is complementary to the previous mitigation action (30% Renewables on each major island by 2030). It is important to mention that this Appropriateness and mitigation action could also imply emission reduction in the waste sector, and effectiveness of the mitigation the magnitude of this emissions reduction will depend on the specific way this actions energy is going to be obtained (burning biogas from landfills, from incineration processes, etc.) Status Ongoing Duration 2020-2030 Ministry of Environment and Housing/ Department of Environment Health Lead Agency Services/ Bahamas Power and Light 79 The Bahamas Updated NDC AII.2 Transport Type of information Brief description 28.- Standards implemented for vehicle fuel efficiency Name and general descriptions of Improved fuel efficiency reduces the demand for fuel in vehicles and therefore the mitigation actions reduces consumption of fossil fuels. Coverage:  Regulations. Coverage and addressed NDC  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). commitment Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC):  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030. Quantitative goals Due to lack of data this action was not modelled.  Fuel efficiency standard for vehicles developed. Progress indicators  Percentage of Increase in vehicle fuel economy. Not modelled. Methodologies and assumptions It is assumed that fuel efficiency improvement will be 15% in passenger vehicles, and 10% in light duty and medium duty vehicles. Objectives of the measures To encourage the uptake of more energy efficient vehicles. Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and This mitigation action will support the country in achieving the NDC target effectiveness of the mitigation based on economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to actions its BaU scenario by 2030. Status Planned Duration 2022-2025 Lead Agency The Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality Type of information Brief description 29.- Improved Incentives for electric vehicle Name and general descriptions of Improved incentives for electric vehicles will enhance the attractiveness of the mitigation actions electric vehicles for the public and increase the purchase of electric vehicles. Coverage:  Regulations. Coverage and addressed NDC  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). commitment Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC):  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030. Quantitative goals It is an enabling action, son no direct GHG emissions are expected from it.  Improved incentives developed. Progress indicators  Percentage of Increase of electric vehicle from implementation of improved incentives. Not modelled. Improved incentives will assist in the increase uptake of electric vehicles. The Bahamas currently has incentives on electric vehicles with import duties Methodologies and assumptions reduced to 10% for vehicles with a landing price of $50,000 (BSD). However, these incentives need to be revised to encourage increased uptake of electric vehicles. Objectives of the measures To encourage the purchase of electric vehicles. Yes. This action will help diversify the Bahamian energy mix and reduce its fossil Adaptation co-benefits fuel dependence with a focus on renewables. Appropriateness and This mitigation action will support the country in achieving the NDC target effectiveness of the mitigation based on economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to actions its BaU scenario by 2030. Status Planned 80 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description Duration 2022-2025 Lead Agency Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment and Housing Type of information Brief description 30.- Assessment of Government vehicles and program for replacement of suitable vehicles with electric vehicles To effectively conduct a transition to electric vehicles and prevent stranded Name and general descriptions of assets, fleet assessment should be conducted. This fleet assessment will the mitigation actions identify suitable electric vehicle replacement for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and create a plan for replacement based on age and use of vehicles. Coverage:  Local Plans. Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030. The emission reduction potential will be determined upon completion of Quantitative goals assessment.  Assessment completed. Progress indicators  Vehicle transition plan for government fleet developed. Thorough assessment of vehicles in the Government fleet will be conducted and suitable replacement vehicles identified. Plan will be developed for transition of ICE vehicles to electric vehicles. Methodologies and assumptions The assumption is that government fleet has suitable replacement electric vehicles and vehicles are constantly being upgraded and therefore they can be transitioned to electric vehicles. A challenge with larger vehicles must be addressed. Objectives of the measures To identify suitable electric vehicle replacement in the Government fleet. Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and This mitigation action will support the country in achieving the NDC target effectiveness of the mitigation based on economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to actions its BaU scenario by 2030. Status Planned Duration 2022-2025 Lead Agency Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment and Housing Type of information Brief description 31.- Introduction of electric vehicles to Government Fleet Name and general descriptions of Based on the vehicle transition plan developed, The Government of The the mitigation actions Bahamas will begin the implementation of transition from combustion vehicles to electric ones. Coverage:  Infrastructural Projects. Coverage and addressed NDC  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). commitment Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC):  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030. Quantitative goals Bundled with Mitigation Action 33. Progress indicators Number of Government ICE vehicles transitioned to electric vehicles. Modelled using the LEAP software. Methodologies and assumptions Bundled with Mitigation Action 33. There is a need to find options that are not cost-prohibitive. 81 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description Objectives of the measures To increase penetration of electric vehicles in the government fleet. Yes. This action will help diversify the Bahamian energy mix and reduce its fossil Adaptation co-benefits fuel dependence with a focus on renewables. Appropriateness and This mitigation action will support the country in achieving the NDC target effectiveness of the mitigation based on economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to actions its BaU scenario by 2030. Status Ongoing Duration 2019-2030 Lead Agency Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment and Housing Type of information Brief description 32.- Installation of charging stations for electric vehicles Name and general descriptions of To transition to electric vehicles, proper infrastructure such as charging station the mitigation actions needs to be installed. This is an enabling factor to increase penetration of electric vehicle. Coverage:  Infrastructural Projects. Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030. This action is not expected to provide direct emission reductions but will help Quantitative goals increase the penetration of electric vehicles on the islands. Progress indicators Number of charging stations installed. Geographic wide installation of electric chargers. The installation of electric chargers geographic wide will increase the Methodologies and assumptions penetration of electric vehicles on island. Wiring for charging ports in new homes needs to be considered. Objectives of the measures To increase penetration of electric vehicles. Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and This mitigation action will support the country in achieving the NDC target effectiveness of the mitigation based on economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to actions its BaU scenario by 2030. Status Ongoing Duration 2019-2030 Lead Agency Ministry of Environment and Housing Type of information Brief description 33.- Increase sales of electric vehicles to 35% and hybrid to 15% Name and general descriptions of Adoption of electric vehicles simultaneous with the transition to renewables the mitigation actions will help reduce fossil fuel consumption in the transport sector. Coverage:  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Coverage and addressed NDC Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC): commitment  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030. The total GHG emission reduction potential is estimated at 1.1 GgCO2-eq by Quantitative goals 2030. Progress indicators Percentage of electric vehicle sales. Modelled using the LEAP software. Methodologies and assumptions Electric cars, electric SUVs and electric motorcycles are assumed to represent 35% of the sales of vehicles by 2030. To be updated upon completion of 82 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description modelling. Electric vehicles are assumed to represent 35% of the sales of vehicles by 2030. This represents an electric vehicle stock share of 13% by 2030. Hybrid vehicles are assumed to represent 15% of the sales by 2030. This corresponds to a vehicle stock share of 5%. Only road transport vehicles were considered in this methodology. To increase the sale of electric vehicles by 35% by 2030. Objectives of the measures To increase energy efficiency in the transport sector. To reduce emissions in the transport sector. Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and This mitigation action will support the country in achieving the NDC target effectiveness of the mitigation based on economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to actions its BaU scenario by 2030. Status Ongoing Duration 2016-2030 Lead Agency Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment and Housing Type of information Brief description 34.- Promotion of the use of Public Transport Increase access to the public transport and increase reliability may help reduce Name and general descriptions of the use of private vehicles, causing a modal shift and thereby reducing the fossil the mitigation actions fuel consumption in the transport sector and assisting in traffic management. Managing travel demand for different areas and increase planning in the public transport system. Coverage:  Local Plans and Regulations. Coverage and addressed NDC  Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). commitment Addressed NDC commitment (First NDC):  Economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to its BaU scenario by 2030. Quantitative goals The estimated GHG emissions reduction potential is 12.9 GgCO2-eq by 2030.  Number of minutes of reduced commute times. Progress indicators  Number of reduced private vehicles on the road during peak hours. Modelled using the LEAP software. The number of public transits trips will increase and reduce the distance travelled using personal vehicles. The shift of demand from private passenger vehicles to public transit vehicles. After 2025, the number of private cars will stop growing due to the increased availability of public transport. Private cars are assumed to drive 14,484 km/vehicle per year and have an average of 1.5 Methodologies and assumptions passengers per car. The avoided passenger kilometers from the private cars are assumed to be absorbed by buses with an average occupancy rate of 21 passengers per vehicle and an annual mileage of 40,000 km per vehicle. The need to assess a change for busses that offer wheelchair availability and strollers need to open on the side where the sidewalk is. Better regulation in public transportation is a must. Modernization of the system with schedule display is a proposed option. To increase the use of public transport, to increase energy efficiency in the Objectives of the measures transport sector, to help reduce commute times by reducing the number of private vehicles on the road. Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and This mitigation action will support the country in achieving the NDC target effectiveness of the mitigation based on economy-wide reduction GHG emissions of 30% when compared to actions its BaU scenario by 2030. Status Planned Duration 2022-2030 Lead Agency Ministry of Transport and Local Government 83 The Bahamas Updated NDC AII.3 Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU) Type of information Brief description 35.- 20% Phase Out of HFC Name and general descriptions of Encouraging alternatives to HFC refrigerants through ratification of Kigali the mitigation actions Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and also improving energy efficiency in the sector. This action aims to reduce HFC emissions from refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) equipment. This can be achieved by substituting HFC refrigerants with low-GWP refrigerants (in installed stock) and limiting the Coverage and addressed NDC import of new HFC-based equipment. The replacement of refrigerants can lead commitment to an implicit improvement in the energy efficiency of RAC equipment, thereby reducing energy demand, generating savings for end users and lowering the load on the national electricity system. GHG covered: HFC, CO2e (indirect emissions due to electricity consumption). Quantitative goals Not estimated Annual HFC consumption based on imports and exports of controlled Progress indicators substances. The assumption is 20% HFC phase down by 2030. Assumption is that each year from implementation a fraction of the imported HFCs will be replaced by alternative refrigerants which at least a 90% lower global warming potential HFCs. It is necessary to avoid cost-prohibitive solutions. Duty is an issue. Methodologies and assumptions Interoperability between Customs and The Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP). Agencies need to work together for enforcement of Kigali Amendment. Additionally, boxes are being mislabeled some products are coming into the country when they shouldn’t be. To reduce HFC refrigerants use in residential, commercial, and industrial Objectives of the measures sectors, while transiting to lower-GWP refrigerants. Adaptation co-benefits No HFCs have high global warming potential (GWP), raising concern about their impacts as they become increasingly used as replacements for ozone-depleting substances (ODS), and as economic growth spurs demand for new equipment, especially in the refrigeration/AC sector. Appropriateness and Replacing high-GWP HFCs with low-GWP alternatives could avoid 0.1°C of effectiveness of the mitigation warming by 2050. Fast action under the Montreal Protocol could limit the actions growth of HFCs and avoid up to 0.5°C of warming by 2100. Additionally, the HFC phase-down can lead to an improvement in the energy efficiency of new and existing equipment, helping to reduce the load on the Bahamian electricity system. Status Newly Proposed Duration 2022-2030 Lead Agency Ozone Unit, Department of Environmental Health Service 84 The Bahamas Updated NDC AII.4 Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) Type of information Brief description 36.- Sustainable agroforestry practices in Andros, Grand Bahama, Acklins, Crooked Island, Planna and Samana Cays The Pine-Island project will target non-timber forest products with a multi- pronged approach to improving livelihoods while ensuring the sustainability of Name and general descriptions of the resources. Two projects’ areas were selected as Palm cultivation on Andros the mitigation actions and Grand Bahama and sustainable Cascarilla cultivation on Acklins and Crooked Island. Integrating natural biodiversity, species and trees with crops and livestock will increase emission sinks from native trees, less fertilizer use, increase habitat and build resilience against one-off diseases. This measure is aimed at reducing GHG emissions from the agriculture sector and increase carbon sinks. Particularly agroforestry comes with many positive effects that benefit farmers and local communities, on and off-farm Coverage and addressed NDC biodiversity, and soil health. It is a farming practice that follows the principles commitment of agroecology and implements them through the integration of trees into the farm management. GHG covered: Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Due to data constraints on the hectares of land to be converted and the Quantitative goals sequestration potential, this mitigation action was not modelled.  Palm cultivation area.  Cascarilla cultivation area. Progress indicators  Gained vegetation mass.  Applied fertilizer.  Number of ha of agricultural lands converted to agroforestry. With a view towards preserving biodiversity, a technical guide will be developed for the identification and utilization of degraded forest lands for sustainable oil palm expansion, and a site selection guide for identifying high potential areas for sustainable palm oil. Through the development of alternative livelihoods, including agroforestry and non-timber forest products, pressure on forest resources will be relieved while Methodologies and assumptions providing opportunities for generation of income in remote coastal communities hard hit by the economic downturn and loss of tourism revenues. This mitigation action needs to have a special consideration as everything for these islands requires transportation and infrastructure, they are rural, habitat is pretty wild, lots of vines, shrubs, grasses grow up to the palm tree level. To enter these islands, it is necessary to take a flight as they are very remote.  To increase emission sinks in the agriculture sector.  To improve biodiversity in selected areas. Objectives of the measures  To increase use of agro-forestry management practices among coastal communities. Yes. Agroforestry is considered a low-cost adaptation solution, as it helps Adaptation co-benefits combating land degradation and desertification, as well as improving food security. The Pine-Island project will target non-timber forest products with a multi- pronged approach to improving livelihoods while ensuring the sustainability of Appropriateness and the resources. Two projects’ areas were selected as Palm cultivation on Andros effectiveness of the mitigation and Grand Bahama and sustainable Cascarilla cultivation on Acklins and actions Crooked Island. Integrating natural biodiversity, species and trees with crops and livestock will increase emission sinks from native trees, less fertilizer use, increase habitat and build resilience against one-off diseases. Status Ongoing Duration 2015-2025 Lead Agency Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources Type of information Brief description Name and general descriptions of 37.- Conservation and Sustainable management practices and the establishment the mitigation actions of a forest estate with 20% land cover 85 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description Managing 15% of the conservation forest (149,396.99 hectares) and forest reserves (96,542.61 hectares) and protected forests (37,810.58 hectares) on Abaco, Andros, Grand Bahamas, and New Providence. This measure is part of the mitigation route of the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. Forests play a critical role in mitigating climate Coverage and addressed NDC change by capturing carbon dioxide and storing carbon within soils and forest commitment biomass, so forest management actions are necessary to support maintaining or enhancing the forest carbon sinks. GHG covered: Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Quantitative goals The estimated GHG emission reduction is 381.151 GgCO2-eq.  Forest cultivation area.  Forest mass gained.  Forest area conserved. Progress indicators  Recovered mangrove area.  Diversity assessment.  Number of ha of reforested areas in degraded areas. Modelled using the LEAP software. Annual carbon savings by the benefit of the project through integration of forest domain into land-use planning improved forest management. They avoided deforestation together with mangrove rehabilitation efforts estimated Methodologies and assumptions up to 381.151 GgCO2-eq. This data was entered into the model as recommended by the project. Generational land and land ownership may be an issue. There is an educational barrier in the communities on the islands as they are committed to traditional farming practices.  To improve the sustainable management practices of existing and new forest reserves. Objectives of the measures  To increase emission sinks.  To improve biodiversity in selected area. Adaptation co-benefits No The Pine Island project seeks to innovate community management plans for newly gazetted forest areas. Natural biodiversity, species and trees with crops Appropriateness and and livestock will increase emission sinks from native trees, less fertilizer use, effectiveness of the mitigation increase habitat and build resilience against one-off disease. Under the Pine actions Islands – Forest/Mangrove Innovation and Integration (Grand Bahama, New Providence, Abaco, and Andros), these measures have been identified, and sites have been assessed. Status Ongoing Duration 2015-2025 Lead Agency Forestry Unit Type of information Name and general 38.- Reestablishment & Rehabilitation of 50 ha of Davis Creek, Andros Ecosystem descriptions of the Reestablishment and rehabilitation of Davis Creek in Andros will improve sequestration mitigation actions potential. This measure is part of the mitigation route of the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. Mangrove soils are highly effective carbon sinks, sequestering Coverage and vast amounts of carbon. Wetlands, and especially mangrove forests, sequester far more addressed NDC carbon per square mile than do tropical forests, and they also provide shelter for fish, commitment protect the coast from storm surges, and keep coral reefs alive. GHG covered: Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Quantitative goals The estimated GHG emission reduction is 14.563 GgCO2-eq.  Mangrove forest mass gained.  Mangrove forest area conserved. Progress indicators  Mangrove forest area recovered.  Number of ha of seagrass beds, reefs, mangroves protected and rehabilitated. Methodologies and Modelled using the LEAP software. assumptions According to recent studies, mangroves contain an average of 1,023 tons of carbon per 86 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information hectare. This model will pilot restoration efforts for up to 50 hectares across a potential 500 hectares of mangrove forest, increasing carbon sequestration up to 14.563 GgCO2- eq. This data was entered into the model as recommended by the project. Restoring flow would reduce the areas mangroves inhabit Objectives of the To increase emission sinks; to rehabilitate and re-establish Davis Creek in Andros. measures Adaptation co-benefits No Appropriateness and Reestablishment and rehabilitation of Davis Creek in Andros will improve sequestration effectiveness of the potential. mitigation actions Status Ongoing Duration 2015-2025 Lead Agency Forestry Unit 87 The Bahamas Updated NDC AII.5 Waste Type of information Brief description 39.- Development of a waste management system to include composting systems Name and general descriptions of Composting breaks down food and green waste for soil creation. This reduces the mitigation actions the amount of organic waste going into landfills. Good composting practices assist in minimizing GHG emissions. This proposed action is modelled after other Caribbean islands mitigation action for waste. This measure is part of the waste sector's mitigation pathway, mainly aimed at mitigating methane emissions, and represents a desirable measure due to the environmental benefits it provides in the short-medium term. Coverage and addressed NDC Compost benefits the climate by improving carbon sequestration in the soil and commitment by preventing methane emissions through aerobic decomposition, as methane- producing microbes are not active in the presence of oxygen. GHG covered: Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Quantitative goals Due to lack of data this action was not modelled  Produced waste.  Waste sent to landfill. Progress indicators  Waste characterization.  Organic waste sent to composting.  Percentage of Increase in composting systems. Not modelled. Waste management and composting will reduce the amount of organic waste Methodologies and assumptions landfills, whereby reducing emissions, however implementation must be strengthened. Waste is currently not separated at household level. Deep water well discharges need to be considered. To improve waste management and encourage composting to reduce waste to Objectives of the measures the landfill. Adaptation co-benefits No Composting breaks down food and green waste for soil creation. This reduces Appropriateness and the amount of organic waste going into landfills. Good composting practices effectiveness of the mitigation assist in minimizing GHG emissions. This proposed action is modelled after actions other Caribbean islands mitigation action for waste. Status Newly Proposed Duration 2022-2030 Ministry of Environment and Housing, Department of Environmental Health Lead Agency Services Type of information Brief description 40.- Introduction of a National Recycling Program Recycling is the reprocessing of materials (mainly used) into new products. This Name and general descriptions of program will help reduce the waste entering the landfills, reduce consumption the mitigation actions of raw materials, reduce energy usage and GHG emissions. It is a key component to waste management practices. This measure is part of the waste sector's mitigation pathway, mainly aimed at mitigating methane emissions, and represents a desirable measure due to the environmental benefits it provides in the short-medium term. Coverage and addressed NDC Recycling helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy commitment consumption. Using recycled materials to make new products reduces the need for virgin materials. This avoids greenhouse gas emissions that would result from extracting or mining virgin materials. GHG covered: Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Quantitative goals Due to lack of data this action was not modelled.  Waste characterization.  Annual separated waste. Progress indicators  Annual recycled waste.  Amount of waste diverted from the landfill. 88 The Bahamas Updated NDC Type of information Brief description Not modelled. A recycling program will enhance the behavioral change for recycling. The Methodologies and assumptions assumption made is waste originally destined for the landfill will be diverted to the recycling facility. Analyzing previous endeavors to reduce the risk of failure is a must. There is a great market for aluminum cans and glass bottles. Objectives of the measures To reduce waste at the landfill. Adaptation co-benefits No Recycling is the reprocessing of materials (mainly used) into new products. This Appropriateness and program will help reduce the waste entering the landfills, reduce consumption effectiveness of the mitigation of raw materials, reduce energy usage and GHG emissions. It is a key actions component to waste management practices. Status Newly Proposed Duration 2022-2030 Ministry of Environment and Housing, Department of Environmental Health Lead Agency Services 89