The Mandate of The Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) is to provide for the prevention or control of pollution, the regulation of activities and the administration, conservation and sustainable use of the environment and for connected purposes. The Department also manages multilateral environmental agreements.

The Department also manages research permit applications for scientific investigations involving or affecting natural resources within The Bahamas. In addition, the Department is responsible for the development and implementation of policies, programmes and plans for the effective management and conservation of the physical environment within The Bahamas.