All Bahamian Environmental Consulting Firms seeking to provide environmental services in The
Commonwealth of The Bahamas are required to:

1. Principal Consultant:
   • A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Marine Biology, Geography, or another closely related discipline; and
   • Demonstrated five (5) years of experience under an approved environmental consultant, in environmental management and assessment, including preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Environmental Management Plans (EMPs), monitoring programs and reporting in accordance with national environmental policies and regulatory processes, with a minimum of two (2) years as the lead consultant. Practical experience within The Bahamas or similar Small Island Developing States is considered an asset;
2. Working knowledge of environmental legislation, permitting processes, and best practice guidelines applicable to development projects in The Bahamas.
3. Valid work permits for all non-Bahamians involved in the production of the document/s.
4. Valid Business License
5. Vat Compliance Certificate
6. To be fit and proper to practice as a registered environmental consulting firm by fulfilling the following requirements:
   • Liability Insurance;
   • Insurance of a minimum of one million dollars; and
   • Has an affidavit verifying financial responsibility endorsed by a reputable financial institution on behalf of himself or his business.

All foreign companies seeking to provide environmental services within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas shall comply with the following requirements:

1. Partner with an Approved Bahamian Environmental Consulting Firm, which shall:
   • Maintain responsible charge of all work undertaken within The Bahamas including the review, validation, and approval of all documents, including those prepared in whole or in part by foreign entities.
   • Submit all applications, reports, and correspondence under its official letterhead.
2. All foreign environmental consulting firms partnered with approved Bahamian environmental consulting firms must ensure compliance with the best practice guidelines applicable to development projects in The Bahamas.
3. Documents related to professional qualifications or corporate agreements from foreign entities will require notarization and authentication via an Apostille for use in The Bahamas.
4. Submission of the educational background and professional expertise of all persons identified to be involved in the development of the document/s.
5. Work Permits for all persons involved in the production of the document/s.
6. To be fit and proper to practice as a registered environmental consulting firm by fulfilling the following requirements:
   • Liability Insurance;
   • Insurance of a minimum of one million dollars; and
   • Has an affidavit verifying financial responsibility endorsed by a reputable financial institution on behalf of himself or his business.

All firms are required to submit these documents on an annual basis. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in removal from the list of approved environmental consultants.

Approved Environmental Consulting Firms shall be accountable for ensuring such compliance and for maintaining the quality, accuracy, and professional integrity of all submissions. Failure to meet these requirements, including the submission of substandard, misleading, or technically deficient work, may result in enforcement action by the Department, including but not limited to suspension or revocation of its approval, removal from the list of approved environmental consulting firms, and disqualification from participation in current or future environmental projects within The Bahamas.