The Department of Environment was formed in 1996 with a primary focus of negotiating and implementing all international environmental agreements in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since then, the Department's responsibilities has expanded to include the following:
• Produce a comprehensive natural resource map. This map will identify major areas of importance to the health of
the environment. These include watersheds, coral reef, mangroves, forest and protected areas. This map may also be used for natural resource management, physical planning and financial purposes.
• Develop and implement a national environmental awareness program. This will include the introduction of environmental education into the school curriculum.
• Develop and implement projects related to the rehabilitation and protection of the environment.
• Identify and coordinate the implementation of Antigua and Barbuda commitments to International Environmental Agreements. This will include the coordinating of the implementation of the recommendations, of the National Coordinating Mechanism for Environmental conventions.
• Coordinate the development of Environmental Legislation in all areas of environmental management.
• Develop and implement a program of beautification the Beaches;
• Design and implement a program to protect and enhance the beaches.
• To provide advice to the general public, other government agencies on environmental issues.
• To coordinate the process of conducting environmental impacts assessment for all major developments. In addition to request Operational Impact Assessment for existing business.
• Produce a state of the Environment report, every two years. This report should give comprehensive information on the health of the environment including impacts upon human health, i.e. water, and air pollution, and chemicals in food.
• Develop and implement any other activity as directed by the Cabinet, Minister or Permanent Secretary.
