National Environmental Centre ::The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources::

The National Environment Centre (NEC) was funded as part of the DFID/TCIG Project and now falls under DECR’s remit. It is a multifaceted building located in the Bight in Providenciales. The building was constructed with the intention of providing the TCI with a centre for all environmental information and to provide attractions for visitors and residents to learn about the protected areas system. The building was consequently designed with three main functions in mind:

To provide an environmental information center for the public with exhibits, classroom/conference facilities and gift shop;

To provide offices for the staff of the Protected Areas Department, including laboratory facilities; and

To provide some office space for the National Trust which will manage the public education elements of the NEC.

With the amalgamation of the former CRMP with the DECR, and as a cost-cutting measure by the Government, on February 2003 it was agreed that the DECR staff based in Providenciales would be accommodated at the NEC. This arrangement presents some challenges as the building was only designed for the staff of the former CRMP, estimated 10. It now accommodates some 17 staff members. Fortunately, the arrangement to accommodate the National Trust at the building never materialized, since the size of Trust outgrew the office space allocated before the building was completed.

The National Environmental Centre (NEC), located on Lower Bight Road in Providenciales, opened its doors on April 21st,2007. The exhibits and displays within the Centre focus on the natural habitats and ecosystems of the Turks and Caicos Islands. There are also rotating exhibits, highlighting ongoing research activities in the Islands.

The Centre is open from Monday to Friday from 8am to 4:30pm.
So come visit us!!!

Drawing of the reef display

3D display of the TCI Island chain

Pictoral Representation of the interior of the Centre