The Authorities
Understanding the three statutory bodies that were integrated to form NEPA: NRCA, TCPA, and LDUC
Statutory Bodies Integration
NEPA was established in April 2001 to carry out the technical (functional) and administrative mandate of three statutory bodies: the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA), the Town and Country Planning Authority (TCPA), and the Land Development and Utilisation Commission (LDUC). This integration was part of the Government of Jamaica's Public Sector Modernization Programme (PSMP) to improve coordination and customer service.
Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA)
The Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) is a statutory body established pursuant to Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act with primary responsibility for environmental management and conservation.
Present Members
The present members are:
Functions Of The NRCA
Per section 4 (1) of the NRCA Act, the functions of the Authority are:
- (a) to take such steps as are necessary for the effective management of the physical environment of Jamaica so as to ensure the conservation, protection and proper use of its natural resources;
- (b) to promote public awareness of the ecological systems of Jamaica and their importance to the social and economic life of the Island;
- (c) to manage such national parks, marine parks, protected areas and public recreational facilities as may be prescribed;
- (d) to advise the Minister on matters of general policy relating to the management, development, conservation and care of the environment; and
- (e) to perform such other functions pertaining to the natural resources of Jamaica as may be assigned to it by the Minister or by or under this Act or any other enactment.
Town and Country Planning Authority (TCPA)
Town and Country Planning Authority (TCPA) is a statutory body established pursuant to the Town & Country Planning Act. The primary responsibility of the TCPA is to provide for orderly development. Generally, this undertaken through the completion of development orders for a parish and/or a local planning area.
Present Members
The present members are:
Mandate
The TCPA Act was developed to make provision for the orderly and progressive development of land, cities, towns and other areas whether urban or rural, to preserve and improve the amenities thereof, and for other matters connected therewith.
Land Development and Utilisation Commission (LDUC)
The Land Development and Utilization Commission (LDUC) is established under section 12 of the Land Development and Utilization Act (LDUA), with focus on agricultural land development and utilization.
Functions Of The LDUC
Per section 14 of the LDUC Act, it shall be the duty of the Commission:
- (a) to ensure that occupiers of agricultural units fulfils their responsibilities under this Act to form the agricultural lands in such units.
- (b) to ensure that such agricultural land is, as far as possible, properly developed and utilized; and
- (c) to perform such other functions as may be required by the Minister.