Environmental Management And Conservation
Protecting Jamaica's natural heritage through comprehensive environmental stewardship
Coastal And Marine Assessments
The NEPA Coastal and Marine Monitoring Framework includes Coral Reef Health, Sea Surface Temperature and Beach Profiles.
Coral Reef Health
Jamaica has roughly 1,240 square kilometres of coral reef area. The Coral Reef Health Index measures reef resilience and is based on assessments of 29 established reef monitoring sites across the island. The Agency utilizes the Reef Check methodology and photographic surveys to assess the substrate composition, while the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) methodology is used to collect data on fish biomass. The Annual Trend Analysis looks at herbivorous fish, commercially important fish species, coral cover and macro-algal cover. The Agency has been monitoring reef health since 2000 and the overall average index calculated for all sites continues to point to Jamaica's reefs being in 'poor' condition.
Coral Reef Action Plan
In 2019, the National Environment & Planning Agency (NEPA) published "Action Plan for Corals and Reefs in Jamaica 2018-2023 (APCAR)". The action plan aims to provide clear and targeted actions to build resilience in Jamaica's coral reef ecosystems and in the people that rely on them. The plan purports strategies and actions that are formulated based on guiding principles which integrate both biological and social resilience in line with the National Strategy and Action Plan on Biological Diversity in Jamaica (2016-2021) and Aichi Targets (related to coral reef conservation) outlined in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Strategic Plan 2012.
ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT
AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT
The primary functions of the Environmental Management Subdivision are to:
- Design and implement policies, plans and programmes for the protection and mitigation of the natural resources and public health from adverse environmental impacts.
- Conduct specific environmental quality assessments including, water and air quality. Routine assessments are conducted for specified sensitive areas.
- Promote environmental stewardship in communities and within the public and private sectors.
- Conduct relevant environmental assessments of environmentally damaging chemicals and hazardous wastes.
These functions are executed by three branches namely:
which monitors and assesses the impact of pollution on the quality of the natural environment and the potential for public health impacts.
which fosters a pollution prevention and waste minimization approach by promoting the use of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and other appropriate measures to foster better environmental performance of operations.
which monitors and assesses the impact of air pollution and the potential for public health impacts.
POLLUTANT RELEASE TRANSFER REGISTER (PRTR)
The Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) is a comprehensive database that tracks the release and transfer of pollutants from industrial facilities and other sources across Jamaica. This system is essential for environmental monitoring, policy development, and public awareness.
Key Features of Jamaica's PRTR System:
- Pollutant Tracking: Comprehensive monitoring of chemical releases to air, water, and land
- Industrial Reporting: Mandatory reporting from major industrial facilities
- Public Access: Transparent information sharing with communities and stakeholders
- Policy Support: Data-driven environmental policy and regulation development
- International Alignment: Compliance with international PRTR protocols and standards
PRTR Benefits:
- Enhanced environmental protection through systematic pollution monitoring
- Improved industrial accountability and environmental performance
- Better informed decision-making for environmental management
- Increased public awareness and community engagement
- Support for sustainable development initiatives
Protected Areas Systems Jamaica
Jamaica's Protected Areas System encompasses a network of terrestrial and marine protected areas designed to conserve the island's biodiversity, natural resources, and cultural heritage. The system includes national parks, forest reserves, marine parks, and other specially designated conservation areas.
Key Protected Areas Include:
- Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park - UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting endemic species and montane forests
- Cockpit Country - Critical karst landscape with unique geology and biodiversity
- Portland Bight Protected Area - Important coastal and marine ecosystem
- Negril Marine Park - Coral reef and coastal protection
- Montego Bay Marine Park - Marine biodiversity conservation
- Ocho Rios Marine Park - Coral reef ecosystem protection
The protected areas system is managed through collaborative efforts between NEPA, local communities, NGOs, and international partners to ensure effective conservation while supporting sustainable livelihoods for local communities.