Policy Papers Developed by NRCA

Jamaica is divided into twenty-six (26) watershed management units consisting of approximately one hundred streams and covers all the land from the mountains to the sea. The main objective of this policy is to promote integrated protection, conservation and development of land and water resources in watersheds for their sustainable use, and for the benefit of both upstream and downstream communities and the nation as a whole.

The beaches in Jamaica are considered to be one of the main factors contributing to the growth and success of the country's tourism industry. Earlier policies for the management of the foreshore resulted in the separation of visitors and residents through a system of exclusive licences and consequently, barred Jamaicans from enjoying some of the finest beaches in the country. Public access to the foreshore and the sea continues to be a recurring and sensitive issue in Jamaica. This policy document addresses these issues and sets out a new policy for public access to beaches. The policy is considered to be central to a comprehensive coastal resource strategy and its purpose is to:

• Remove any vestige of real or implied discrimination against Jamaicans in the use and enjoyment of their national heritage;
• Expand beach-related recreational opportunities for both local residents and all segments of the tourism market;
• Protect the traditional rights of fishermen to access to the foreshore and the sea, and beaching rights on their return from sea;
• Establish guidelines on the leasing and monitoring of the near shore seabed for Mariculture use.

The aim of this policy is to support and encourage the managed use of Jamaica's marine resources to raise output of marine food products for domestic consumption and for export, and to generate. Local employment in communities that have traditionally relied upon the sea. The policy therefore speaks to:

• Establishing designated areas for mariculture;
• Exercising greater control over mariculture operations;
• Developing the economic potential of mariculture;
• Protecting the environment from the harmful effects of mariculture by issuing permits based on appropriate environmental assessments, requiring an environmental assessment by the Permit and Licence System;
• Increasing public awareness of the benefits of mariculture as an alternative or supplement to the capture fishery, and as a useful tool for resource management.