Policy Papers Developed by NRCA

This Paper documents the major environmental problems facing Jamaica and formulates the appropriate policy framework, institutional arrangements, legal instruments, strategies, programmes and projects to address and mitigate these problems. Thus, the environmental policy of Jamaica is embodied in a statement of objectives outlined in JANEAP and include the following:

• Creating attitudes and behaviour which are responsible and oriented to action in environmental protection and the sustainable use of natural resources;
• Encouraging the use of non-renewable resources including bauxite, limestone and other minerals for the greatest social and economic benefit of the Jamaican people while minimizing , harmful environmental impacts;
• Ensuring that renewable resources including forests and wildlife are used in a sustainable way;
• Ensuring good air quality in Jamaica;
• Ensuring that surface and underground water are in sufficient quantities and quality appropriate for present and future human needs and ecosystem integrity;
• Allowing for global environmental co-operation and security with special attention to the needs of developing countries and the circumstances of vulnerable island states;
• Enhancing the natural beauty of the island in natural areas, built up areas, roadways, and open spaces on both public and private land;
• Protecting and preserving the marine environment and territorial waters within the exclusive economic zone;
• Promoting research and development of appropriate technology which is environmentally friendly;
• Promoting socio-economic and technical research as it relates to the development and use of the natural resources of the environment;
• Promoting the reduction of inefficiency and waste as a method of yielding additional financial resources for environmental management;
• Developing renewable energy sources while seeking to reduce the use of fossil fuels.