NEPA and JCDT sign new MOU…two motorcycles to be used to monitor Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park

September 16, 2011

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT) recently signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow the JCDT access to a fleet of motorcycles which will be used for monitoring activities within the Park.

The JCDT currently manages the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park on behalf of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) through an existing MOU with NEPA. The new MOU is expected to strengthen collaboration among the entities by facilitating the sharing of NEPA resources to improve the management of the Park.

“The MOU is facilitating resource sharing which is critical to managing the Park well. The Agency’s relationship with JCDT is excellent and we intend to continue to build on that.” said Mr Peter Knight, Chief Executive Officer of NEPA.

Mr Marlon Beale, Executive Director of JCDT, noted that the bikes will supplement JCDT’s current monitoring activities. He added that the bikes will be used by Rangers to traverse approximately 50% of the Park’s 78,212 hectares.

The MOU was signed by NEPA CEO Mr Peter Knight and Mr Marlon Beale, Executive Director of JCDT.

Mr Marlon Beale, Executive Director, JCDT, happily receives keys for two motorcycles from Mr Bernard Blue, Coordinator, Management and Operations Unit, Protected Areas Branch, National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).

JCDT Rangers on motorcycles received from Natural Resources Conservation Authority(NRCA) /National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) as part of MOU recently signed by the entities. The motorcycles will be used by JCDT to monitor the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park on behalf of the NRCA and NEPA.