4.0 AIM OF THE POLICY 
    The aim of this policy is to promote the management of coastal wetlands to ensure that the many benefits they provide are sustained.
     
     
    5.0 GOALS
    This overall aim will be achieved by pursuing the following five goals :
      (i) Establish the guidelines by which wetlands can be developed in order to ensure their continued existence;

      (ii) Bring to an end all activities carried on in wetlands which cause damage to these resources;

      (iii) Maintain the natural diversity of the animals and plants found in wetlands;

      (iv) Maintain the functions and values of Jamaica's wetland resources; 

      (v) Integration of wetland functions in planning and development of other resource sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, ecotourism, and waste management; 
       
       
       
    6.0 KEY PRINCIPLES
    In pursuing the goals of the mangrove and coastal wetlands protection policy, government will be guided by the following well established principles: 
      (a) Wetlands are an important part of Jamaica's coastal resources and their preservation is a key component of coastal area management.

      (b) Wetlands protection can only be achieved by the combined and coordinated effort of individuals, organisations, and communities having an interest in these areas.

      (c) Improved public awareness of the vital functions of wetlands is necessary to ensure conservation of wetlands.
       
       
       
    7.0 SPECIFIC POLICY STRATEGIES
    The stated goals of the policy will be pursued by developing specific strategies to address the main issues and problems affecting Jamaica's wetlands.
    7.1 Protection Against Dredging, Filling, and Land Development
      Large tracts of coastal wetlands have been drained and filled for agriculture, and urban development. The effect of this on wetland productivity, as well as on the productivity of associated ecosystems has been well documented noticeable.
     
      Strategy 
      (i) Any activities which alter the surface hydrology, drainage, tidal ebb and flow or any activities affecting the vegetation, topography, or soil characteristics of coastal wetlands shall be prohibited except by permit certified jointly by NRCA and the local Planning Authority. 

      (ii) Issuance of a permit shall be contingent upon the preparation by the applicant of a mitigation plan approved by the permitting authority.
       

     Explanation: Activities subject to regulation include dredging, excavating or removing soil, silt or sand, flora, fauna or any type of aggregate from coastal wetlands; the filling or depositing of dredged material, marl, aggregates or any type of sewage sludge, garbage or solid waste either directly or indirectly in any coastal wetlands; materially affecting mangrove or other wetlands flora or fauna; or the construction of any structure which directly or indirectly affects the quality or quantity of surface and/or ground water in wetlands.
     
     
    7.2 Special Protection Status
    Presently there is no specific legislation or mechanism which protects wetlands from indiscrimate and inappropriate exploitation.

    Strategy 

      (i) All mangrove and coastal wetlands in Jamaica are deemed to be of national interest and are to be accorded protected status.
      (ii) An island-wide wetland management plan designating priority areas for which site specific management and operational plans shall be prepared NRCA. 

      (iii) Site specific management and operational plans shall be prepared by NRCA jointly with local planning authorities and environmental NGOs.

       

    Explanation: The Government of Jamaica has limited resources available for mangrove protection and management, and so it is necessary to concentrate those resources on mangrove wetlands that are deemed to be of priority concern. Although the most important mangrove and coastal wetlands shall be designated as priority protected areas, other mangrove and coastal wetland ecosystems are of sufficient importance to warrant protection against avoidable destruction or degradation. 
     
     
    7.3 Minimizing Sedimentation from Construction Activities
    Significant sediment loads are transported to wetlsand areas in gullies rivers and streams, particularly during priods of heavy rain.

    Strategy

      (i) Mngrove and coastal wetlands will be protected from excessive sediment flow from uplands by imposing protective conditions on construction projects. 
      (ii) All development on sites of two or more acres, must follow prescribed conditions for controlling and minimizing erosion and sedimentation.

      (iii) Periodic monitoring at the building site during construction will be carried out to ensure that prescribed controls and conditions are not ignored. 

    Explanation: NRCA can protect some mangrove and coastal wetlands from excessive uplands sediment flow by imposing protective conditions during construction. In the past, controls often recommended in the review of environmental impact statements are frequently ignored during construction. 
     

 
    7.4 Effluent Discharge
    Wetlands receive industrial waste waters and sewage directly and indirectly. Some effluent discharges have been occurring for several decades. There are distinct signs that the environment is being overloaded by these discharges. 

    Strategy: 

      (i) No part of a surface or subsurface sewage system including septic tanks, tile fields, soak-aways, settling basins or lagoons can be located within 150 feet of a mangrove ecosystem or coastal wetland. 
      (ii) The use of dry toilets will be encouraged as well as small scale community systems that provide for maximum removal of nutrients.

      (iii) Discharge standards for industrial effluent will be developed to ensure that assimilative capacity of the environment is not exceeded. 
       

    Explanation: Mangrove and coastal wetlands are important habitat for fish and shellfish, so it is essential that sewage and industrial wast inflow into these areas be reduced to the absolute minimum. In the case of preexisting development, measures will be taken to provide technical assistance and other support to mitigate conditions that result in nutrient enrichment in wetlands and near shore coastal waters.
     
     
    7.5 Innovative Strategies To Protect Wetlands
    The providing of incentives can have a positive influence on wetlands conservation.

    Strategy

      (i) Financial/Tax incentives will, be provided to private individuals and developers who undertake programs or activities which are deemed to significantly restore, enhance or create wetlands. 

    Explanation: These measures shall include, but not be limited to: reduced land or other taxes, building bonuses, technical assistance, reduced fees and charges.
     

 
    7.6 Public Ownership and Custody
    Several agencies of the Government, through the Commissioner of Lands (including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Urban Development Corporation, and the PCJ) own or exercise custody over significant mangrove and coastal wetland holdings that are of strategic importance to long-term sustainable development. It is important that these resources be protected bearing in mind the development mandate of these agencies.

    Strategies 

      (i) Wetlands controlled by government agencies are deemed to be public trust holdings that can not be alienated except through Cabinet decision following public hearings in the affected parishes.

      (ii) Activities conducted by any agency of the Government of Jamaica involving significant alteration and/or any action involving the transfer of ownership or custody of Crown owned mangrove or coastal wetlands must be reviewed and certified by NRCA as being consistent with national mangrove and wetlands protection policy.
       

     Explanation: An activity is considered to result in significant alteration of a wetland if it affects either habitat, vegetation or hydrology.
     
     
    7.7 Development in Coastal High Hazard Areas
    Construction in coastal high hazard areas, including coastal wetlands, increases the risk of property damage and personal injury.

    Strategy: 

      (i) Hazard mitigation techniques shall be incorporated in the site plan and structural design of developments approved for wetlands and/or adjacent areas.
       
       
       
    7.8 Environmental Impact Assessment And Monitoring
    Development activities can have a negative effect on the environment. Assessment of such impacts as a part of the planning process can minimise the social and economic costs by preventing damage. This compares to the more expensive alternative of taking corrective action after carrying out the development, or restoring degradede wetland areas.
    Strategy 
      (i) All proposed modifications, and restoration of wetlands will be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) the result of which will determine whether the proposed action takes place and if so, to what extent.

      (ii) All new development projects planned for wetlands, or adjacent to wetlands will be subject to an EIA to determine the kind of controls necessary.

      (iii) Projects subject to an EIA will be monitored periodically after implementation to assess actual impact, and make a determination as to the continuance of the development.
       

     Explanation: An EIA is a technical document used as the basis for determining the legally binding environmental management measures to be included into a development plan. The EIA is now recognised as an essential tool in achieving sustainable development.
 
 
    7.9 Improving Public Awareness
    Increasing understanding of the benefits dervived from wetlands, will contribute to a change in attitude towards these areas which continue to be regarded as wastelands by most individuals.
    Strategy 
      (i) Design and implement a National Public Awareness programme on the values and benefits derived from wetlands, focussing on wetland users, and adjacent communities.

      (ii) Integrate public awareness campaign on wetlands with awareness programmes which target users of other resources. 

      (iii) Multimedia dissemination of information on the importance of wetlands.

      (iv) Ensure wide distribution of development guidelines, and regualtions for wetland developers.

      (v) Develop and implement pilot demonstration project aimed at improving the management capability of local communities.