The NEPA/Natural Resources Conservation
Authority and Ministry of Land and Environment wish to thank the Environmental
Management Systems (EMS) Policy & Strategy Working Group and its team
of Consultants and Administrative Support for designing and coordinating
the consultation process and preparing the document. Thanks must also be extended to the many organisations and individuals that
have participated in the
Members of the EMS Policy & Strategy Working Group
Miss Leonie Barnaby – Ministry of Land & Environment
Dr. Mearle Barrett – NRCA
Mr. Stewart Forbes – ENACT
Miss Denise Forrest – CWIP
Mrs. Elaine Gordon – Bureau of Standards
Mrs. Pauline Gray – JEA
Miss Althea Johnson – Ministry of Tourism
Mrs. Margaret Mais – JAMPRO – National Industrial Policy
Mr. Hopeton Peterson – PIOJ
Mrs. Velma Sharpe – JMA
Mrs. Winsome Townsend – NRCA [Chairperson of Working Group]
Mr. Richard Wright – Ministry of Finance & Planning
Administrative Support and Recording Secretary - Mr. Dean Bennett
Consultants
Dr. Ira Feldman – Major Countries and Benchmark Countries
Mr. Robert Wynter and Ms. Margaret Orane – Target Sectors
Dr. Michael Witter – Economic Considerations
Mr. Hugh Hyman – Legislative Instruments and related mechanisms.
CIDA - Canadian International Development Agency
CWIP – Coastal Water Quality Improvement Project
EAST – Environmental Audits for Sustainable Tourism
EEPI – Environmental Economic Policy Instruments
ENACT – Environmental Action Programme
GOJ – Government
of
HACCP – Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points
IDB – Inter-American Development Bank
ISER –
ISO – International Organisation for Standardisation
JAMPRO – Jamaica Promotions Limited
JaNEAP –
JBS –
JMA –
JTURDC – Joint Trade Union Research & Development Council
PIOJ – Planning
PSOJ – Private
Sector Organisation of
TTBS –
MIF – Multilateral Investment Fund
MIND – Management Institute for National Development
MIOB – Mona Institute of Business
NEEAPSD – National Environmental Education Action for Sustainable Development
NEEC – National Environmental Education Committee
NIP – National Industrial Policy
NRCA – Natural Resources Conservation Authority
NEPA – National Environmental & Planning Agency
NWC – National Water Commission
OUR – Office of Utilities Regulation
SDC-J – Sustainable
Development Council of
SIRI – Sugar Industry Research Institute
SMEs – Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
SRC – Scientific Research Council
UNDP – United Nations Development Programme
USAID – United States Agency for International Development
UWICED – University
of the
WG – Working Group
WRA – Water Resources Authority
1.0 Introduction
1.1
Sustainable
Development is about how we live on this earth. Sustainable Development
means that we must seek to balance the growing of economic capital with
the protection of our natural resources for the purpose of improving our
quality of life.
The challenge to policy makers is the integration of economic, environmental and social considerations and furthermore to see that policy is supported by effective management.
The long-term policy objective of the Government of Jamaica is Sustainable Development. In this regard, the Government has taken several initiatives relating to long-term planning and sustainable development viz.:
¨ Development of the three-year Jamaica National Environmental Action Plan (JaNEAP) in 1995 with the publication of JaNEAP Status Reports annually and a complete update in 1999.
¨ In 1998, the National Environmental Education Action Plan for Sustainable Development 1998-2010 was completed.
¨ The Sustainable Development Council of Jamaica (SDC-J) was formed under the UNDP Regional Capacity 21 project, as an advisory body to promote discussion on sustainable development.
However, despite these initiatives there still are gaps between planning and implementation. Closing the implementation gap means paying close attention to the management side of the Sustainable Development equation.
There are a number of emerging models, which can help
to close the implementation gap while placing
1.2 Environmental
Management System (
An Environmental Management System is a management tool which enables an organisation (business, government department or municipality) to address the impacts of its products, services and processes on the environment.
International
standardisation covering environmental management have been developed
to provide organisations with the elements of an effective management
system which, can be integrated into the decision-making process to achieve
environmental, protection, efficiency and economic objectives. The International
Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has developed the ISO 14000 series
of
There are
other models of
1.3 Benefits, Opportunities and Challenges
In the business
sector, an environmental management system is seen as a tool to improve
internal efficiencies, increase competitiveness and profits. In the financial
sector, banks and insurance companies are requiring assessments of environment
risks before funding projects and an
The challenges
for effective application of the EMS Policy and Strategy framework are as
real as the opportunities. One of the difficulties lies in removing the
levels of ignorance surrounding the use of the tool. Often, an
1.4 The
The development process of the policy and strategy is outlined below:
Steps 1 - 7 consisted of several meetings with stakeholders to discuss development of the policy as well as a presentation to the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Land & Environment. After the research was completed (step 2) and a draft green paper prepared, meetings were held with select interests groups to discuss elements of the draft policy. These steps have culminated with the submission of this green paper to Cabinet.
Steps 8 – 10 are to be carried out upon approval of this Green Paper by Cabinet.
In October, 1999 the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) convened a multi-sectoral Working Group to devlop a draft EMS Policy and Strategy. The Working Group, drawn from a wide cross-section of stakeholders, extended its reach by consultations with a number of organizations both locally and internationnaly. To support its work the EMS Policy & Strategy Working Group reviewed the status of EMS and EMS implementation in major countries (UK, Japan, Europe, USA, and Canada), in benchmark countries (Cuba, Costa Rica, Columbia, Malaysia, Israel, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana) and in economic sectors (bauxite, tourism, coffee, rum and agro-industry). The legislative and economic scenario was also reviewed.
***This Research resulted in the preparation of the following reports which informed the EMS Policy & Strategy:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
These reports are available at the http://www.nepa.gov.jm and at the documentation centres/libraries of the following institutions: NEPA/NRCA, Ministry of Land & Environment, JBS, PIOJ, JEA, JAMPRO, JMA, PSOJ, UWICED, MIOB, SDN, ISER and Parish Libraries.
2.0 The Policy
The
q Natural resources are a part of the nation’s capital and need to be managed for sustainable growth. Exploitation of the island’s natural resources in pursuit of economic development should therefore be carried out in a sustainable manner that protects the environment and shall constitute an integral part of the development process of the nation.
q An Environmental Management System is a management tool to achieve sustainable development concepts, policies, plans, and projects. Keeping to the path of sustainable development is an essential reason for the EMS Policy and Strategy. The Government of Jamaica will provide leadership by “greening” its own operation as a first step towards responsible environmental stewardship.
q The Polluter Pays Principle and the Users Pay Principle require that there is the establishment of a set of sanctions, and charges for the use of natural resources and other environmental facilities, and the degradation of the environment, while granting incentives to encourage more environmentally responsible behaviour.
q
All citizens of
The following are the policy statements:
1. A Policy & Strategy based
on the Premise that the Benefits of
The
implementation of an effective and quality
One
of the primary strategies of Government in promoting the use of
2. Economic Considerations
Economic considerations are critical in
promoting the use of
A firm with a functioning
The Government, while maintaining and even strengthening the efficacy of its ‘stick’ sanctions and enforcement capabilities will also
provide ‘carrots’ such as special non-financial incentives schemes. The financial incentives schemes
under the NIP will be examined and adjusted, where necessary, to encourage
Enterprises could be required to participate
in cleaning up the environment as a sanction for excessive pollution. One
sanction for an institution that pollutes could be to require the implementation
of a verifiable and effective
The Government will put in place sanctions and fines that will be sufficiently severe to serve as deterrents to polluters. However, sanctions must be enforceable and fines will be sufficiently low as to be affordable and collectible.
3.
An organisation can approach its responsibility to the rule of law, whether primary or secondary legislation, in two different ways viz.:
i. A reactive attitude with environmental legislation being seen as almost intrusive as well as essentially contributing to increased costs.
ii. A pro-active approach which goes beyond compliance to legal requirements and towards environmental excellence. In this scenario, the organisation not only integrates legal, production and market objectives towards ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, but establishes programmes to deal effectively with its waste, reduce its environmental liability and enhances the company’s image while reducing costs, improving communication, product acceptance and its competitive advantage.
The concept of ‘Due Diligence’
for instance, where the polluter accepts responsibility for waste generation
‘from cradle to grave’, is an example of the proactive approach. The implementation
of an
A company’s environmental performance is assessed at a minimum by the use of established standards and targets that are based in law. An important environmental responsibility is therefore to work towards achieving the relevant standards as required by the various laws and regulations but not necessarily to be limited by these standards in setting targets within an organisation. Mechanisms that can be used to encourage compliance to legislation, as well as promoting environmental excellence are agreements between the regulator and the regulated, and guidelines.
The Government will not legislate the use of an environmental management system within organisations. Instead it will promote the voluntary application of a verifiable EMS to be incorporated in agreements and/or guidelines with the regulator. This framework will help to encourage organisations to move beyond compliance towards environmental excellence. Agreements will not replace the existing legislative arrangements but create an alternative regulatory pathway.
4. Regulatory Flexibility
The NEPA/NRCA already has in
place targets such as air, water and wastewater standards that are used
in evaluating an organisation’s environmental performance. However, performance
metrics, which incorporate and go beyond the current standards need to be
established. Use of an EMS to verify compliance of companies to environmental
regulations, albeit within a voluntary framework agreed between the regulator
and the company, offers an alternative regulatory pathway as one form of
regulatory flexibility. In this scenario an
The Government will, in addition
to its existing regulatory mechanism, introduce the use of regulatory flexibility
as an alternative regulatory pathway, through the use of an
innovative mix of legislation, agreements and guidelines, using
5. Environmental Reporting
The general public is a key stakeholder in the conservation
and sustainable use of
An approach to public environmental reporting will be introduced by the Government in consultation with the range of relevant stakeholders and in keeping with ISO 14000 requirements and international trends.
6. An Informed Citizenry
The general public has an important
responsibility in the protection of the environment. However, citizens can
only fulfil this role if they are informed and educated in a way that not
only sensitises them to the issues but also influences a change in behaviour.
To achieve this will require a consistent, targeted education
programme on the benefits of environmental protection. Information on the
link between a good quality environment and the quality of life of the average
citizen must be widely disseminated. The use of an
The Government will place emphasis on increasing the environmental awareness of civil society and influencing attitudinal changes by engaging in an aggressive and sustained public education programme.
7. Institutional Strengthening
The main institutions that will be responsible for implementing the EMS Policy and Strategy will be the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the Jamaica Bureau of Standards (JBS). Other agencies such as the National Solid Waste Management Authority, The National Water Commission’s Waste Management Division and the Parish Councils will also play a key role in providing the infrastructure base to implement and support sound environmental management programmes.
These institutions will reallocate their
existing resources and will be strengthened with new resources, allowing
them to be better able to increase their own internal efficiencies as well
as to adequately service the rest of the public sector, the private sector
and communities. Where applicable the agencies will be encouraged to implement
an
The EMS Policy and Strategy aims to achieve the following goals:
GOAL 1: To establish the framework within which Environmental Management Systems will be adopted across all sectors of society.
GOAL 2: To strengthen the legal and economic framework to facilitate the promotion and implementation of Environmental Management Systems.
GOAL 3: To ensure an informed public who will support and advocate for responsible environmental stewardship.
The strategies to support the policy goals
are outlined below. These strategies will build on on-going programmes, tackle
the weaknesses/challenges that have been identified in the policy development
process as well as introduce new initiatives. The EMS Policy & Strategy,
is a long- term process and will require on-going monitoring given the dynamics
of global issues and their impact on the country’s strategic directions. The
strategies contemplate a five-year timeframe* during which the programmes and
actions will be evaluated and reported on. At the end of this initial five years
there will be a complete review, impact analysis and update. This approach is
deliberate in order to adopt the
*Shaded areas indicate period of activity.
GOAL 1: To establish the framework within which Environmental Management Systems will be adopted across all sectors of society.
Strategy 1.1: Build capacity to plan,
implement, monitor and evaluate
The Government through
the GOJ/CIDA ENACT Programme has already begun to build capacity of public
sector institutions to incorporate environmental considerations into corporate
plans. In addition, through this programme the Government is implementing
an environmental stewardship programme in the Ministry of Finance &
Planning and the Ministry of Land & Environment. A “Lessons Learnt”
approach will be used to bring the other public sector institutions on board.
The
Roles / Responsibilities:
NEPA/NRCA will assume direct responsibility for actions 1.1.1 to 1.1.3 and 1.1.8 and will collaborate with the relevant entities in implementing the other actions.
Desired Policy/Strategy Outcomes:
All public sector institutions implementing
Outcome Indicators:
The
number of public sector institutions using
The level of environmental performance of public sector agencies.
ACTIONS:
1.1.1 Identify specific ministries, department and agencies to receive priority attention for capacity building.
1.1.2 Train staff in priority ministries, department and agencies.
1.1.3
Continue to sensitize
the public sector on
1.1.4
Incorporate
1.1.5 Greening of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Land and Environment as strategic lead public entities.
1.1.6 Greening of the other Government agencies.
1.1.7 Modify the Procurement Policy to include green procurement guidelines. [See action 2.2.3]
1.1.8
Incorporate
1.1.9 Implement a Pilot Project at the Local Government level, in three Parish Councils.
1.1.10
Integrate
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Strategy 1.2: Build the capacity of
The Government will build the capacity
of the National Environmental and Planning Agency (NEPA), which administers
the NRCA Act, so that this institution can adequately serve all sectors
of society in the area of
Roles / Responsibilities:
NEPA will be responsible for implementing Actions 1.2.1 to 1.2.9.
Desired Policy/Strategy Outcomes:
NEPA operating a flexible regulatory approach with a voluntary reporting scheme encouraged by incentives for continual improvement combined with strong enforcement.
Outcome Indicators:
The
number of institutions that have entered into Compliance Agreements with
NEPA using
The extent to which Compliance Agreements are adhered to.
ACTIONS:
1.2.1 Development of NEPA’s Environment Policy.
1.2.2
Implementation of
1.2.3 Implementation of a quality management system such as ISO 9000 within NEPA (including training of internal auditors)
1.2.4 Institutional strengthening support to the Pollution & Waste Management Division of NEPA.
1.2.5 Strengthening and ISO 9000 and 14001 certification of NEPA’s Laboratory.
1.2.6 Make relevant changes to the NRCA Act.
1.2.7 Put in place an EMS Resource Centre and designate two officers as EMS Technical Information Officers. [See Action 1.3.1]
1.2.8 Identify courses and programmes for management and policy makers in all sectors.
1.2.9
Conduct five study tours on
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Strategy 1.3: Build
the capacity of
The Jamaica Bureau of Standards (JBS) has
established an Environmental Management Systems Unit within the Standards
Department to: ensure
Twelve (12) standards in the ISO 14000 series have been published by ISO, of these six (6) have been made readily available at affordable prices through their adoption as Jamaican as Jamaican National Standards. Among these are ISO 14001, the standard used for certification and its accompanying implementation guide ISO 14004; as well as three (3) standards (ISO 14010 – 14012) covering environmental auditing and one guide on environmental labelling. Five standards are also at different stages of adoption.
Roles / Responsibilities:
The Bureau of Standards will be responsible for Actions 1.3.1 to 1.3.7.
Desired Policy/Strategy Outcomes:
There is a cadre of local certified auditors to adequately service the private sector and the Bureau of Standards, being fully accredited as a certifying body, has a large clientele of businesses being certified by it to various standards.
Outcome Indicators:
The extent to which the private sector is serviced by local certified auditors.
The number of businesses certified to the various standards by the Bureau of Standards.
ACTIONS:
1.3.1 Establish and maintain an EMS Technical Clearing House at the Bureau of Standards. [See Action 1.2.7]
1.3.2 Train and certify of auditors from JBS and the private sector to conduct 3rd party ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 certification audits.
1.3.3 Implement ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 at the JBS.
1.3.4 Training internal auditors from JBS and the private sector.
1.3.5 Establish and accredit a Registration/Certification Body at JBS.
1.3.6 Practically train and certify JBS personnel in HACCP.
1.3.7 Accredit JBS Laboratories.
Timeline (years)
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Strategy 1.4: Build capacity to plan, implement, monitor and evaluate
The Government will encourage companies to implement
environmental safeguards, to maintain the standards and environmental performance
to which they are committed, and to share their experiences with other local
businesses. Some private sector companies have already begun to implement
Roles / Responsibilities:
NEPA will have overall responsibility for implementing all these actions except for Action 1.4.7 for which JBS will be responsible. NEPA and JBS will collaborate in implementing Action 1.4.3.
Desired Policy/Strategy Outcomes:
Most Jamaican businesses
Implementing some form of
Outcome Indicators:
The number of businesses implementing
The extent to which companies have improved their environmental performance.
The extent to which companies have improved their international competitiveness.
ACTIONS:
1.4.1 Develop Local EMS case studies
1.4.2
Assist local environmental consulting firms to acquire the skills
to facilitate
1.4.3 Develop and implement pilot projects in small & medium sized businesses (SMEs) including the use of a mentorship programme in private sector.
1.4.4 Develop and implement a Corporate Leadership Programme including environmental reporting concepts.
1.4.5
Implement
1.4.6
The training of auditors from the private sector to carry out 3rd
party certification audits of
1.4.7 Develop waste management strategies and cleaner technology approaches to move practices towards prevention of pollution and reduction in the use of natural resources.
1.4.8 Develop a Waste Exchange Network with UWICED.
1.4.9 Develop codes of practice with key private sector groups.
1.4.10 Develop and implement an EMS Information Network.
Timeline (years)
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Strategy 1.5: Build capacity to plan,
implement, monitor and evaluate sustainable communities using an
Sustainable communities have a fundamental goal to achieve an improved quality of life and ultimately to pass on to future generations equal or increased natural, social and financial capital.
The
Roles / Responsibilities:
NEPA will be responsible for implementing Actions 1.5.1,1.5.2, and 1.5.5.
The Ministry of Local Government will be responsible for Action 1.5.3.
NEPA will collaborate with the NWC which will be responsible for Action 1.5.4.
Desired Policy/Strategy Outcomes:
At least three communities designated “Green Destination” and serving as models for other communities.
Outcome Indicators:
Three communities designated “Green Destinations”.
The number of other communities working towards and achieving the designation.
ACTIONS:
1.5.1 Develop strategies and methodologies
to incorporate the use of
1.5.2 Implement pilots using the methodology in the “Greening of three communities that are of priority environmental and economic significance.
1.5.3 Implement
1.5.4 Implement
1.5.5 Evaluate and disseminate the result of the pilots to relevant communities and agencies.
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GOAL 2: To strengthen the legal and economic framework to facilitate the promotion and implementation of Environmental Management Systems.
Strategy 2.1: Strengthen the legal framework for environmental regulation and reporting.
The Government will amend the NRCA Act to provide the
court with the option of sentencing an offender to implementing an
The Ministry of Land & Environment will consider using the services of the Auditor General or some other new public officer to report to Parliament and/or the Public Accounts Committee on the environmental performance of the various Ministries, Agencies and Departments of Government.
Roles / Responsibilities:
NEPA will be responsible for Actions 2.1.1 to 2.1.8.
NEPA and the Ministry of Land & Environment will collaborate with the Auditor General’s Department, the Chief Parliamentary Counsel and the Ministry of Finance in implementing Action 2.1.8.
Desired Policy/Strategy Outcomes:
NEPA operating with a regulatory flexibility approach on the one hand and with increased capacity to monitor and enforce environmental legislation.
Public institutions report annually to Parliament and/or the Public Accounts Committee on their environmental performance.
Outcome Indicators:
The number of institutions reporting on environmental performance.
ACTIONS:
2.1.1 Review existing legislation and identify required changes and/or additions.
2.1.2 Amend where appropriate the NRCA Act and Regulations. [ See Action 1.2.6]
2.1.3 Develop a regulatory flexibility alternative regulatory pathway within NEPA.
2.1.4 Increase fines for pollution.
2.1.5 Review and implement pollution fees.
2.1.6 Strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
2.1.7 Strengthen the legislative basis for accountability for environmental stewardship/performance in Government Institutions by amending the Auditor General Act.
2.1.8 Develop and put in place the framework for reporting on environmental performance.
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Strategy 2.2: Develop/Strengthen the
legal framework for the promotion of
The Government will review the Companies
Act, the Jamaica Stock Exchange Act, Fair Competition Act, Trade Act, Factories
Act, and the Food and Drug Regulations with a view to facilitating increased
competitiveness and sustainable business practices by promoting the use
of
Roles / Responsibilities:
NEPA will collaborate with the Ministry of Finance and Planning to carry out these actions.
Desired Policy/Strategy Outcomes:
Companies routinely report to the Registrar of Companies and the Stock Exchange where relevant on their environmental performance.
Suppliers of commodities to the Government and to the market in general carry environmentally friendly products.
Outcome Indicators:
The extent to which companies report on their environmental performance.
The extent to which there is an increase of environmentally friendly goods on the market.
ACTIONS
2.2.1 Review existing legislation and identify required changes and/or additions.
2.2.2 Amend the appropriate legislation.
2.2.3 Review and modify Government’s Procurement Regulations and develop a ‘green’ Procurement Plan [See Action 1.1.7].
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Strategy 2.3: Develop and apply appropriate market based instruments.
The PIOJ has carried out an analysis of the feasibility of applying Environmental Economic Policy Instruments (EEPI) to drive the National Industrial Policy. This will be further examined and Environment Incentives Legislation will be developed in respect of environment-friendly commodities or activities.
Government will also consider applying levies on enterprises for resource use and product charges based on harmfulness of substances in the product. A long-term programme of gradual introduction of tipping fees and formal fees for the collection of garbage will be instituted.
In an attempt to reduce waste by eliminating excessive consumption Government will institute an Environmental charge on utility companies.
Roles / Responsibilities:
PIOJ will be responsible for Actions 2.3.1 and 2.3.2.
NEPA will collaborate with the Ministry of Local Government who has responsibility for Action 2.3.3 and with the Office of Utilities Regulation with respect to 2.3.4.
Desired Policy/Strategy Outcomes:
Outcome Indicators:
ACTIONS:
2.3.1 Conduct cost: benefit analyses on economic incentives options.
2.3.2 Develop and apply Incentives for retrofitting with environmentally friendly plant and equipment.
2.3.3 Develop and apply appropriate solid waste management economic instruments e.g. tipping fees, deposit/refund schemes.
2.3.4 Develop and apply a environmental charge for the utilities sector to encourage more efficient use of resources.
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GOAL 3: To ensure an informed public who will support and advocate for responsible Environmental Stewardship.
Strategy 3.1: Carry out a continuous
Communications Campaign on
Successful
Roles / Responsibilities:
NEPA will be responsible for these actions.
Desired Policy/Strategy Outcomes:
Outcome Indicators:
ACTIONS:
3.1.1 Set up an EMS Resource Centre and an EMS Technical Clearing House. [See Actions 1.2.7 and 1.3.1]
3.1.2 Publish reports on environmental performance.
3.1.3 Design and Implement a Rewards and Recognition Scheme for good environmental citizens/corporations. [See Actions 1.4.6 and 1.4.12]
3.1.4
Develop partnerships with
media agencies in communicating the
3.1.5 Collaborate with NEEC and other relevant agencies in public education campaign.
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Strategy 3.2: Identify and seize opportunities for cultural change
with respect to people’s attitude towards environmental issues as they relate
to
Successful uptake of
The Government will also encourage consumers to demand environmentally friendly goods and services.
Roles / Responsibilities:
NEPA will be responsible for implementing Actions 3.2.1 to 3.2.3.
The Bureau of Standards will be responsible for Action 3.2.4.
NEPA will collaborate with the Ministry of Mining & Energy and Ministry of Water which have responsibility for Actions 3.2.5
NEPA will collaborate with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Technology which has responsibility for 3.2.6.
Desired Policy/Strategy Outcomes:
Workers
in
Consumer demand for environmentally friendly goods and services increases.
Outcome Indicators:
The extent to which workers at targeted institutions display a
more positive attitude towards
The extent to which consumer demand for environmentally friendly goods and services increases.
ACTIONS:
3.2.1
Conduct analysis of the desired ethical and cultural changes necessary
in implementing
3.2.2
Carry out a Gender Impact Analysis to ascertain if there is potential
for any gender bias in adopting
3.2.3
Collaborate with the JTURDC
to promote the change in work ethics and attitude that is required for successful
uptake of
3.2.4 Develop a labelling programme for green product and services.
3.2.5 Promote energy and water conservation programmes by developing demand side management programmes.
3.2.6 Promote “Green Consumerism” by establishing a “Buy Green Jamaica” Campaign.
Timeline (years)
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Strategy 3.3: Provide training and
information in
The National Environmental
Education Committee through the NEEAPSD has already started to build the
capacity of the Ministry of Education, the Faculty of Education, UWI, the
This strategy will build
on these efforts with a focus on
The government will
spearhead a regional initiative to promote the dissemination of information
on
Roles / Responsibilities:
NEPA will be responsible for these actions.
Desired Policy/Strategy Outcomes:
Knowledge
and skills in
There is a cadre of trained personnel in
Outcome Indicators:
The extent to which knowledge
and skills base in
The extent to which the network is used by the region.
The level of attendance / participation at the workshops/conferences.
ACTIONS:
3.3.1 Identify and/or develop courses and programmes for all levels of staff including managers and policy makers.
3.3.2
Collaborate with and support
the work of the National Environmental Education Committee (NEEC) in its
implementation of the National Environmental Education Action Plan for Sustainable
Development (NEEAPSD) in order to infuse
3.3.3 Identify and train change agents in the public and private sectors and in civil society.
3.3.4
Keep abreast of global
trends, innovations etc. in
3.3.5
Hold annual workshops on
Timeline (years)
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
4.0 Funding Strategy
GOJ will fund the execution of the
In addition, in many cases there are existing
programmes which, are already established within government departments for
which budgetary allocations for the most part are in place. Additionally, support
will come through bi-lateral projects. Already ongoing are the eight-year GOJ/CIDA-Environmental
action (ENACT) Programme, started in 1996 and the six-year GOJ/USAID – Coastal
Water Quality Improvement Project (CWIP) which started in 1998. Both these projects
which are being implemented by NEPA/NRCA, have a major focus on promoting
The above initiatives will be bolstered and new activities implemented through grant financing from the IDB/Multilateral Investment Fund and other project funding.
5.0 Monitoring and Evaluation
A “Plan, Do, Check and Act” management system approach (as shown in the diagram below) will be used to monitor, evaluate and review the EMS Policy and Strategy. This review process will be guided by the Ministry responsible for the environment in collaboration with the executing government institutions. In addition, the Minister responsible for the environment will give annual reports to Parliament.
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6.0 Supporting Documents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
APPENDIX
Overview of trends in
A following gives a brief overview as to the trends in
1. A Global Perspective
The
2. A Regional Perspective
3. The
3.1 Government’s Role
There are many areas of government programmes
and policies that impinge on each other and require a framework to effectively
promote the use of the
National Industrial Policy (NIP)
The National Industrial Policy, in seeking to address the weaknesses of the existing incentive schemes, committed the government to “reorient fiscal incentives in the direction of making them:
· more transparent, simple, and automatic;
· based on quantifiable and easily monitored performance standards;
· more flexible so that a broader cross-section of firms can benefit from the provisions, and,
· orientated equally to services, agriculture, and manufacturing activity.” [NIP, 1996, P. 58]
In the section on Environmental Policy, the NIP addresses the issue of incentives for enhancing the environmental practices of firms. “A system of environmental standards, regulations, and effective mechanisms for monitoring enforcement will be established and maintained. This system will be complemented by incentives to support environmentally friendly practices, processes, technologies, and products.” [NIP, 1996, P.105]
This represents an opportunity to insert provisions
for the adoption and implementation of clean technologies across all sectors
and the granting incentives that are tied to
The Jamaica National Environmental Action Plan [JANEAP, 1994, P.6] committed the Government to:
- applying the polluters pay principle to increase sewage fees, “introduce household refuse disposal fees and tipping fees”, special fees for the proper disposal and fines for the improper disposal of hazardous waste;
- tax incentives to encourage recycling and the use of environmentally friendly technologies
- promote deposit refund schemes to encourage the collection of litter and other recyclable waste
- special taxes for environmentally damaging products, such as fertilizers, pesticides, ozone depleting substances, batteries, fuels and hazardous substances such as dry cleaning fluids
- applying the users pay principle to natural resources in a similar fashion to royalties mandated under the Mining Act (1947). Targeted areas include fees for the extraction of underground water, for harvesting forest and fisheries resources, for visits by tourists to natural attractions, and for public use of national parks and protected areas.
In addition, JaNEAP 1999-2002 [P.18] commits the Government to utilization EMS to shift the mode of operation from being mainly reactive to becoming proactive and providing a systematic method of moving up the Environmental Management Hierarchy, achieving environmental objectives, and improved business competitiveness.
The Orane Report and KPMG Peat Marwick Report
GOJ has taken on board the recommendations of the Orane and Peat Marwick Reports to reduce government spending and to increase efficiency. – [Purpose of these reports to be included.]
Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development
One of the goals of the Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development is to improve the long-term competitive position of the industry and achieve self-sustained growth. The preservation of the natural environment is seen as one of the ways through which sustainability of the tourism industry can be achieved particularly as the industry is intricately linked to the quality of the environment. The Master Plan advocates the implementation of environmental management systems through voluntary self-regulated action by tourism stakeholders as one of the ways of ensuring the tourism industry’s commitment to environmental protection.
Bi-lateral Projects
The Canadian Government through the Canadian
International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Government of Jamaica through
NEPA/NRCA are funding an eight-year Environmental Action Programme (ENACT: 1994
-2004). The project seeks to increase the use of
¨ Government corporate plans and policy development
¨ Environmental stewardship through ‘greening of government’ operations.
¨ Capacity development of NEPA/NRCA
¨
¨ Clean Technology/Waste Management Systems
¨ Industrial and professional codes of practice/ethics
¨ Local Sustainable Development Planning
Additionally, GOJ/USAID projects through
Environmental Audits for Sustainable Tourism (EAST) Project and the Coastal
Water Quality Improvement Project (CWIP) are using the
In accordance with the above commitments,
Government’s role is to continue to put in place a system of environmental standards,
regulations, and the imposition of fines and other forms of sanctions for polluters
as well as effective mechanisms for monitoring and enforcement. Government will
lead by example to reduce spending and increase accountability in its own operations
by use of
3.2
Both the EMS Policy & Strategy - Benchmark Countries
Report and the EMS Policy & Strategy - Key Economic Sectors Report give
insight as to the status of
3.2.1 Tourism
The construction of many hotels and their
beach/shoreline works have disturbed the natural currents in the sea and contributed
to erosion of the beaches. The waste from hotels and other tourist facilities,
including cruise ships, has been causing the deterioration of the quality of
the beaches, the reefs and the water. With facilities outgrowing limited infrastructure
for waste disposal and weak regulations, the strong demand for
The demand for a healthy environment by
tourists is driving the industry to higher and higher standards. The GOJ/USAID Environmental Audits for Sustainable Tourism (EAST)
project audited twenty (20)
hotels for "energy use, water use, waste water generation, solid waste
generation, use of chemicals and management and staff practices. The audits
conducted by the project successfully identified savings in each hotel. It also
found that there was a relatively low level of awareness of environmental issues
among the management and that most managers were unwilling to invest in the
solutions that would make them realize the potential savings from an
There are other examples of eco‑tourism facilities and services initiating changes to reduce the negative impacts of their activities on the environment. These vary from attractions with “no litter” policy to communities launching community eco‑tourism initiatives such as Bluefields in Westmoreland.
However, environmental considerations are
non-existent in the majority of tourism entities in
3.2.2 Alumina/Bauxite
The bauxite companies in general recognise
the value of
The main obstacles encountered in implementing have been document control and getting the workforce to adhere to the dictates of the system as well as following the documented procedures.
3.2.3 Agriculture
The agricultural export sector has
become more chemical intensive. It is estimated that about a third of the pollution
of the
Coffee
The main driving force is global
competition with international pressure building on the coffee industry
for an environmentally friendly product. In the coffee industry in
Banana
The banana industry in
3.2.4 Agro-Processing
Rum
The distilleries in
Sugar
For some time now, pressure has been building on
the industry to address the improper disposal of wastewater. There has been very little emphasis
on
While
the agro-business sector is cognizant of the need to achieve international quality
standards e.g. HACCP, very little work has been done to promote systems in the
sector especially among processors. As the sector moves towards HACCP readiness,
special attention should also be paid to implementing an