Environmental Policy

The environmental policy of Jamaica is embodied in a statement of objectives enunciated in the JANEAP of 1992. These objectives include:
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 manner.
Ensuring good air quality in Jamaica.
Ensuring surface and underground water are in sufficient quantities and quality appropriate for present and future human needs and ecosystem integrity.
Ensuring that urban and rural land is used in the most beneficial and sustainable way.
Providing for the protection and conservation of plants and animal species, particularly endemic species.
Minimizing the impact of natural hazards and environmental hazards on the population, the economy and on natural systems.
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.

To the above are now added the following objectives:

Promoting research and development of appropriate technology which are 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.

It is proposed that during 1995, a National Environmental Policy document will be produced, through a consultative process, to expand upon the above concepts.

Since the UNCED Conference in Brazil and the elaboration of Agenda 21, official policy on the environment now explicitly articulates the linking of environment with the development process to ensure that national development takes place in a sustainable manner. In addition, the present national review of the Constitution of Jamaica has accepted in principle that our constitution should address environmental conservation and preservation of ecosystem integrity. Consequently, it is expected that a statement will be framed within the new Jamaican constitution to reflect this.

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