Public Awareness

Government recognizes that public awareness of environmental issues is critical to gain support for environmental protection, environmental cost-recovery and sustainable development of resources. An effort is being made to generate this widespread support from the population by motivating a change in behaviour and attitudes among individuals through effective public education and awareness programmes. The Environmental Education, Public Information and Outreach Branch of the NRCA will be conducting programmes to accomplish this goal. A National Environmental Education Committee, (the focal point of the Government's strategy for public awareness and education), has been established, and currently the NRCA is in consultations with the Ministry of Education and Culture to incorporate environmental issues within the school curriculum. Progress is being made in this direction.

Efforts are being made also to promote awareness and understanding of environmental issues through the media. Radio, print and television programmes have proven popular. Earth Day is observed as well as National Environmental Awareness Week, in collaboration with the NGO community as well as with private sector groups in manufacturing, commerce, construction, transport and other related services. There are plans to target other important groups such as the police and judiciary to further sensitize them to environmental issues.

The efforts of the Jamaica Conservation Trust (JCDT), the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ), the Portland Environmental Protection Agency (PEPA), Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society, National Environmental Societies Trust (NEST) and other NGOs both within and outside the umbrella of NEST have done much to create environmental awareness and provide education. The Government recognizes the valuable contribution which these and other agencies are making. The Environmental Foundation of Jamaica, The Canadian Green Fund, and local organizations such as the ICWI Foundation, and the Service Clubs have provided grants to several groups for environmental programmes. The NRCA provides technical assistance and resource material in supporting NGO's and community based organizations involved in environmental awareness programmes.

During the next three years, the Government will continue to develop its Public Outreach and Education Programme by working with NGOs and the National Environmental Education Committee. In particular, Government will support efforts to create stakeholder associations and promote alternative economic activities which are environmentally sound among charcoal burners and other similar groups. The NRCA will also continue to work to see environmental issues included within the schools curriculum.

The NRCA has prepared a Directory of Environmental Education Activities in both the formal and informal sectors, national co-ordination of all environmental education activities have been reinforced and will be carried forward toward the development of a National Environmental Education Programme.

The NRCA will develop and implement a National Environmental Education Policy and act as the focal point for a National Environmental Education Network.

Government through the NRCA will continue to maintain regional linkages through the Caribbean Conservation Association and the UNESCO-UNEP Caribbean Environmental Education Programme, so as to maximise the use of available resources and learn from as well as contribute to the experience of others in this field. It will also comply with international environmental treaty obligations and use Public Education and Awareness programmes to obtain compliance.