Biodiversity

Chapter Introduction

Jamaica boasts a rich natural heritage created by the country's varied topography, geology, and drainage. This richness, or "biodiversity" as it is often referred to, is reflected both in the variety of natural areas as well as the many different kinds of plants and animals found in Jamaica. Jamaica ranks 5th amongst the islands of the world with respect to "endemic" species, those found only here and nowhere else. This rich natural heritage creates the scenic beauty which both visitors and locals seek out and enjoy. Protected Areas provide a means to conserve and sustainably use the nation’s biological resources. They range from National Parks and Marine Parks, to Fish Sanctuaries, Forest Reserves, Water Quality Control areas, beaches and open spaces. Protected areas are central to conservation efforts in the four large centers of terrestrial biodiversity in Jamaica: the Blue and John Crow Mountains, Cockpit Country, the Black River Morass, and Portland Ridge to Hellshire.

 What is the general situation with these ISSUES

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