Policy for the National System of Protected Areas Government of Jamaica November 1997 Contents Review and Comment Process...................................................................................1 Acronyms...................................................................................................................2 Introduction................................................................................................................4 Goals ..........................................................................................................................5 Types of Protected Areas...........................................................................................8 Roles and Responsibilities.........................................................................................12 Planning Protected Areas...........................................................................................19 Establishing Protected Areas .....................................................................................22 Financial Management...............................................................................................25 Legal Framework.......................................................................................................29 Management and Operations Policies........................................................................33 Implementation Programme.......................................................................................37 Protected Area Candidates.........................................................................................40 Conclusion .................................................................................................................43 Review & Comment Process A Green Paper is a draft statement of Government policy on a particular topic. Fourteen public meetings were held in parishes throughout the country to discuss the document in addition to meetings targeting government, donor and non-governmental agency representatives. Copies of the Green Paper were also distributed to libraries, Parish Council and other government offices throughout the country. It has been revised following nationwide discussion and commentary and, upon approval by Parliament and Cabinet becomes official policy. 2 Acronyms CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species EFJ Environmental Foundation of Jamaica EPF Environmental Policy Framework FD Fisheries Division FSCD Forestry and Soil Conservation Department GOJ Government of Jamaica IOJ Institute of Jamaica IUCN World Conservation Union JCF Jamaica Constabulary Force JDF Jamaica Defence Force JFB Jamaica Fire Brigade JNHT Jamaica National Heritage Trust JNPTF Jamaica National Parks Trust Fund LAC Local Advisory Committee LME Local Management Entity NEST National Environmental Societies Trust NGO Non-Governmental Organizations NHT National Housing Trust NRCA Natural Resources Conservation Authority NWC National Water Commission ODPEM Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management PAPMB Protected Area Policy and Management Branch PIOJ Planning Institute of Jamaica RADA Rural Agricultural Development Agency 3 Acronyms SPAW Protocol on Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife TCPA Town and Country Planning Authority TPD Town Planning Department TPDCo. Tourism Product Development Company UDC Urban Development Corporation WRA Water Resources Authority 4 INTRODUCTION The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) is pleased to present this policy framework for the National System of Protected Areas. A protected area is an area of land or water that is managed for the protection and maintenance of its ecological systems, biodiversity and/or specific natural, cultural or aesthetic resources. With its extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna, land and water habitats, and wild and human landscapes, Jamaica needs a system of protected areas as a key part of its national development strategy. The system is an expression of Jamaica’s commitment to protecting its environment and resources that are of recognized national and international importance. The country’s two existing national parks and others in the protected area system still to be created, have a crucial role to play in preventing degradation of land and marine ecosystems. Special types of protected areas will be equally crucial to maintaining the island’s extraordinary biological, scenic and cultural diversity. In most instances, the creation of additional protected areas will not reduce the private use and ownership of land. On the contrary, it will lead to more productive use on a sustained basis, with benefits for local residents and for Jamaica’s economy. The Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA), as the organization charged by the Government with responsibility for overall environmental management, has the pivotal role in the establishment of a National System of Protected Areas. In carrying out its responsibility for setting the policy framework for protected areas, it has consulted with numerous organizations and individuals and has produced this policy. It is to be clearly understood that the concept of protected areas in spite of it’s name does not promote an anti-development notion. Achieving a comprehensive system and realizing its potential benefits will depend on the cooperation of all Jamaicans and a partnership among the Government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), community groups, and landowners, especially private landowners and government agencies with responsibility for the management of vast areas of land. Many parts of the system are only in the early stages of formation while others are still being planned. It is hoped that this document will lead to enhanced cooperation and coordination of management among the many participants in proposing, planning and managing protected areas across the country. 5 1. Goals for Jamaica’s System of Protected Areas The various types of protected areas in Jamaica should, individually and as part of a comprehensive system, contribute to achieving common environmental, economic, cultural and social goals. The system should be an essential tool for environmental protection, conserving essential resources for sustainable use, helping to expand and diversify economic development, and contributing to public recreation and education. Local co-management and sustainable management programmes are guiding principles for ensuring permanent protection. Goal 1 Expand and diversify Jamaica's natural resource based economy. Economic - Improve and sustain the livelihoods of individuals and local communities by Development increasing their earning capacity. - Protect the supply and quality of basic natural resources that support most economic activity including water, air and the productive land base. - Promote environmentally sound land management and research into production and harvesting practices. - Use the opportunities presented by the protected areas system to research improved methods of sustainable resource use. - Ensure that the protected area system contributes significantly to the sustainability of the critical tourism sector by protecting beaches, coastal waters, coral reefs, mountains, forests, wildlife, nature interpretation and cultural opportunities, and internationally - recognized protected areas. 6 Goal 2 Conserve Jamaica's heritage as represented by its biodiversity, scenic Environmental landscapes and cultural resources. Jamaica is home to a rich array of living organisms whose genetic diversity and relationships with each other Conservation and with their physical environment constitute the island’s biodiversity. - Preserve major representative stocks or areas of all of Jamaica's biological resources, including populations of indigenous animal and plant species, natural communities and ecosystems. - Preserve major or representative components of Jamaica's natural and cultural heritage - including wildlife, vegetation, habitats, genetic resources, landscape types, prominent natural features, historic sites and buildings, as well as treasured vistas and scenic areas - and provide for their compatible use and enjoyment by the Jamaican people and others. Goal 3 Protect ecological systems which provide goods and services. Sustainable - Restore, protect and enhance watersheds, rivers, wetlands, coral reefs, and Resource Use other important ecosystems so that essential resources, such as water, soil, trees, wildlife, fish and shellfish, are available for sustainable economic use. - Restore and protect ecosystems, such as coral reefs, beaches and dunes, wetlands and forested hillsides, that maintain life-support processes and reduce risks from natural disasters. Goal 4 Provide recreational and educational opportunities to improve the quality Recreation and of life for all Jamaicans and visitors. Public - Provide outdoor recreation opportunities and services for the Jamaican Education public and visitors, in ways and at levels compatible with the protection and sustainable use of natural areas. - Promote greater understanding of ecological systems and their components by preserving natural systems and providing opportunities for ecological and other scientific research. - Promote environmental educational opportunities. - Promote appreciation of historic and cultural resources and landscapes reflecting appropriate traditional responses to the natural environment. 7 Goal 5 Promote local interest, commitment and support for protected