Members of the UWI Department of Geology and Geography in collaboration with the Adaptation Programme and Financing Mechanism having their second consultation meeting on sediment budgeting in the Upper Rio Minho Watershed, Clarendon.
Efficient spatial planning is a critical avenue through which climate change adaptation can be facilitated. Public consultation on the development of a national spatial plan for Jamaica is now underway. The first workshop was in Kingston and followed by another in Montego Bay June 13, 2018 and June 14, 2018.
In the photo above, Ms. Francis Blair (left) from the National Environment and Planning Agency and Olivia Palin from Acclimatise welcomed participants at the National Spatial Planning consultative workshop in Kingston.
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation has launched ‘The Process for the Development of the National Spatial Plan’ and signed a contract with Acclimatize Group Limited to draft its technical papers.
The National Spatial Plan, which was conceptualised in 2009, will ensure the optimal use of the nation’s land and marine resources and outline the framework for their effective use and management, along with addressing issues regarding climate change.
Speaking at the launch, which took place at Jamaica House today, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Audrey Sewell, said according to the 2012 State of the Climate Report, Jamaica has experienced several storms and hurricanes in the past decade with severe flooding, which has resulted in loss of lives and the destruction of goods amounting to approximately US$129 billion.
She said this is one of the reasons why the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation has a keen interest in the development of the National Spatial Plan, as it will address Jamaica’s issues regarding climate change and help stakeholders to better prepare for unprecedented weather events.
“The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation has placed a major focus on climate change and its impact, since the phenomenon poses a threat to economic growth and development,” Sewell said.
“We would be negligent if we did not prepare for unprecedented weather events. The National Spatial Plan will address the major challenges of climate and disaster risks, while protecting the environment, improving natural resources management and enhancing the quality of the built environment,” she added.
The project has been established through a Grant Agreement signed between the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government.
Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/National_Spatial_Plan_to_be_developed?profile=1228
ENVIRONMENTAL education, especially of the hands-on variety, is an essential tool for Jamaica’s sustainability.
When the students are themselves training to be our nation’s educators, it has tremendous added value.
The Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) funded two projects, awarded in 2016 and 2017, at Moneague College in St Ann, under the Special Climate Change Adaptation Fund (SCCAF).
The focus is on food security, water and soil conservation and renewable energy. The projects provide an on-the-spot training ground for students to deepen their understanding of the connections between agriculture, climate change and the environment.
The ongoing Soil Conservation for Safety and Sustainability project valued at J$3.5 million – and now documented in a manual at the college – was initially affected by heavy rains in St Ann.
“This actually proved to be a good test for the gabion baskets, waterways and culverts installed. Rainwater now empties into a gully, avoiding dangerous and destructive flooding on the campus. Special grasses have been planted to conserve soil,” said a press release from the EFJ.
The J$3.9-million greenhouse project also serves as a training tool, while providing nutrition for more than 600 cafeteria users daily.
“Having already reaped sweet peppers and pak choi, the next crop will be purple cabbage,” revealed assistant dean in the School of Natural and Applied Sciences and project manager, Desmond Campbell.
Moreover, a rainwater harvesting arrangement irrigates the greenhouse, reducing runoff and soil erosion. Six solar panels power a submersible water pump, and there are plans to expand this to serve the college itself.
Campbell said the projects are positively impacting learning at the 62-year-old multidisciplinary institution, which caters to 1,338 students annually. The Introduction to Environment and Sustainable Development course has greatly benefited, alongside the recently accredited Environmental Studies Associate Degree and BA programmes.
In 2016 and 2017, the EFJ funded a total of 80 grants valued at J$361.56 million.
“The EFJ has helped Moneague College to create a model of sustainability for Jamaica,” said Campbell.
