A study on Jamaica’s mangroves has estimated that they provide approximately US$32.7 million dollars in protection to Jamaica’s heavily settled coastline areas.

The study, which was funded by the Program on Forests (PROFOR) through the World Bank, involved several stakeholders including the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA); the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM); the University of California, Santa Cruz; and the University of the West Indies.

The study, entitled “Report Launch of the Forces of Nature Assessment and Economic Valuation of Coastal Protection Services provided by Mangroves in Jamaica (PROFOR Project)” was launched yesterday (November 20) at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston.

Speaking at the launch, Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Daryl Vaz, noted that even with the presence of mangroves, the estimate of coastal flooding due to storms here in Jamaica has been put at US$136.4 million in damages.

“What is alarming though, is that without mangroves the estimated damage from flooding would be US$169 million annually”, the Minister said.

 “Our mangroves are therefore estimated to provide US$32.7 million in protection to our coastlines.  When you factor in the protection of approximately US$2.4 billion in assets (people and infrastructure) during storms, the value of mangroves is more than US$186 million per hectare of mangroves”, Minister Vaz said. 

The Minister noted that because of the hilly features of the interior, much of Jamaica’s physical infrastructure such as our electricity generating plants, international airports and seaports, our major roadways among other assets, are located near our coastline.

“Mangroves act as the first and most significant line of defence. Their location between land and sea, their durability and flexibility make them a haven for biodiversity and add to their usefulness and productivity” he said.

Minister Vaz commended the Forestry Department which is currently conducting an assessment of all the mangroves across Jamaica, to determine the national baseline status with regard to spatial distribution, composition and health. 

Since the assessment started in January 2019, the Forestry Department has completed approximately 4600 hectares.

“On completion of this national assessment of the approximately 9700 hectares of mangroves identified in the 2013 land use assessment of Jamaica, the information will feed into the development of a National Mangrove Management Plan”, Minister Vaz said.

He also commended and congratulated all the stakeholders involved in the project.

“I believe in partnerships, particularly since we are all in this together.  Natural hazards and climate change do not discriminate between rich or poor, man or woman, public sector or private.  Prince or pauper, we are all going to be affected. I am particularly pleased that 62-Jamaicans comprising 75 percent of the total project workforce, were involved in this project because it will translate to meaningful action at the local level” Minister Vaz said.

He further added that the insightful and comprehensive research that went into this study will inform our policies, programmes, and plans in regard to disaster mitigation and recovery and in particular the conservation and restoration of our mangroves as we seek to ensure a sustainable future for Jamaica.

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Twelve students from the Enid Bennett High School in Bog Walk, St Catherine have been appointed Water Monitors as part of the recently established Water IQ initiative (WIQI).

The initiative seeks to ensure that students develop proper water conservation strategies while simultaneously developing initiatives to raise awareness within the school.

In his remarks at the Rainwater Harvesting Commissioning ceremony at the Enid Bennet High School on Tuesday (October 8), Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr, said the students now have a huge responsibility, not just for their schools, but for their homes and for the future of our country.

“If change is to come, it must be preceded by a change in our outlook and in the way we treat our resources”, Minister Charles Jr. said.

Principal of the Enid Bennett High School Patrick Phillips said the school gladly welcomes the rainwater harvesting infrastructure as well as the appointment of the 12 students as Water Monitors.

“The school system is to socialize students to learn to solve problems and so having the Water Monitors and Rainwater Harvesting System is addressing some of the issues we have with water conservation”, Mr. Phillips said.

Mr. Phillips added that having students as part of the process will enable them to influence their peers as well as relatives at home to conserve water.

The appointment of these high school students come on the heels of a similar appointment of 12 students at the Rock Hall All-Age School in Red Hills, St Andrew, last week, where a similar rainwater harvesting infrastructure was commissioned to the tune of $9 million.

WIQI is a collaborative initiative involving the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), the National Water Commission (NWC), Rural Water Supply Limited (RWSL) and the Water Resources Authority (WRA).

The initiative is being carried in conjunction with the RWSL Rainwater Harvesting School programme and targets schools as one of the critical institutions in our society that has the responsibility of moulding the mindset and the direction of our future by promoting behavioural change.

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The Rural Water Supply Limited (RWSL) in partnership with the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), yesterday (October 8, 2019) officially commissioned a Rainwater Harvesting System at the Enid Bennett High School in Bog Walk, St Catherine.

The rainwater harvesting project which began at the school in December 2018 was completed at a cost of approximately $7 million.

The system was set up by the RWSL and saw the installation of four 1000 gallon black tanks, solar-powered pump and electrics, construction of a 20,000 gallon block and steel water tank; installation of over 700 feet of PVC pipes and 650 feet of gutters to support the system.

In his address at the commissioning ceremony on the grounds of the institution, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr said the installation of the rainwater harvesting infrastructure will go a long way to make Enid Bennett water secure.

He, however, said that there needs to be a change in our attitude towards water.

“There needs to be a complete 180 in how we use the resource if these structures are going to bring maximum impact”, he said.

“No longer can we merely live in the present, we must also contemplate the future. We must change our overall mindset if we are to build our resilience and ensure that the world our children are to inherit will be one without the problems we face today,” Sen. Charles Jr. added.

Principal, Patrick Phillips, said the School Board, administration, teachers, students and other stakeholders gladly welcome the rainwater harvesting infrastructure.

“Having this system in place will address some of the issues that we were having with water conservation and will prove beneficial to our farm, bathroom facilities and our playing field”, Mr. Phillips said.

The installation of the rainwater harvesting infrastructure at the Enid Bennett High school follows on the heels of the commissioning of another such infrastructure at the Rock Hall All-Age School in Red Hills, St Andrew last week.

The system at Rock Hall All-Age was installed at a cost of approximately $9 million. That project saw the installation of water harvesting gutters, black tanks, construction and installation of 20,000 gallons and 10,000 gallons Ferro-cement tanks, supply and installation of water pumps, standby Generator and Solar Panels.

During both ceremonies, several students from each school were appointed water Monitors under the Ministry’s recently established WiQi initiative which is a collaborative with, the National Water Commission (NWC), Water Resources Authority (WRA) and RWSL.

The Rural Water Supply Limited commenced its Rainwater Harvesting programme in 2011 with works on the Maldon and Chatsworth Schools in St James and the Police Convalescent Centre in St Elizabeth. Eleven schools have benefited so far from the programme, with over a dozen more across the parishes of Clarendon, Manchester, St Elizabeth, St Andrew, St Thomas, St James and Hanover to benefit.

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The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC) with guaranteed funding support from the National Housing Trust (NHT), is currently embarking on a comprehensive survey of squatter settlements in Jamaica.

This exercise is aimed at achieving a more accurate determination of squatting, so as to inform policy decisions and Government intervention to address related issues.

Data collection commenced on July 22, 2019, in the parish of Clarendon.

To date, the Team has administered surveys to 3,010 households in 40 communities in two (2) Constituencies (South Eastern Clarendon and South Western Clarendon). On completion of Clarendon, the team will then move on to the parish of Manchester.

The required Geographic Information Systems (GIS) expertise has been engaged to provide various outputs from this exercise. These will include a survey report, a variety of maps and the establishment of a geo-database on squatting. It will also prove extremely valuable in informing low-income housing interventions primarily undertaken by the Ministry and the NHT.

Senior Director, Housing Management at the MEGJC, Authrine Scarlett says this survey will be critical in addressing a number of issues related to squatting across the country.

“This is really a pivotal moment for the country as we seek to address this issue of squatting because not only will it take the guesswork out of the true numbers, the GIS technology which we are utilizing will allow us to represent the information in a spatial way which will enhance our ability to develop strategies to treat with these areas”, explained Mrs Scarlett.

According to Minister without Portfolio at the MEGJC, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr., the exercise is aimed at achieving a more accurate assessment of squatting in Jamaica, which is needed for government policy and planning.

“The squatter survey has been an agenda item for some time but we are now focused on bringing it to completion. We must, as the survey is essential in providing a comprehensive understanding of our existing circumstances. This is needed if we are to develop sensible policies and procedures to resolve the challenges faced by so many in non-regularized settlements across Jamaica”, said the Minister.

Senator Charles Jr. is also asking citizens to cooperate with the process, “I implore Jamaicans to support this process by cooperating with our researchers in the field and provide them with accurate and reliable information to ensure a successful initiative. The process has been progressing smoothly thus far and we are just encouraging citizens to continue to facilitate the process in order for us to get the survey done in a timely and efficient manner”.

The survey is being coordinated by the Squatter and Environment Management Unit of the Ministry which has the mandate for policy development and coordination of the management of squatting on public lands.

In keeping with Government’s mandate to create job opportunities for the youth, the Ministry is also collaborating with the Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) Programme and HEART Trust/NTA to engage data collectors.                                                                

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Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC) Hon. Daryl Vaz, says the Government has noted concerns about the possibility of the Blue and John Crow Mountains being in danger of losing their UNESCO World Heritage Site status and will be taking steps to address the issues.

Minister Vaz who was speaking at the launch of the National Tree Planting Initiative and the 17^th staging of National  Tree Planting Day this morning (October 4) at Jamaica House, made reference to a newspaper headline this week asserting that the slash and burn methods being employed by coffee farmers who own or lease lands within the area, are incrementally destroying the designated area.

“This is a delicate matter but one that the Government is taking very seriously and therefore will be giving the matter immediate and urgent attention with a view to arriving at a feasible solution for all stakeholders. As such, I will be convening a meeting in short order with the relevant Government agencies and stakeholders”, Minister Vaz said.

He noted that if the forests are cut down without regard for sustainable forest management, the watersheds will be degraded and the nation’s water supply challenges will worsen in the future. 

“We are barely emerging from one of the worst drought experiences, where even traditionally rainy parishes such as Portland, were affected”, Minister Vaz said, adding that the Government will  be taking proactive steps to protect and preserve the country’s forest cover, through the implementation of projects such as the Support for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) Readiness Preparation Project.

The REDD+ Project is, being implemented by the Forestry Department is funded by the Green Climate Fund in the amount of US$613,000.

The launch ceremony for the National Tree Planting Initiative was held under the theme “Three Million Trees in Three Years … Plant a tree today, for a Prosperous Tomorrow”.

Minister Vaz noted that the launch of the Initiative which was announced recently by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, when he delivered Jamaica’s Policy statement at the General Debate at the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, is a strong indicator of how seriously the Government is taking the effects of climate change, and how much work it will be undertaking to become climate resilient.

He added that it is only fitting that the launch should fall on the same day as the 17th staging of National Tree Planting Day which is being celebrated this year under the theme, “Plant yuh owna tree, an some fi di res’ a we.  Give back to your community”.

He noted that the National Tree Planting Initiative and the annual celebration of National Tree Planting Day will serve to further increase awareness among all Jamaicans, about the vital role that trees play in our lives. 

“Three million trees in three years is an ambitious, but achievable target.  The trees we plant today, tomorrow, and in coming years, will symbolize a nation that is alive, prosperous and growing, and so I want to urge all Jamaicans to obtain their seedlings from Forestry Department nurseries and select offices across the island”, he added.

“Go out and ‘Plant yuh owna tree, an some fi di res’ a we….Give back to your community’, he stressed, while emphasizing that Jamaicans should immediately get on board and “plant a tree today, for a prosperous tomorrow”.

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The “Bucket Patrol” has ended at the Rock Hall All-Age School in Red Hills, St Andrew following the commissioning of a Rainwater Harvesting System on the grounds of the institution yesterday (Tuesday, October 1).

The system was installed by the Rural Water Supply Limited at a cost of approximately $9 million. The project saw the installation of water harvesting gutters, black tanks, construction and installation of 20,000 gallons and 10,000 gallons Ferro-cement tanks, supply and installation of water pumps, standby Generator and Solar Panels.

Principal of the school, Paula Plummer said that before they had the system they struggled in terms of regular water supply and while they had a huge tank, many times they ended up calling the water truck two or three times per week.

“It was a really desperate situation and now that we have the system, water is always in the tap, whether it is pumped up through the tanks into the areas we need it like the bathrooms, the kitchens. We don’t carry buckets of water anymore. The bucket patrol as we mocked them and say, funnily though, has retired. We have water when we need it and we are forever grateful”, she said. 

In the meantime, Sen. the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr, who gave the main address, told the audience which included parents and other residents from surrounding communities, that as a Small Island Developing State, we are constantly bombarded by threats not just to our comfort but to our very existence.

“The worsening of climate change and the effect it has on our natural resources, in particular, the availability of water, will affect not just our homes, but our economy, our peace and security and our development”, he said.

“Today we gather to celebrate one of the first steps being taken by this Government and its agencies to build our country’s resilience against climate change”, Minister Charles Jr. added.

He noted the need for more investment in green technologies such as Rainwater Harvesting and solar energy as sustainable responses to climate change, adding that we can only build resilience through changed behaviour.

Minister Charles Jr also highlighted that the recently concluded United Nations Summit on Climate Change accepted that things may get worse before they improve.

“That is a serious cause for concern for countries such as Jamaica that rely so heavily on rainwater for its very survival,” he said.

The Rural Water Supply Limited commenced its Rainwater Harvesting programme in 2011 with works on the Maldon and Chatsworth Schools in St James and the Police Convalescent Centre in St Elizabeth.

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Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Hon. Daryl Vaz,  is urging investors to seize opportunities in Jamaica, in light of the country’s increasing economic accomplishments. 

Addressing investors at the Investment Breakfast Meeting held at the Manhattan Offices of the Consulate General of Jamaica in New York on September, 24 2019, the Minister said, “the trajectory for opportunities and Jamaica’s economic performance is a positive one”.

He highlighted that there are current and upcoming investment opportunities waiting to be had in strong performing sectors such as Tourism, Infrastructure and Business Process Outsourcing.

The breakfast meeting formed part of a greater strategic move to engage prospective investors in key markets on how the Government of Jamaica can help them to take advantage of potential investment opportunities.

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Alleng and a team from the Adaptation Programme and Financing Mechanism (AP&FM) of the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience (PPCR) were doing a tour of the Reforestation and Agroforestry initiatives in the Upper Rio Minho Watershed area of Clarendon last Friday (August 23, 2019). The Watershed is regarded as one of the most degraded in the island yet it is responsible for over 20% of the water produced in central Jamaica. The AP&FM with funding from the Climate Investment Funds through the IDB is working with 33 communities in the Watershed to restore the watershed and boost the climate resilience of the communities there. The replanting exercise was organized by the Northern Rio Minho Local Forest Management Committee.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced an initiative that will see three million trees being planted across the island.

The National Tree Planting Initiative will be launched on Friday, October 4, 2019, at Jamaica House and is to be in operation for three years.

The National Tree Planting Initiative is aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and represents a tree being planted for every Jamaican.

Prime Minister Holness asserted that the Government remains committed to the reduction of the erosion of watersheds and the attendant impact on coastal ecosystems.

The Prime Minister’s comments came today (September 27) as he delivered Jamaica’s Policy statement at the General Debate 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

“Jamaica and other Caribbean islands have the first-hand experience of the increase in the intensity of hurricanes as well as intermittent increased rainfall and extended periods of droughts. These adverse weather events have resulted in major economic losses and dislocation across the region. Jamaica has adopted several policies and legislative measures to reduce our vulnerability to natural hazards and to adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes the development of a comprehensive and first of its kind, Public Financial Disaster Risk Management policy with provisions for financial risk protection, including budgetary contingency funds and state-contingent debt instruments,” said Prime Minister Holness.

In that regard, Prime Minister Holness stated that more action is needed at the national and global levels to urgently tackle climate change.

The Prime Minister also added that efforts towards climate action will require adequate financing, transformative and scalable programmes.

According to Prime Minister Holness, the effects of climate change are intensifying, with coastal cities and low-lying island nations facing the greatest risk, citing the recent devastation wrought by Hurricane Dorian, in the Bahamas.

In the meantime, Prime Minister Holness stated that he was honoured to jointly lead with the leaders of France and Qatar, the Climate Finance and Carbon Pricing track at the recently concluded UN Climate Action Summit.                                                           

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Jamaica has applied to the Climate Action Enhancement Package (CAEP) with the hope of securing the financial support to complete a long term Green House Gas emission reduction and resilient development strategy for a period up to 2050.

This was disclosed in a statement at the launch of the CAEP at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, earlier this week, by Hon. Daryl Vaz, Minister Without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

“This strategy will undoubtedly embellish our NDC implementation efforts and will be consistent with the international goals and vision of net-zero by 2050. It will also help avoid locking in high-carbon technologies and reduce observed and anticipated vulnerabilities for decades to come,” the Minister said in his statement.

NDC’s or Nationally Determined Contributions are (intended) reductions in greenhouse gas emissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Minister Vaz noted that the Government of Jamaica is looking forward to being listed among the countries committed to increasing ambition in climate action and in being recognized amongst the group of countries and other stakeholders that are setting carbon neutrality goals toward 2050

“In June 2018, the Government of Jamaica communicated an interest to become a member of the Nationally Determined Contribution Partnership and we are happy to announce that membership was successfully confirmed in August that same year.

This bold step was deemed necessary as Jamaica is committed to the global efforts to address climate change and to the implementation of the sustainable development goals” the Minister said.

The Minister added that Jamaica is aligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the Guiding Principles of the NDC Partnership, as exemplified in its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)

“Our first NDC was focused only on the energy sector. Jamaica has committed to submitting a revised and enhanced NDC by 2020. My Government will accomplish this through very fruitful collaboration with the NDC Partnership and the World Bank with whom we are working to complete an assessment of the current potential for greenhouse gas reduction and avoidance,” the Minister said.

In the enhanced NDC Jamaica intends to further strengthen synergies between mitigation and adaptation across proposed commitments and policies, including by adopting a comprehensive blue economy approach and thereby reducing the acute vulnerability of its natural assets.

A delegation led by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness which included Minister Vaz recently participated in the much-anticipated Climate Action Summit at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, on Monday September 23, 2019.

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