ENVIRO

NMENT
AL
ORGANI
ZATION
S
IN
JAMAIC
A

NAME: PATRICK FRIGINETTE

GRADE: 6
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Jamaica Environment Trust (JET).............................................................................................3

Ways in Which JET Help Protects the Environment:................................................................4

National Environment and Planning Agency............................................................................7

Ways in Which NEPA Help Protects the Environment:............................................................8

Conclusion................................................................................................................................11

2
 JAMAICA ENVIRONMENT TRUST (JET)

The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) started in 1991 because some people in Jamaica were
worried about the environment. There were already other environmental groups, but they
didn't focus on "brown issues" like garbage. JET's founder, Diana McCaulay, and her friends
thought there was a need for a group that cared about garbage and stuff like that.

At first, JET did some clean-up projects in places like Grant's Pen, Hellshire, and Old
Harbour. But they realized that just cleaning up wasn't enough. They needed to teach people
about the environment so that they would want to protect it.

The early members of JET were mostly parents, so they decided to start with projects for
kids. They wanted to make sure that children knew about the environment and why it was
important to take care of it. They believed that if more people knew about the environment,
there would be better protection for it.

JET started small, but they had big ideas. They wanted to raise awareness and make sure that
Jamaica's environment was protected for the future.

3
 WAYS IN WHICH JET HELP PROTECTS THE
ENVIRONMENT:

1. Advocacy and Policy Influence: JET actively engages in advocacy efforts to

influence environmental policy and legislation. They work with government agencies,
businesses, and communities to promote sustainable practices and ensure the
enforcement of environmental regulations.

2. Environmental Education: JET conducts educational programs and initiatives to

raise awareness about environmental issues among Jamaican citizens, especially
students. They provide educational resources, organize workshops, and facilitate
environmental campaigns to promote responsible environmental stewardship.

4
3. Monitoring and Research: JET conducts independent monitoring and research to
assess the state of Jamaica's environment. They investigate environmental threats,
such as pollution and habitat degradation, and use scientific data to advocate for
conservation measures and sustainable development practices.

4. Public Engagement: JET encourages public participation in environmental decision-

making processes. They organize public consultations, public hearings, and
campaigns that empower individuals and communities to voice their concerns and
contribute to environmental decision-making.

5
5. Environmental Legal Support: JET provides legal support in environmental cases
and challenges activities that may harm Jamaica's natural resources. They work to
ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations and promote
transparency and accountability in environmental decision-making.

6
 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING AGENCY

(NEPA)

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is a special group in Jamaica that
takes care of the environment and plans how to use the land. It started working in 2001 and is
part of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

NEPA does important jobs to protect nature, manage resources, and plan where things can be
built. It combines the work of three other groups: the Natural Resources Conservation
Authority (NRCA), the Town and Country Planning Authority (TCPA), and the Land
Development and Utilisation Commission (LDUC).

NEPA gets its money from the government's budget and fees paid by people who get permits
and licenses. Sometimes they also receive money from international organizations that want
to help. They use this money to fund projects and do their important work.

NEPA is like the leader in Jamaica when it comes to taking care of the environment. They
make sure that nature is protected, resources are managed well, and land is used wisely. Their
job is really important for making sure Jamaica stays beautiful and healthy for everyone to
enjoy.

7
 WAYS IN WHICH NEPA HELP PROTECTS THE
ENVIRONMENT:

Here are some of NEPA's key activities in environmental protection:

1. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): NEPA is responsible for conducting

EIAs for development projects to assess their potential environmental impacts. They
review and approve development proposals, ensuring they comply with environmental
regulations. NEPA's assessments help prevent or mitigate negative impacts on
ecosystems, biodiversity, and communities.

2. Environmental Regulation and Enforcement: NEPA enforces environmental

regulations and laws in Jamaica. They monitor compliance with these regulations,
investigate environmental complaints, and take appropriate enforcement actions
against violators. This helps deter illegal activities and promotes responsible
environmental practices.

8
3. Biodiversity Conservation: NEPA manages Jamaica's protected areas and promotes
biodiversity conservation. They work to preserve ecosystems, protect endangered
species, and restore degraded habitats. NEPA also collaborates with local
communities and stakeholders to develop sustainable resource management strategies.

4. Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: NEPA plays a crucial role in

Jamaica's efforts to address climate change. They develop policies and strategies for
climate change adaptation and mitigation, promoting sustainable energy, reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing resilience in vulnerable communities.

9
5. Environmental Education and Public Awareness: NEPA conducts educational
programs, workshops, and public awareness campaigns to promote environmental
conservation and sustainability. They aim to foster a culture of environmental
responsibility among Jamaican citizens and encourage community engagement in
environmental protection.

10
 CONCLUSION

Both the Jamaica Environment Trust and the National Environment and Planning Agency
contribute significantly to protecting Jamaica's environment through advocacy, education,
research, monitoring, regulation, and enforcement. Their combined efforts help safeguard the
country's natural resources and promote sustainable development for future generations.

11