Historically many factors have contributed to the degradation of Jamaica’s forest cover several policy and regulatory deficiences are highlighted in this Policy which contribute to this phenomena. These include conversion of forest cover for mining and quarrying purposes; bushfires which are often used to clear land for agricultural activity; unauthorised occupation of land; illegal felling of trees on state-owned land; selective removal of valuable biodiversity including endemic trees; limited awareness of the value of forests and trees as part of Jamaica’s cultural and ecological heritage; and insufficient monitoring of some forested areas, particularly mangroves. Jamaica’s forests are part of its ecological heritage and this Policy enunciates the Government’s commitment to provide a framework that will prevent degradation and promote rehabilitation of the island’s remaining forests. The Forest Policy is consistent with the Charter of Rights and is guided by, builds on, and will help to strengthen, a number of existing Acts, policies, and plans. It outlines eight principles recognized by the Government as being critical to the sustainable management of Jamaica’s forests which include transparency and accountability; the utilization of sustainable development and inter-generational considerations, best science and participatory and collaborative approaches in forest management planning and implementation processes. The Policy also establishes three overarching Goals which cover ten objectives. The three Goals are related to Governance, Forest Ecological system conservation and Socio-Economic Considerations.

Type of Case
Printed publication (book, sourcebook, journal article…)

Publisher
Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change

Region
Americas

Biome
Tropical

Forest Type
All forest types (natural and planted)

Primary Designated Function
All