NEPA Encourages Jamaicans to Participate in International Coastal Clean-Up Day

The National Environmental and Planning Agency (NEPA) is encouraging Jamaicans to participate in the International Coastal clean-up exercise on Saturday September 17.

Speaking at a JIS Think Tank on September 9, Manager of the Eco-Systems Management Branch at NEPA, Andrea Donaldson said this is important as it would facilitate a cleaner environment.

Clean-up exercises are not being limited to only beaches but include areas such as rivers which are also affected by debris.

“What we would say to people is if there is an area that you use on a regular basis and it looks like it has a lot of waste, just organize your friends and come out and clean it,” Ms. Donaldson said.

“In the same breath when they’re cleaning, they can be talking to persons there that are using it saying listen this is our little area try and keep it clean!,” she added.

Meanwhile, Ms. Donaldson pointed out that consideration was being given at NEPA for a recycling programme, especially in areas designated as watershed zones, as an alternative garbage disposal method.

She informed that one such area under consideration is the Montego River in St. James.

“We’re trying to give them a recycling programme so they can find another way to dispose of waste.  If they recognize, that waste is a problem, then they can seek help to getting and placing receptacles at different locations allowing residents to come out and drop off so Solid Waste can pick it up,” she said.

Over 100 clean-up projects have already been registered island wide for International Coastal Clean-up day on September 17.

Individuals, groups and communities are encouraged to contact NEPA or the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) for further information if they want to register a clean-up activity or join with a planned clean-up project.