$119.9 Million for Jamaican Path from Hills to Ocean Project

The Government has earmarked $119.957 million in the 2026/27 fiscal year, to complete the Jamaican Path from Hills to Ocean Project.

The project, being implemented by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), aims to increase resilience to climate change and reduce poverty through the implementation of an integrated and sustainable landscape management methodology.

It is being funded through a $99.34 million grant from the European Union (EU) and $20.6 million from the Government of Jamaica consolidated fund.

Achievements under the project up to December 2025 include the completion of a rapid ecological assessment study; finalising of a communication, visibility and sensitisation strategy; and the undertaking of a hydrological study for the Mason River Protected Areas.

The project further saw the acquisition of four aerial drones, five laptops and five automatic weather stations with spare parts for the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), along with the training of 100 farmers under the Farmer Field School programme.

A farmer field school manual and accompanying workbook were also developed for both broiler and pig production, to provide standardised training resources to support capacity building in these areas.

In addition, solar equipment and accessories, including 12 tables and 24 benches, were installed at Castleton Botanical Gardens; water sampling equipment acquired for the Water Resources Authority; and five laptops and one surveying grade Global Positioning System (GPS) and assorted environmental equipment were procured for the National Environmental Planning Agency (NEPA).

Meanwhile, anticipated targets for the project in 2026/27 include completing the construction of gabions and restrooms at Castleton Botanical Gardens and the installation of five hundred metres of fencing at the location.

Other goals include the construction of a wheelchair ramp and the renovation of the walkway at Castleton Botanical Gardens.

The Government is also aiming to construct fencing around five automatic weather stations and build an armoured waterway at Decoy in St. Mary.

The project is expected to be completed by November 2026.