$129.5 Million set aside for Risk Reduction Project

Some $129.5 million has been allocated to the Climate Change Adaption and Disaster Risk Reduction project this fiscal year as the government seeks to reduce the risk associated with natural disasters in vulnerable areas.
This is contained in the 2010/11 Estimates of Expenditure, which is now before the House of Representatives.
As stated in the Estimates, the project seeks to rehabilitate and improve management of selected watersheds to reduce down-stream run off and associated pollution and health risk; and to restore and protect coastal ecosystems to enhance natural buffers and increase resilience.
Anticipated targets for the 2010/11 fiscal year include: the establishment of 250 hectares of forest plantation; rehabilitation of two nurseries; construction of a 30 kilometre trail; establishment of 30 permanent sample plots; a public education and awareness campaign; field assessment of 55 forested crown lands; commence river protection infrastructure to minimise erosion and flooding; and purchase fire fighting, seed and nursery equipment.
The project is funded by the Government of Jamaica and the European Union and is scheduled to begin in April 2010 and completed by September 2012. It is being implemented by the Forestry Department, within the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.