$234 Million Allocated to Jamaican Path from Hills to Ocean Project
By: , February 26, 2025
Photo: JIS File
Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Matthew Samuda (right) in discussion with Chairman, White River Fish Sanctuary and Marine Association, Belinda Collier Morrow (centre) and Sanctuary Manager, White River Marine Association and Fish Sanctuary, Reanne McKenzie, during the official launch of the project dubbed ‘A Jamaican Path from Hills to Ocean’ at the University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters, Mona on July 19, 2022.The Full Story
A sum of $234 million has been budgeted to continue work under the Jamaican Path from Hills to Ocean Project in fiscal year 2025/26.
The project, implemented by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), aims to bolster the country’s resilience to climate change and reduce poverty, through the implementation of an integrated and sustainable landscape management methodology.
Details of the initiative are outlined in the 2025/26 Estimates of Expenditure, tabled in the House of Representatives recently.
Some of the targets for 2025/26 include the design and construction of gabions, fence and wall at Castleton Botanical Gardens; design and rehabilitation of bathrooms and gazebos at Castleton Botanical Gardens; design and construction of fencing at Mason River Protected Area; procure environmental equipment-water monitoring systems and data loggers; develop manuals for broilers, pig production and small ruminants; and complete seagrass assessment report for Ocho Rios, St. Ann, and Hellshire, St. Catherine.
Achievements up to December 2024 include the completion of a rapid ecological assessment study, hydrological study for the Mason River Protected Areas, and the communication, visibility and sensitisation strategy.
Four aerial drones were also acquired.
The project, which commenced in January 2021, is slated to run until November 2026 following an extension.
It is being funded by the Government of Jamaica and the European Union.