C-CAM Unveils Additional Boundary Signage for Portland Bight Protected Area

The Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation (C-CAM) has unveiled additional critical boundary signage for the Portland Bight Protected Area (PBPA).

This took place during a recent ceremonial event that was held adjacent to the Highway 2000 westbound exit ramp in Old Harbour, St. Catherine.

The PBPA is Jamaica’s largest protected area, comprising extensive marine and terrestrial ecosystems alongside human settlements, industry and commerce.

The newly installed sign is among 14 erected, which serve to demarcate the PBPA and highlight its ecological importance.

This initiative is part of a project sponsored by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), which aims to raise public awareness and enhance conservation efforts for Jamaica’s largest protected ecological area.

Providing details on the project, C-CAM’s Executive Director, Ingrid Parchment, highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing partnership with CEPF, which provided funding in 2022 to update the PBPA Management Plan, including zoning habitats for critical species.

Other actions within the project include monitoring of invasive species, increasing public awareness around biodiversity and climate change, growing endangered plant species in dry forest nurseries and policy development.

“The project allowed C-CAM to design and instal 14 boundary signs at major and minor roadways in the PBPA, to highlight the largest protected area in Jamaica,” Ms. Parchment informed.

She added that the installation of boundary signage was made possible through collaboration with local authorities in St. Catherine and Clarendon, who assisted with necessary permits and waivers.

Attendees at the ceremony included key stakeholders such as Councillor for the Old Harbour Bay Division, Dr. Kevin Waul, and representatives of the Old Harbour Marine Police, National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Forestry Department, National Fisheries Authority (NFA), Social Development Commission (SDC) and Urban Development Corporation (UDC).

Also present were community members, including representatives of the Portland Bight Fisheries Management Council (PBFMC) and Jamaica Fisherman’s Cooperative Union (JFCU).

Mayor of Spanish Town, Councillor Norman Scott, who spoke during the event, commended C-CAM’s efforts to hold stakeholders accountable for environmental preservation.

“C-CAM brings an interesting perspective to the table and reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect endangered species and ecosystems,” he stated.

The PBPA is home to 50,000 residents, including 4,000 fisherfolk – the highest concentration in Jamaica.

As such, safeguarding this area is vital for biodiversity, community livelihoods and sustainable development.

As part of C-CAM’s mandate to raise awareness about the area, the Foundation also launched its “Spot the Signs” social media campaign, where persons can visit the organisation’s social media pages to learn more and capture photos of the signs and post these.

Founded in 1997, C-CAM is a Jamaican non-governmental organisation, dedicated to promoting coastal conservation.

As the designated steward of the PBPA under an agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Authority, C-CAM manages stakeholder-driven initiatives to ensure sustainable development, including livelihood enhancement activities and sustainable financing programmes.

C-CAM also oversees Special Fisheries Conservation Areas (SFCAs), and previously managed conservation efforts at Bird Cay, Pedro Bank.

For further information, visit www.ccamfoundation.org or contact C-CAM at info@ccamfoundation.org.