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Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, gives remarks during mangrove clean-up activities in Parottee, St. Elizabeth on Monday (February 2).

Damaged Wetlands in Parottee Being Restored

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, says the Government has commenced targeted clean-up and restoration of hurricane-damaged wetlands in the Parottee community, in St. Elizabeth, as part of activities marking World Wetlands Day on Monday (February...

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) received a donation of hurricane relief items from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Caribbean to support protected-area workers and their families who have been affected by Hurricane Melissa. The handover took place on January 27 at BL Williams International Limited, Newport West, Kingston. Participating in the handover (from left) are Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Environmental Management and Sustainability Division, NEPA, Anthony McKenzie; Botanist, Natural History Museum of Jamaica, Institute of Jamaica (IOJ), Keron Campbell; Safety and Security Coordinator, Para la Naturaleza, Manuel Mercado Martin; Community Development Officer, Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation, Claudine Townsend; Conservation Science Officer, Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT), Shane Brown; and Director, Planning, Projects, Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Division, NEPA, Ainsworth Carroll.

PHOTO: NEPA Receives Donation of Hurricane Relief Items

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda (left), and Manager of the Ecosystems Management Branch at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Monique Curtis, participate in a recent JIS Think Tank.

Protection of Wetlands Linked to Long-Term Development Goals

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda (left), speaks at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank. With the Minister is Manager of the Ecosystems Management Branch at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Monique Curtis.

Environment Minister Says Community Involvement Critical for Protection of Wetlands

Manager of the Ecosystems Management Branch at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Monique Curtis, provides details on the more than 2,000 hectares of mangrove forest impacted by Hurricane Melissa during a JIS Think Tank on Wednesday, January 28.

Over 2,000 Hectares of Mangrove Forests Impacted by Hurricane Melissa

2 weeks ago Environment

Significance of Wetlands Highlighted

Jamaica’s wetlands are providing natural protection valued at tens of millions of dollars annually, reducing the impact of storm surge, flooding and erosion, while safeguarding coastal communities and critical infrastructure. This was highlighted during a recent JIS ‘Think Tank’, where Government officials underscored the role of wetlands as a cost-effective defence against the increasing impacts of climate change. Minister of...

Manager of the Ecosystems Management Branch at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Monique Curtis, speaks about the importance of wetlands in sustaining livelihoods, during a Think Tank on Wednesday (January 28) at the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Television Department, South Odean Avenue, Kingston.

2 weeks ago Environment

Jamaica’s Wetlands Sustaining Thousands of Livelihoods

Wetlands across Jamaica are sustaining thousands of livelihoods while providing critical ecological services, underscoring their importance not only as protected spaces but as living systems essential to national development and community survival. Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on Wednesday (January 28) as Jamaica prepares to observe World Wetlands Day 2026, Manager of National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) Ecosystems...

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, speaks on the importance of wetlands, during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ on Wednesday (January 28).

2 weeks ago Environment

Environment Minister Underscores Wetlands’ Value to Jamaica’s Resilience

As Jamaica prepares to observe World Wetlands Day 2026 on February 2, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, has emphasised the critical role of wetlands in safeguarding the nation’s environment, livelihoods, and climate resilience. Speaking during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ on Wednesday (January 28), Minister Samuda noted that wetlands are deeply woven into...

Environmental Consultant with Eastern Technical Associates (ETA), Marty Hughes (front, third left), shares a moment with persons across the island who participated in the recent three-day Visual Emission Observer Training Programme (Smoke School), at the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) Football Field on Old Hope Road in Kingston. The training involved partnership with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).

3 weeks ago Environment

Gov’t Builds Capacity to Improve Air-Quality Monitoring and Compliance

The Government continues to strengthen the country’s capacity to improve air-quality monitoring and regulatory compliance, by facilitating the training of personnel from key industries and regulatory entities under the Visual Emission Observer Training Programme. Popularly known as ‘Smoke School’, the programme is delivered twice per year through partnership involving the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and United States (US)-based...

Principal Director of Cause for Change Foundation Limited, Richardo Aiken (left) and Chief Executive Officer of VM Foundation, Samantha Charles (second right), present the winning cheque to students of Brown

1 month ago EducationEnvironmentYouth

Brown’s Town Primary Wins Environmental Quiz and Expo Competition

Brown's Town Primary students walked away victors of the inaugural Environmental Quiz and Expo, beating The Glen Preparatory 36-30 in a closely contested final match held at Holiday Haven in Runaway Bay, St. Ann, on January 13. Meanwhile, Runaway Bay Primary copped third place, beating Lower Buxton Primary 50 points to 7. The competition brought together 13 primary schools from...

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, addresses the House of Representatives on January 13.

1 month ago Climate ChangeEnvironmentParliamentWater

Government to Expand Protected Areas by 30% by 2030

The Government has committed to expanding the country’s protected areas network by approximately 30 per cent by the year 2030, commonly referred to as the ‘30x30’ target. Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, said at present, Jamaica has declared approximately 24 per cent of its landmass as protected under law, including the Cockpit Country Protected Area,...

National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Environmental Management and Sustainability, Anthony McKenzie.

2 months ago Economic Growth & Infrastructure DevelopmentEnvironment

NEPA Urges Public to Report Sightings of Displaced Wildlife After Hurricane Melissa

Jamaicans are being encouraged to report any sightings of animals displaced from their normal habitats due to the passage of Hurricane Melissa to the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). According to Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Environmental Management and Sustainability, Anthony McKenzie, following the hurricane, there have been reports of crocodiles in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth. “It’s postulated that...