The Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service) says Jamaicans must prepare for above-normal activity for the 2017 hurricane season, which runs from June 1 - November 30. Director of the Met Service, Evan Thompson, said some 11 to 17 tropical systems are expected for the season. He said it is predicted that five to nine hurricanes will develop, with two...

Jamaica will host the Caribbean’s first symposium on Climate Change and World Heritage at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston from May 29 to 31. The symposium, which is being held under the theme: ‘Rallying for the protection of Culture and Heritage in SIDS under a sustainable 21st Century climate change agenda’, will begin with an opening ceremony, starting at 9:00...

The Government is to develop national guidelines on coastal management and beach restoration, along with a coastal risk atlas this year, to support and inform decisions with respect to developments within coastal areas. A coastal risk atlas provides data about hazards and communities’ vulnerability to coastal storms. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon....

Jamaicans are being encouraged to plant trees to support the ‘Trees for Life’ initiative, aimed at strengthening the island’s diverse flora and improving its resilience to climate change. Trees for Life is a campaign being undertaken as part of the Yallahs/Hope (River) Watershed Project with support from the Forestry Department, National Environment & Planning Agency (NEPA) and the Ministry of...

The Forestry Department is collaborating with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) to strengthen property tax incentives offered to private landowners who declare their land a forest reserve or a forest management area. Senior Research Officer at the Department, Brahim Diop, told JIS News that the incentive now being offered, in the form of a tax remit, seeks to encourage individuals who...

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) will be providing tips on how persons can do their part in preserving and protecting the environment in observance of Earth Day on Saturday, April 22. This is in keeping with the international focus on Environmental and Climate Literacy for the day. Manager of the Public Education and Corporate Communication Branch at NEPA,...

The Senate, on Friday (March 10), approved the Forest Reserve Orders during its sitting at Gordon House. This has resulted in 11 additional areas of forests, totalling 1,862.74 hectares, being declared as reserves. Five of these are in Hanover. They are the Hazelymph, Cacoon Castle, Newfound River, Burnt Ground and Tryall Forest Reserves, with latter being the only private property...