Jamaica on Track to Exceed 30 Per Cent Land Mass Protection by 2030

Jamaica is on track to exceed its goal of 30 per cent land mass protection by the year 2030.

As a member of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, the Government committed to the global agreement alongside 117 countries.

“Jamaica expects to complete 30 per cent protection of its land space in 2025, a full five years earlier than the rest of the international community,” said Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda.

He was addressing Monday’s (April 22) media launch for The Great Mangrove Cleanup, at GraceKennedy Limited on Harbour Street, downtown Kingston.

Turning to the marine environment, Senator Samuda said Jamaica is lagging on the goal of achieving the target of protecting 30 per cent of its oceans by 2030.

“We are at about 14 per cent, and there are a number of reasons for that. The technical work, especially as it relates to mapping and assessments, and the security plans and the operational plans are incredibly expensive for marine protection,” he explained.

Minister Samuda indicated that the Government will make some announcements soon that should allow Jamaica to close the capacity gap and move far closer to the 30 per cent target over the next three years.