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 Management Branch, Monique Curtis, emphasised that Jamaica’s internationally recognised wetlands continue to serve as economic and ecological anchors for surrounding communities.

Jamaica has four wetlands designated as sites of international importance under the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention).

These are the Black River Lower Morass, Palisadoes-Port Royal, Mason River Protected Area and Bird Sanctuary, and the Portland Bight Wetlands and Cays. All are also protected under local legislation administered by NEPA.

Ms. Curtis explained that under the Ramsar Convention, wetlands are broadly defined to include coastal and marine ecosystems such as seagrass beds and coral reefs, inland freshwater systems, and even artificial wetlands, many of which are not commonly recognised by the public as ecologically significant.

She explained that the Black River Lower Morass, which is Jamaica’s largest freshwater wetland system, supports large-scale agricultural activity while also providing opportunities for ecotourism, particularly through wildlife-based attractions centred on endangered and endemic species.

Ms. Curtis noted that the Portland Bight Wetlands and Cays sustain the livelihoods of more than 3,000 fishers, with sections of the area designated as special species conservation zones, demonstrating how conservation and sustainable economic activity can coexist.

“These sites deliver vital ecosystem services, including water and climate regulation and biodiversity protection, while at the same time sustaining livelihoods,” she pointed out.

Ms. Curtis said that Jamaica’s obligations under the Convention go beyond designation, requiring the development of management plans and meaningful community involvement to maintain the ecological character of these sites.

World Wetlands Day 2026 will be observed on February 2 under the theme ‘Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage’.

The session provided representatives from NEPA and the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change with an opportunity to outline the role of Jamaica’s wetlands in supporting agriculture, fisheries, tourism and climate resilience.