Negril Ecosystem Project gets $3.6 Million

The Government has allocated $3.6 million towards the Integrating Water, Land and Ecosystems Management in Caribbean Small Island Developing States  project.

This is contained in the 2016/17 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives.

The objectives of the project are to: restore historical hydrological and other physical processes in the Negril Great Morass; enhance and re‐establish native vegetation communities to provide habitat to wetland fauna; eliminate conflicts that degrade ecosystem functions; and implement institutional arrangements to ensure the long‐term sustainability of wetland biological resources.

Anticipated targets for the fiscal year include: establishing a project management unit and engage a hydrologist; completing Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices study with farmers and users of the Great Morass; and preparing hydrological assessment.

In terms of achievements, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has commenced project initiation consultations with Negril stakeholders

The project is being funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF).