UNDP Contributes $4 Million to Hope Zoo Preservation Project

The Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation (HZPF) has received a well-needed donation of some $4 million, which will go toward protecting animals that are found only in Jamaica.

The funds are being made available under the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme, and will go toward the Zoo’s biodiversity project, ‘The Establishment of Sanctuaries for Protected Flora and Fauna and Providing Energy Efficient Transportation for Educational Tours’.

The animal species that are being protected are those under threat of extinction.

Speaking at the official launch of the project at the Hope Zoo Restaurant Gazebo in St. Andrew on Friday, February 22, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke said the project is quite significant, as it is critical that Jamaica protects and preserves its endemic species.

“Not only are we going to develop the zoo, but even more important is the educational aspect of it, which will bring the people here, teach the people that it is in their interest that we must preserve our biodiversity,” he stated, adding, “It is a part of our heritage and it must remain so.”

The Minister further congratulated the Kenneth Benjamin-led HZPF on the tremendous work they have done over the past few years in restoring the Hope Zoo, which is considered a national treasure.

He noted that the restoration of the Zoo is a perfect example of what private/public sector partnership can achieve.

“You have taken this 2030 Vision very seriously, because what you have developed here is a world class facility and this is just the beginning. This place has risen like a phoenix from the ashes and it’s going to soar because of the efforts that you have put in it,” he stated.

The key goals of the biodiversity project include: improving the husbandry standards for the key local species; and promoting awareness among Jamaicans about the need to protect their biodiversity.

Jamaica ranks fifth in the world for its endemic species, boasting over 8,000 species of plants and animals have been recorded on the island. The country also has more than 6,000 species of flowering plants, including ferns and lichens of which 28 per cent are endemic. The country also has 120 species of butterflies, 19 species of frogs, 113 species of breeding birds, and 100 species of migratory birds.

In his remarks Resident Representative, UNDP, Dr. Arun Kashyap, said the project underscores the UNDP’s commitment to working with partners to identify and implement appropriate interventions that meet the development needs of Jamaica.

“The project supports our overarching goals of achieving the targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and ensuring that there is sustainable development beyond 2015,” he said. “The assistance being given to Jamaica will help to further put the country on a path to realising the Vision 2030 Development Plan,” he stated.

“The project supports our overarching goals of achieving the targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and ensuring that there is sustainable development beyond 2015,” he said.

“The assistance being given to Jamaica will help to further put the country on a path to realising the Vision 2030 Development Plan,” he stated.