Yallahs/Hope River Watershed Management Project Allocated $65.5 Million

A sum of $65.5 million has been allocated to a project to improve the management of the Yallahs and Hope River watershed areas.

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

The project, entitled: ‘Integrated Management of the Yallahs/Hope River Watershed Management Area,’ seeks to reduce the pressure on the natural resources in the region.

This will be attained by increasing the practice of Sustainable Land Management in order to improve biological diversity and enhance the flow of ecosystem services that sustain local livelihoods.

Anticipated targets for this fiscal year include:  completion of geomorphology, ecological, meteorological and hydrological assessments; hosting of farmer sensitisation workshops; and procurement and installation of  hardware and software for database development.

Also to be undertaken is a Baseline Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Study on agricultural and forestry issues; reforestation of 100 hectares of degraded public lands; and a Natural Resource Valuation assessment for the Yallahs and Hope Water Management Units (WMUs).

The project is funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the Government of Jamaica.

Achievements to date include establishment of the Project Management Unit (PMU); and preparation for reforestation activities.