4. NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY

1 NATIONAL STRATEGY and Action Plan on Biological Diversity in Jamaica 414. NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY BIODIVERSITY and Jamaica's Future Jamaica's rich biological resources have supported families and communities for generations. These resources continue to provide a foundation for economic growth and stability by supporting agriculture, tourism, fishing, craft manufacturing and a host of other activities. The country s diverse ecosystems perform ecological functions including the production of soil; prevention or reduction of soil erosion; absorption and breakdown of pollutants such as organic waste and pesticides; and storage and recycling of elements essential for life, such as carbon, nitrogen and oxygen.

2 The conservation and sustainable use of Jamaica s BIODIVERSITY will require commitment by, and collaboration between, the Government, community-based and environmental organisations, the private sector and civil society. The following vision statements, principles, goals and strategic directions are intended to provide a framework to obtain the necessary commitment, and to provide a basis for cooperation and collaboration. A BIODIVERSITY Vision for the People of Jamaica Mindful of the importance of our natural heritage to the well being of present and future generations, recognising that sustainable use of BIODIVERSITY is the only way to secure its availability to future generations, and being conscious of the intrinsic value of biological diversity we accept our responsibility to conserve and protect Jamaica s BIODIVERSITY through sustainable use and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits derived from this BIODIVERSITY .

3 Principles to Guide the Implementation of the NBSAP in Jamaica The principles are intended to provide guidance to decision-makers, developers, and citizens in support of efforts to achieve the stated vision for BIODIVERSITY in Jamaica. To fulfil the requirements of the CBD and to ensure that current and future generations of Jamaicans have biological and other resources available to meet their needs and aspirations, the Government of Jamaica, NGOs, business interests, private sector companies, communities and individual citizens will uphold the following principles.

4 Principle I - Transparency Affirm their commitment to open and transparent decision-making processes and provide opportunities for the participation of all citizens in the development of strategies, plans and programmes aimed at addressing BIODIVERSITY issues. Principle II - Acknowledge the need for behavioural change Address the underlying causes of the loss and decline of BIODIVERSITY by promoting the necessary societal changes through policies, laws, public education and awareness. Principle III - Local and traditional knowledge Respect local and traditional knowledge when developing and implementing policies, programmes and plans related to BIODIVERSITY .

5 NATIONAL STRATEGY and Action Plan on Biological Diversity in Jamaica 42 Principle IV - Protect habitats, ecosystems, species and genetic resources Adopt comprehensive BIODIVERSITY strategies and plans as part of efforts to conserve Jamaica's habitats, ecosystems, species and genetic resources. Principle V - Local management Encourage NGOs and community groups to manage protected areas; operate rescue centres; captive breeding and other artificial propagation facilities; and to implement species management and recovery plans. Principle VI - Precautionary approach Ensure that the precautionary approach (Principle 15, Rio Declaration 1992) is applied as widely as possible to avoid or minimise environmental degradation and the loss of BIODIVERSITY .

6 Principle VII - Environmental economic tools and technology Invest adequate financial capital in resource management tools, including biophysical inventories, monitoring, research, enforcement, environmental education and other activities to ensure the conservation of BIODIVERSITY and the sustainable use of biological resources. Principle VIII - Sectoral integration Ensure that economic, social and environmental objectives are integrated, and polices, strategies, plans and programmes are co-ordinated to effectively use scare human and financial resources to ensure their greatest positive impacts.

7 Goals of the NBSAP 1) Conserve Jamaica s BIODIVERSITY . 2) Promote sustainable use of biological resources. 3) Facilitate access to biological resources to promote developments in biotechnology and to ensure benefit sharing. 4) Ensure safe transfer, handling and use of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs). 5) Enhance resource management capacity. 6) Promote public awareness and education and community empowerment. 7) Promote regional and international co-operation and collaboration in support of the implementation of the CBD. Goals and Strategic Directions Goal 1: Conserve BIODIVERSITY An integrated management approach will be required to conserve Jamaica's BIODIVERSITY .

8 The following conservation measures are proposed for in-situ and ex-situ conservation. In-situ Conservation Establish and Manage Protected Areas The Convention states that in-situ conservation, that is, conservation within natural habitats, is a fundamental requirement for the conservation of BIODIVERSITY . The establishment and management of protected areas is an important element in the conservation of BIODIVERSITY conservation in Jamaica. Areas to be conserved include unique or vulnerable ecosystems and critical habitats for rare, threatened, endangered and Article 8(a) Establish systems of protected areas or areas where special measures need to be taken to conserve biological diversity.

9 Article 8(b) Develop, where necessary, guidelines for the selection, establishment and management of protected areas where special measures need to be taken to conserve biological diversity. Principle 15, Rio Declaration 1992 In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation. NATIONAL STRATEGY and Action Plan on Biological Diversity in Jamaica 43endemic species, as well as species and genetic resources that are of economic or scientific interest.

10 To advance the establishment of protected areas, the following strategic directions are proposed: Strategic Directions Expand the system of protected areas to ensure that it encompasses the country s diversity of natural resources, landscapes and seascapes. Priority areas for conservation include the Mason River Reserve, Cockpit Country, Dolphin Head Mountains, and offshore cays. Finalise and implement guidelines for the establishment and management of protected areas. Increase the investment in the Jamaica NATIONAL Parks Trust Fund.