This paper is a case study on the attempt to address the issues of implementing new legislation and strengthen existing ones for more effective management of Jamaica’s National Parks done by the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) since 1987. Since then, a Green paper on National Parks and Protected Areas was presented, highlighting the main issues involved in establishing protected areas and proposed policies for dealing with those issues. Fourteen public meetings held in parishes, island-wide, as well as meetings targeting government, non-government (NGO) and donor organisations facilitated a public review of the document. Copies of the Green paper were made available at parish libraries, Parish Councils and other government offices across Jamaica. Subsequent discussions and comments formed the basis of revisions to the document. In November 1997, upon approval by Parliament and Cabinet, the revised document officially became the Policy for Jamaica’s System of Protected Areas.

Type of Case
Printed publication (book, sourcebook, journal article…)

Publisher
Overseas Development Institute (ODI)

Region
Americas

Biome
Tropical

Forest Type
All forest types (natural and planted)

Primary Designated Function
Conservation of biodiversity, Protection of soil and water