By Garfield L. Angus
KINGSTON, Jamaica, (JIS) – The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is reporting continued progress in advancing the country’s sustainable development agenda aimed at ensuring long-term economic stability, environmental protection, and social well-being.
As outlined in its latest Economic and Social Survey Jamaica (ESSJ), the Institute noted that national efforts remain firmly aligned with the Medium-Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework (MTF) 2021-2024 and key global agreements, including the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The report said that Jamaica’s sustainable development thrust during the 2024 review period focused on strengthening environmental governance, improving resilience to climate-related hazards, enhancing spatial planning systems, and expanding the use of geospatial technologies.
Among the major achievements was the strengthening of the environmental policy and regulatory framework. This included the approval of the Watersheds Policy for Jamaica as a white paper, aimed at guiding public-sector decision-making and increasing awareness of watershed management.
In addition, the overarching policy for Jamaica’s Protected Areas System was advanced as a green paper, alongside the National Mangrove and Swamp Forests Management Plan 2023-2033, all geared towards safeguarding biodiversity and preserving cultural heritage.
Further bolstering environmental protection, the Government implemented new regulations to curb plastic pollution through amendments to the Trade (Plastic Packaging Materials Prohibition) Order and the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Order.
These measures prohibit the manufacture and commercial use of certain single-use plastics, including products containing microplastics, marking a significant step in reducing environmental degradation.
The PIOJ also underscored efforts to build fiscal resilience to natural disasters and climate change. Key developments included the integration of the World Food Programme’s Social Protection Top-up Model into Jamaica’s parametric insurance framework, strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to shocks.
Additionally, a memorandum of cooperation signed with Japan is expected to support the establishment of a contingent emergency credit facility for disaster response.
Improvements in national and local spatial planning were also highlighted. These included progress on a draft green paper addressing squatter management and the development of guidelines for urban and peri-urban forestry.
These initiatives are intended to promote sustainable land use, reduce informal settlements, and improve environmental quality in urban areas. The use of geospatial analysis continued to expand as a critical tool for sustainable development planning. The PIOJ reported advancements in the Jamaica Systemic Risk Assessment Tool, which now includes enhanced risk modelling and visualisation features.
Other initiatives included the development of fisheries geodatabases, water usage dashboards, and high-resolution land-use assessments, all aimed at improving data-driven decision-making.
On the international front, Jamaica strengthened its global commitments by participating in key forums and agreements. Notably, the country signed the landmark agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, reinforcing its role in global ocean conservation efforts.
Jamaica also engaged in discussions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, where financing for climate action and mechanisms under the Paris Agreement were key priorities.
The PIOJ also pointed to challenges, noting that the country continues to face the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.
During the review period, Jamaica was affected by hurricane Beryl and tropical storm Rafael, which caused an estimated $58 billion in damage.
The Institute emphasised that sustained investment, stronger policy implementation, and continued international cooperation will be essential to advancing Jamaica’s sustainable development goals.