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The Jamaica Ecoregional Planning Project began as part of the Greater Caribbean Ecoregional Assessment (GCERA). Jamaica, the third largest Caribbean island, distinguished by the uniqueness of its biodiversity, with several globally important endemic plants and animals, was selected for in-depth analysis under this project. The Jamaica Ecoregional Plan (JERP), developed in June 2006, outlines the conservation areas and strategies necessary for the survival of Jamaica’s freshwater, marine and terrestrial biodiversity. This first iteration is the culmination of a three year effort involving the collection, analysis and synthesis of available biological and socio-economic data relevant to biodiversity conservation on the island and its waters. The 2006 JERP was led by The Nature Conservancy Jamaica Programme and supported by a multidisciplinary group of local and international scientists, technicians and conservation practitioners.
Coral Reef Health Index is a tool used in effective adaptive management. It is a tool based on the use of a representative number of indicators. It is useful for tracking management progress, both for maintaining and for rebuilding reef health The Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) Ecosystem assessment on which this assessment was modeled proposed the use of a suite of an optimum number of 6-10 indicators to effectively measure reef health.
Coral Reef Health Index (CRHI)
Very Good (>4.2 – 5)
Good (>3.4 – 4.2)
Fair (>2.6 – 3.4)
Poor (>1.8 – 2.6)
Critical (1 – 1.8)
The coordinates of the mooring sites were provided by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) in a word document. The point shapefile was created from these coordinates by Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) in the datum WGS84.
The Jamaica Ecoregional Planning Project began as part of the Greater Caribbean Ecoregional Assessment(GCERA). Jamaica, the third largest Caribbean island, distinguished by the uniqueness of its biodiversity, with several globally important endemic plants and animals, was selected for in-depth analysis under this project. The Jamaica Ecoregional Plan (JERP), developed in June 2006, outlines the conservation areas and strategies necessary for the survival of Jamaica’s freshwater, marine and terrestrial biodiversity. This first iteration is the culmination of a three year effort involving the collection, analysis and synthesis of available biological and socio-economic data relevant to biodiversity conservation on the island and its waters. The 2006 JERP was led by The Nature Conservancy Jamaica Programme and supported by a multidisciplinary group of local and international scientists, technicians and conservation practitioners.
The Jamaica Ecoregional Planning Project began as part of the Greater Caribbean Ecoregional Assessment (GCERA). Jamaica, the third largest Caribbean island, distinguished by the uniqueness of its biodiversity, with several globally important endemic plants and animals, was selected for in-depth analysis under this project. The Jamaica Ecoregional Plan (JERP), developed in June 2006, outlines the conservation areas and strategies necessary for the survival of Jamaica’s freshwater, marine and terrestrial biodiversity. This first iteration is the culmination of a three year effort involving the collection, analysis and synthesis of available biological and socio-economic data relevant to biodiversity conservation on the island and its waters. The 2006 JERP was led by The Nature Conservancy Jamaica Programme and supported by a multidisciplinary group of local and international scientists, technicians and conservation practitioners.
The coordinates of dive and snorkel sites were provided by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) in a word document. The point shapefile was created from these coordinates by Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) in the datum WGS84.
The coordinates of data logger sites were provided by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) in a word document. The point shapefile was created from these coordinates by Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) in the datum WGS84.
The identification of crocodile habitats form part of a wider project tiltled "Country wide American crocodile survey" started in 2020.
The location of beach erosion sites were provided by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) as .kml format. This was then converted to a shapefile and georeferenced to WGS84 datum by the Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI).
The coordinates of anchor sites were provided by the National and Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) in a word document. The point shapefile was created from these coordinates by Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) in the datum WGS84.
Shooter's Hill is also known as Port Henderson Hills. This area can be classified as a primary limestone forest with a secondary forest structure in sections. A conclusion arising from the study conducted in the area by NEPA in 2017 indicated that this region has the potential to serve as a model in biodiversity conservation and combat environmental impacts resulting from global climate change and urbanisation by absorbing the heat of the adjoining built-up area. This recommendation was incorporated into The Town and Country Planning (Municipality of Portmore) (Provisional Development) Order, 2018.
It is expected that the continued urbanisation and expansion of Portmore will lead to the Urban Heat Effect, whereby a metropolitan area becomes significantly warmer than the surrounding rural areas. The forests structure within Shooter's Hill has been identified as having the potential to aid in combatting this occurrence by providing cooling effects during extreme heat conditions and may also act to filter harmful pollutants from the air.
The Palisadoes-Port Royal Protected Area (PPRPA), an NRCA designated protected area of approximately 7,523 hectares in size, encompasses both terrestrial and marine areas. Prior to the 1998 NRCA designation, the Palisadoes-Port Royal Protected Area was previously declared in 1967 under the Beach Control Act (BCA). The area includes Jamaica's second Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) declared under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as a Waterfowl Habitat on 22 April 2005. The protected area also encompasses the Port Royal and the Palisades Protected National Heritage, designated under the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) Act. The Draft Palisadoes-Port Royal Protected Area Zoning Plan, 2014–2019, prepared by the National Environment and Planning Agency, identifies three areas within the Palisadoes-Port Royal Protected Area as conservation sites.
The conservation sites identified by the Draft Plan prepared in 2014 and revised in 2018 are as follows:
Conservation Zone A: This area encompasses the Buccaneer Swamp (the wetland area immediately to the south and west of lands housing the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club) and includes the entire expanse of mangrove lagoons extending toward the Norman Manley Highway.
Conservation Zone B: To the north, the area includes the Port Royal mangroves (inclusive of Refuge Cay). To the north, the area includes the Port Royal mangroves (inclusive of Refuge Cay). In addition to its significance as a nursery, this segment of Conservation Zone B is also an important habitat for several species of birds, including the Brown Pelican. The southern boundary of this zone extends from the Plumb Point Lighthouse, ending at a vacant lot adjacent to the Port Royal Basic School, and is marked by the presence of coastal scrub vegetation and dune ecosystems. Conservation Zone B area includes a significant archaeological site Fort Rupert (submerged in the Lagoon) as well as part of the buffer zone in which several historic sites are located.
Conservation Zone C: This includes the barrier reef system along South and South-East Cay.
The Negril Great Morass is located in Negril, spanning both the parishes of Westmoreland and Hanover. The Morass is bordered by the Fish River Hills to the east and the Negril Hills to the south. In the west, the Morass is restricted by the narrow Long Bay strip and the Caribbean Sea.
The area comprises some 2,300 ha of wetlands comprising marshlands, mangrove forests, swamp forests and waterways. It is the island's second-largest wetland comprising one-fifth of such areas, and one of the largest coastal wetland ecosystems in the Caribbean. The southern end of the Morass features the Royal Palm Reserve. The area is a critical habitat for terrestrial and wetland bird species, including the vulnerable West Indian Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arborea).
The Negril Great Morass falls within a declared Game Reserve, the Negril Environmental Protection Area (EPA) and the Negril Important Bird Area (IBA). Notwithstanding the importance and designated protections, the ecology and hydrology of this important wetland area face pressures from agriculture, planned and unplanned developments, and tourism. The lack of a buffer zone around the morass has detracted from the protection of the area given the immediate surrounding pressures such as tourism on the western reaches and quarrying and farming on the eastern sections. For example, Fish River Hill, on the eastern border is part of the Negril Quarry Zone.
Montpelier is within the Great River Hydrological Basin and Watershed Management Unit and comprises lands characterised by limestone bedrock that serve as an aquifer. This watershed was classified as 'Less Degraded' by the State of the Environment Report, 2010. Still, it was recognised as having the potential of becoming 'Degraded' (in the "near" future) due to development pressures. The water resources in this area are substantial and critical to Montego Bay and surrounding communities, which extend throughout the parish of St James, to Hanover and to select locations in neighbouring parishes of Westmoreland and Trelawny. The disturbed Broadleaf forests located in Montpelier are the subject of the Forestry Department's conservation plan which includes the protection of the disturbed broadleaf forests on the department's land that has the most potential to regenerate over the long term. The area includes a section of the Forest Reserve.
The mangrove forests at this location also serve to preserve and protect one of Jamaica's most beautiful and unique landmarks —the bioluminescence within Oyster Bay. Microscopic dinoflagellates, Pyrodinium bahamense var. bahamense, provide the bioluminescent feature —there being only one other in the Caribbean with a total of four globally. Figure 6 depicts the major areas being proposed for protection. In general, mangrove wetlands provide coastline protection and flood control, sediment collection, land accretion and coastline stabilisation, filtering of nutrients, breeding/nursery ground and habitat; and carbon sequestration.
At the east end of the Falmouth Harbour is a shallow estuary receiving the waters from the Martha Brae River. Oyster Bay borders the northern coastline of the Winns Morass area. Essential nutrients are supplied to the dinoflagellates by these mangroves and salt flats. The floodplains of the Martha Brae have high flooding vulnerability, while the lands are susceptible to extreme storm surges. It is therefore important that the mangroves and the hydrological features they afford, be preserved to act as flood control in the event of inland or coastal flooding.
The mangrove forests located south of Falmouth has been significantly impacted by human activities, particularly informal settlements (squatting). Drone images from assessments done by the NEPA in 2020 showed illegal dumping and squatting occurring along the northern fringes of the floodplain. A conclusion arising from the report on these studies indicate that if not dealt with immediately, the forest will deteriorate over time through the action of these informal settlements.
The Long Mountain ridge is one of the largest remaining green open spaces within the Kingston and St Andrew Metropolitan Area. It is largely considered to be a dry limestone forest containing endemic and endangered flora and fauna and home to the rare and endangered endemic species, Trachymyrmex jamaicensis - a leaf-cutting mushroom ant. The ant is restricted to this geographical range and is recorded nowhere else in Jamaica. Migrant and resident bird species also utilise the area. In a 2000 botanical survey of the area (Oberli, 2000), Long Mountain was described as having "high plant and animal diversity and, in parts, good quality primary and secondary forest". The Town and Country Planning (Kingston and Saint Andrew and the Pedro Cays) Provisional Development Order, 2017, describes the area as "an important green area with high amenity value for the Kingston and St. Andrew metropolitan area, its protection and preservation depend on careful management of the natural environment. Therefore, only compatible activities that will not destroy or compromise the ecological functions of this area would be supported by the planning authorities."
The area attracts significant public interest, which is documented in the print media published in prominent local media houses throughout the last two decades, primarily as objections to the development of the area.
Industry Cove is within the Negril and Green Island Area and is comprised of diverse and sensitive ecosystems namely; mangrove wetlands, seagrass beds and coral reefs. Existing environmental protection areas within the Negril and Green Island Area include; Negril Environment Protected Area, Negril Great Morass Game Reserve, Royal Palm Reserve, Negril Marine Park and Orange Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area.
The geology, topography and vegetation at Industry Cove can be described as a swamp overlaying white limestone with a limestone hill at an elevation range of between 1.5 – 15 m above sea level and slopes ranging from 0 – 5o. The area is primarily a mangrove forest, consisting of mature trees 10 – 15 m in height associated with pockets of herbaceous wetland vegetation. A raised reef system borders the property.
The site is characterised by very diverse flora and fauna, indicative of the area's ecological importance. There are over 100 species of plants, of which four are endemics. Avifaunal assessments determined that the site is a significant roosting and foraging area for several local and migrant bird species, with approximately 36 species recorded, including the West Indian Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arborea) and the migrant Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius).
In a natural resource valuation report regarding the then proposed development of the Princess Hotel and Resorts, it was revealed that mangroves at the site (including those to be impacted) had an associated cost of UD$ 1.112 million per annum for carbon sequestration (Eco Nexus Consulting Group, 2020). The report stated categorically that the impact on mangroves due to the development would be significant, with the economic repercussions being passed on to the broader community and the Jamaican public. It was also concluded that there would be irreversible impacts on all ecosystems due to the development. Notably, as the Industry Cove mangroves support provisional services such as beekeeping/honey production, bird shooting, and subsistence fishing, their removal would negatively affect the income groups that rely on these natural resources.
The Holland Bay wetlands are located in the Plantain Garden Watershed Management Unit and include a sandy beach and wetlands. This coastal area is in the easternmost tip of Jamaica and represents an area critical to meeting mangrove goals as part of terrestrial and marine priorities. This area contains the largest expanse of mangroves in Jamaica. Moreover, it also harbours large intact tranches of the following targets that contribute significantly to meeting conservation goals for eastern Jamaica: sandy shore, estuarine areas, seagrass beds, overwintering shorebird areas, turtle nesting beaches, soft-bottom communities and manatee sighting spots.
Though significant economic development and infrastructural improvement to St. Thomas has arguably been slow, the completion of the eastern leg of the south coast highway will attract significant development to the parish. As a consequence it is expected that the already threatened mangrove forest will face increasing pressure for land development in the coming years. Currently, the only protection afforded to this site is as a Game Reserve under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1945. While noted the area as a wetland in The Town and Country Planning (St. Thomas Parish) Provisional Development Order, 2018, the area has no specific zoning.
The site features the Morant Point Lighthouse, which is a declared JNHT national monument. It was built in 1841 and is the oldest lighthouse on the island.
The Hellshire Hills —down to the coastline —is rich in biodiversity and represents the largest expanse of intact dry limestone forest on the island. It is home to a diverse and unique group of plants, a wide range of birds species, and many other key indigenous species such as the Jamaican Yellow Boa (Epicrates [Chilabothrus] subflavus), American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), Jamaican hutia (Geocapromys brownii), Blue-tailed Galliwasp (Celestus duquesneyi), nesting sea turtles and the last remaining natural population of the Jamaican iguana (Cyclura collei). It is important to note that the Jamaica iguana is found nowhere else in the world except here in the Hellshire Hills. Rigorous conservation efforts have gone into securing the species and their habitats as for over four decades, the species was thought to be extinct. Then, a small population was found in the Hellshire Hills. This area falls within lands earmarked by the UDC for sustainable development and contains a declared Forest Reserve.
The Jamaican Iguana Recovery Group (JIRG) is the primary oversight body for managing the Jamaican Iguana (Cyclura collei),focusing on the continued implementation of the Species Recovery Plan. The research and conservation efforts have focused on the main population discovered in 1990, which is currently still restricted to the most isolated and least disturbed section of the Hellshire Hills dry limestone forest, St. Catherine. Over 500 iguanas have been released from the headstart programme since the first release in 1996.
In consultation with key Government of Jamaica agencies, the National Environment and Planning Agency prepared a Position Paper to make recommendations for areas identified as ecologically sensitive/fragile ecosystems that require immediate protection. The fifteen (15) identified ecologically sensitive areas are characterised as having critical ecological features which cannot be easily replaced and where changes may negatively affect rare and threatened species, ecosystem services, livelihoods and the quality of life. These sites are also currently under threat from development pressure or have been identified as being at risk to these pressures in the near future. The protection offered to these areas will contribute to the further strengthening of the natural resilience of the country and provide for the sustainable use of Jamaica's natural resources in support of national economic objectives. A number of these areas were previously identified for protection in the National Ecological Gap Assessment Report (NEGAR) 2009 and the Policy for Jamaica’s System of Protected Areas (1996) or zoned as conservation areas in the Parish Development Orders. The Forestry Department, the Urban Development Corporation and the Jamaica National Heritage Trust were engaged and consulted as part of this process.
A Tree Preservation (Fern Gully—St Ann) Order (Confirmation) Notice was issued on 12 April 1979 to preserve the trees and woodland of the area. Fern Gully is a major tourist attraction due to its natural scenery.The area was previously afforded protection under the National Trust Commission Act, which was repealed and replaced by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Act, 1985.
The Dunn's River Falls and Beach Park is located on the Roaring River and falls within the White River Sub-Watershed Management Unit. The Fall is unique, being one of a few globally that enters directly into the sea. It is one of the main attractions in Ocho Rios and Jamaica and serves the wider north coast in general, receiving nearly one million visitors annually. The sustainability of the attraction is largely dependent on the integrity of the watershed. The Fall is a part of a 276 acres (~110 ha) property known as Belmont, which became the possession of the Government of Jamaica in 1972. Dunn's River was previously afforded protection under the National Trust Commission Act, which was repealed and replaced by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) Act, 1985. The attraction is managed by the Urban Development Corporation. That entity has indicated that the area falls within a few of its designated land use maps for the Estates (Belmont, Roaring River and Malvern Park). The greater area is being considered for designation as a Biosphere Reserve. A section of the proposed site falls within the declared Bogue 2 Forest Reserve.
The Agency has been conducting water quality sampling of both marine and freshwater at this location since 1990. The parameters tested include Phosphates, Nitrates, Biological Oxygen Demand, Faecal Coliform and pH. In freshwater, the parameters are generally compliant. The Nitrate levels however have been largely non-compliant throughout the monitoring period, while the other parameters fluctuate during rainfall events.Poor water quality, particularly faecal coliform —which has recorded extremely high levels in instances —can negatively impact public health. If this were to happen, there could be negative implications for the tourism product.
Canoe Valley comprises approximately 2,000 hectares of lands extending from the coastline east of Farquhars Beach to Port Kaiser (west of Alligator Pond). It spans the parishes of Clarendon and Manchester. The area is comprised of wetlands, beaches and dry limestone forest extending from Farquhar's Beach in Clarendon to Alligator Pond in Manchester. There are both privately and government-owned lands in this area. The area was identified as a potential protected area in the Protected Areas Policy of 1992.
The Alligator Hole River, which falls within the site, was the home of captive manatees. This river was selected for the activity as it was considered the best and safest temporary place for captive manatees. The larger wetland area is also a habitat for the indigenous American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus).
The site comprises a part of the proposed Canoe Valley/Lovers Leap protected area within Jamaica's National Ecological Report (2009) due to its importance for meeting forest habitat goals. Canoe Valley is the only area in which the fish species Gambusia melapleuraoccurs and is the sole contributor to its conservation goal.
The JNHT has conducted extensive archaeological research in the area. There are numerous Taino sites, including settlement, pictograph and petroglyph caves, burial caves, and middens. To date, the area illustrates the highest concentration of Taino sites on the island. The Alligator Hole and marshland would have been an important food source for the Taino (fish, crab, shrimp, manatee and crocodile). The area is under review to be designated Protected National Heritage for both its natural and cultural heritage.
The Bogue Lagoon is located in Montego, St. James; bordered by Freeport in the north, Bogue in the east, Reading in the south and the Caribbean Sea to the west. The Lagoon consists of four mangrove islands, ranging in width from approximately 80 metres to 516 metres. A fringing reef, seagrass beds and mangrove forests are the main ecosystems of the area. Figure 4illustrates the predominant ecosystems within the Bogue Lagoon and highlights the proposed conservation area.
The total area of wetland cover is over 85 hectares, and provides a habitat for birds (shorebirds, marine and terrestrial birds and other wetland bird species) and acts as a nursery area for marine fish. In addition to their ecological function, the wetland also enhances shoreline stability and act as a water retention area, thus mitigating against flooding of communities and the siltation of the coastal zone.
Existing protected area designations within the Bogue Lagoon area are the Montego Bay Marine Park, the Bogue Islands Lagoon Special Fishery Conservation Area and the Bogue Lagoon Creek Game Reserve.In 2019, the World Bank conducted a study on coastal mangroves in selected Jamaican communities, including the Bogue Lagoon. This study concluded that the Lagoon offers protection to "critical road infrastructure and contributes to the viability of mainstream and alternative tourism industries." (World Bank, 2019)
Bengal is located at Rio Bueno, Dry Harbour Mountain. The site which is within a dry limestone forest is located within the Rio Bueno White River Watershed Management Unit. In 2007 several assessments, inclusive of ecological assessments were conductedin support of an initiative to develop a conservation vision for the Puerto Bueno Mountain and establish a St. Ann Coastal Forest Protected Area (St. Ann CFPAP). Some of the findings from these assessments were as follows:
The site is one of the best remaining examples of dry limestone forest on the North Coast.
The site has high flora and fauna endemism.
Conservation of the site will make a significant contribution to the conservation of biodiversity.
Historical Importance - the forest is believed to be in virtually the same condition as it was when Columbus sailed into the nearby harbour in 1494
Geological Importance - the area is characterized by raised fossil reefs, wave-cut limestone terraces, dramatic limestone cliffs and caves; there are also numerous examples of fossilized corals, snails and other marine creatures.
Research and Field Education Site- the site has been used by students and scientists including those based at or visiting the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory.
The Agency also conducted independent assessments of the area in April and June 2010 with the primary aim of ground-truthing the findings from the abovementioned assessments. The results of the verification exercise conducted by the Agencyconfirmed some of the findings presented in earlier studies.
The Jamaica Ecoregional Planning Project began as part of the Greater Caribbean Ecoregional Assessment (GCERA). Jamaica, the third largest Caribbean island, distinguished by the uniqueness of its biodiversity, with several globally important endemic plants and animals, was selected for in-depth analysis under this project. The Jamaica Ecoregional Plan (JERP), developed in June 2006, outlines the conservation areas and strategies necessary for the survival of Jamaica’s freshwater, marine and terrestrial biodiversity. This first iteration is the culmination of a three year effort involving the collection, analysis and synthesis of available biological and socio-economic data relevant to biodiversity conservation on the island and its waters. The 2006 JERP was led by The Nature Conservancy Jamaica Programme and supported by a multidisciplinary group of local and international scientists, technicians and conservation practitioners.
The Jamaica Ecoregional Planning Project began as part of the Greater Caribbean Ecoregional Assessment (GCERA). Jamaica, the third largest Caribbean island, distinguished by the uniqueness of its biodiversity, with several globally important endemic plants and animals, was selected for in-depth analysis under this project. The Jamaica Ecoregional Plan (JERP), developed in June 2006, outlines the conservation areas and strategies necessary for the survival of Jamaica’s freshwater, marine and terrestrial biodiversity. This first iteration is the culmination of a three year effort involving the collection, analysis and synthesis of available biological and socio-economic data relevant to biodiversity conservation on the island and its waters. The 2006 JERP was led by The Nature Conservancy Jamaica Programme and supported by a multidisciplinary group of local and international scientists, technicians and conservation practitioners.
The Jamaica Ecoregional Planning Project began as part of the Greater Caribbean Ecoregional Assessment (GCERA). Jamaica, the third largest Caribbean island, distinguished by the uniqueness of its biodiversity, with several globally important endemic plants and animals, was selected for in-depth analysis under this project. The Jamaica Ecoregional Plan (JERP), developed in June 2006, outlines the conservation areas and strategies necessary for the survival of Jamaica’s freshwater, marine and terrestrial biodiversity. This first iteration is the culmination of a three year effort involving the collection, analysis and synthesis of available biological and socio-economic data relevant to biodiversity conservation on the island and its waters. The 2006 JERP was led by The Nature Conservancy Jamaica Programme and supported by a multidisciplinary group of local and international scientists, technicians and conservation practitioners.
The Jamaica Ecoregional Planning Project began as part of the Greater Caribbean Ecoregional Assessment (GCERA). Jamaica, the third largest Caribbean island, distinguished by the uniqueness of its biodiversity, with several globally important endemic plants and animals, was selected for in-depth analysis under this project. The Jamaica Ecoregional Plan (JERP), developed in June 2006, outlines the conservation areas and strategies necessary for the survival of Jamaica’s freshwater, marine and terrestrial biodiversity. This first iteration is the culmination of a three year effort involving the collection, analysis and synthesis of available biological and socio-economic data relevant to biodiversity conservation on the island and its waters. The 2006 JERP was led by The Nature Conservancy Jamaica Programme and supported by a multidisciplinary group of local and international scientists, technicians and conservation practitioners.
The Jamaica Ecoregional Planning Project began as part of the Greater Caribbean Ecoregional Assessment (GCERA). Jamaica, the third largest Caribbean island, distinguished by the uniqueness of its biodiversity, with several globally important endemic plants and animals, was selected for in-depth analysis under this project. The Jamaica Ecoregional Plan (JERP), developed in June 2006, outlines the conservation areas and strategies necessary for the survival of Jamaica’s freshwater, marine and terrestrial biodiversity. This first iteration is the culmination of a three year effort involving the collection, analysis and synthesis of available biological and socio-economic data relevant to biodiversity conservation on the island and its waters. The 2006 JERP was led by The Nature Conservancy Jamaica Programme and supported by a multidisciplinary group of local and international scientists, technicians and conservation practitioners.