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Negril & Green Island Area Environmental Protection Plan
October 1995

The Negril Area Environmental Protection Trust

T. Goreau, J. Brown, E. Gordon,

G. Gordon, V. Guthrie, N. Ruddock, R. Evans, and K. Thacker 

Natural Resources Conservation Authority Parks, Protected Areas & Wildlife, Watersheds Protection, and Coastal Zone Management Divisions 

NOTE: This paper represents the first effort to develop a management plan for an entire watershed and coastal zone in Jamaica. Detailed assessment of environmental problems is given in every community in the region, and specific projects are outlined to reverse the degradation. It remains to be seen whether these will be done on the scale needed to have a significant impact. It was published by the Jamaican Government Natural Resources Conservation Authority in 1995.

1. Executive Summary  

1.1 Introduction The Negril Environmental Protection Area is one of Jamaica's natural scenic treasures. Blessed by a beautiful environment and relaxed surroundings, the area is appreciated by residents and visitors alike. Growth and development have brought benefits for many, but at considerable costs to the environment. Rural parts of the watershed lack safe and adequate water supplies or garbage removal, posing potential public health risks. Coastal water quality is deteriorating, coral reefs are dying, fish stocks are depleted, public beaches are scarce, and prime natural areas have been lost. Prime reef areas have been destroyed by effluents from inadequately treated sewage and garbage dumps. The beach and west end cliffs of Negril are almost completely lined with hotels and guest houses, which have largely blocked access to and even the view of the shore. Beaches have eroded and ground waters are polluted with sewage from "soak-away" toilets. Sinkholes and caves are clogged with garbage and sewage. Pedestrians must step in flooded garbage and mud filled potholes and dodge dangerous traffic every time it rains. Big trees are being cut down for charcoal kilns or sawmills on forested hill slopes which are vital ground water recharge areas, increasing soil erosion. 

Over the years, citizens and groups, throughout the area have responded to their deep concerns over environmental deterioration by initiating programs to improve the situation. Considerations have been given to the formation of marine parks, protected areas, public parks, and conservation areas to protect this unique natural treasure since 1960. Extensive studies of coral reefs and other areas have been carried out and solid recommendations have been made on how best to preserve them. The idea of protection of the entire area watershed has come up repeatedly as the most logical way to protect natural habitats, as activities on the land affect the sea and marine environment. The Negril area watershed has become the organizing factor for the establishment of an area-wide non-profit local environmental management organization and a series of collaborative programs with various governmental and non-governmental organizations. 

In December 1993, the greater Negril community came together at the third in an annual series of Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society workshops: Protecting Jamaica's Coral Reef Ecosystem: Planning Negril's Protection. They discussed the need to form a local environmental management council. A major focus of the 1993 Community Workshop was the need to establish a conservation area that would guide land use, establish public parks on land and sea, and manage the preservation of our natural resources. In order to carry out important work to be done, it was decided to form the Negril Area Environmental Protection Trust (NEPT) to:

Coordinate and assist NGO and public sector activities which relate to environmental improvements, natural resource management, and community education and awareness. This includes setting local priorities and developing strategies for organizations to obtain funding assistance;

Assist with implementation of specific projects, including administering funds, monitoring progress and evaluating success. This will be done as a service to organizations without this capacity;

Raise funds to undertake local environmental projects, build capacity to purchase lands and undertake income-generating activities;

Meet government and donor requirements for monitoring and evaluating specific projects;

Assume management responsibility for specific areas such as marine parks, ecological reserves or recreation areas, including enforcement activities; and

Advocate sustainable development, sustainable tourism and environmental protection for the Negril watershed area at the local, national and international levels. 

In 1994 a Planning Team was formed which included members of NEPT, the NRCA, an environmental planner and scientific advisor. Incorporating community participation, the team has completed fieldwork and research and prepared this Environmental Protection Plan. The Plan becomes the basis for formal designation by the Minister of the Environment and Housing of the Negril Environmental Protection Area. 

This is a major step in formally addressing critical environmental issues in Negril. Plan implementation will lead to a partnership of NEPT, the NRCA, and NGIALPA to garner the resources necessary to protect and sustainably use the area's natural resources. 

The focus of Plan implementation will be the first three year "Action Program" described on pages 8-17. It identifies 33 objectives, key steps in reaching the long term goals for the area. These projects will be supported by continued environmental clean-up, restoration, or improvement projects in different communities around the watershed. The program will initially be financed through assistance from international and national donor agencies and in kind contributions and donations from the private sector. It is expected that it will become self financing after a period of time through the establishment of a "Conservation Fee" administered through hotel room charges, other user and entrance fees, a NEPT trust fund, souvenir sales, and ecotourism activities. 

Whole-watershed planning embraced here recognizes the ecological links between uplands, morass, beaches, offshore lagoons and reefs, and between people and the environment. This process incorporates an effort in Jamaica to protect the environment in an integral fashion that links the whole watershed and coastal zone in one unit. It represents an example of community-based management, in which the definition of the problems and of the acceptable solutions are based on community consultation. This Plan was prepared following local community meetings in districts throughout the entire Negril and Green Island watersheds, in which local concerns were discussed, and representatives chosen to reflect each community's concerns in future NEPT programs. 

While the communities face many social and economic problems that are not necessarily environmental in nature, a cleaner environment means improving the quality of life of all the watershed's inhabitants. This sends a signal that the people are serious about keeping their area beautiful, making environmentally-sound public and private sector investment more likely in the future. If this plan succeeds it will provide a model for communities all around Jamaica to define their own environmental problems and design solutions to protect and to restore their own areas: protecting and developing a more beautiful Jamaica for our children's children.  

1.2 Goals 

The Town Planning Department has prepared a draft Negril Development Plan for the greater Negril area. This plan is to be translated into a Development Order, and passed by Parliament. The Development Order becomes the official guide for how land use and development should proceed. This Environmental Protection Plan should be seen as the "environmental base" for the Development Plan. Together, they map out a clear strategy for sustainable growth within the limits of the natural environment. Two of the draft Negril Development Plan's five goals pertain directly to the environment: 

Goal 1. Economic development Goal 2. Conservation of natural resources: "To conserve those areas of diminishing or irreplaceable natural resources (watersheds, coral reefs, seagrass beds, beaches, mangrove areas, fresh water swamps, forests and areas of natural beauty"

Goal 3. Urban infrastructure and community service improvements

Goal 4. Development of rural service centers

Goal 5. Parks and Protected Areas system: "To develop and preserve a system of parks, open spaces, wild lands, and beaches for the use of the public in perpetuity". 

            This Environmental Protection Plan expands the scope and specificity of these goals

            to include the following: 

            Goal 1. Maintain fishing as a viable commercial activity, and continued source of

            local employment. This goal may be reached through

            a. Establishment of fish sanctuaries and marine replenishment zones.

            b. Establishment and management of fishermen's beaches.

            c. Enforcement of fisheries regulations.

            d. Training and licensing of fishermen.

            e. Restrictions on use of damaging fishing techniques.

            f. Increasing offshore fishing activities, promoting greater use of Jamaican waters

            by Jamaican fishermen.

            g. Training of fisheries wardens.

            h. Developing aquaculture and mariculture programs. 

            Goal 2. Preserve prime agricultural land against development pressures so that

            farming can continue to be the area's primary source of employment. Follow

            farming practices which maintain soil fertility and minimize degradation of air and

            water. This goal may be reached through

            a. Developing soil capability maps.

            b. Continuing national policy on protection of the best agricultural lands.

            c. Agricultural extension programs.

            d. Improved crop types.

            e. Using compost and natural fertilizers and pest control methods.

            f. Expanding local markets for meat, fruit, vegetable and herb produce, especially    to the tourism industry. 

            Goal 3. Expand the watershed's natural forest cover, while finding ways for

            sustainable harvest to meet area needs and provide local employment for those

            dependent on forests for their livelihood. This goal may be reached through

            a. Developing fuel wood plantations.

            b. Enforcing tree preservation orders

            c. Conservation zoning.

            d. Tree planting programs. 

Goal 4. Guide growth of the tourism industry in a manner which maintains Negril's unique natural beauty, and is within the capability of the area's ecosystems to support. This goal may be reached through... 

a. Maintaining a system of parks and protected natural areas, trails, and educational centers.

 b. Enforcing building and development zones and codes.

 c. Establishing hotel and tourist facility development guidelines.

 d. Developing the area's potential for ecotourism.

 Goal 5. Provide proper treatment and disposal of all human wastes and waste water throughout the watershed, keeping nutrients out of the marine environment. This goal may be reached through...

 a. Mandatory connections to the new central collection system in Negril.

 b. Tertiary treatment (nutrient stripping) for new sewage facilities.

 c. Sealed dry toilet and other "non-soak away" systems for those not able to connect to central or other proper sewage treatment facilities.

 d. Regular maintenance of all systems.

 e. Enforcement of non compliance.

 f. Requirements for non ground water polluting sewage systems in all new construction.

 g. Loan programs for replacement of existing "soak away" systems.

 h. Heightened community awareness of the importance of proper sanitation to the coral reef and related marine ecosystems.

 Increased use of water conservation and waste reuse approaches, including agricultural use of sewage waste and graywater use in yards.

 Goal 6. Develop a comprehensive program to address the watershed's garbage problem, including reducing use of plastics and other difficult to dispose of materials, creative reuse, recycling, composting of organics instead of burning, separation of toxic and hazardous wastes, and disposal in a properly designed and maintained landfill within the watershed. This goal may be reached through...

 a. Public education.

 b. Pilot or demonstration projects in community separation recycling and composting programs.

 c. Establishing of a lined landfill with tertiary treatment of effluents. 

Goal 7. Keep ground water supplies adequate and clean. This goal may be reached through... 

a. Establishing projects to protect trees on ground water recharge areas, especially hill slopes. 

b. Replanting deforested areas. 

c. Clearing sinkholes of trash, garbage, and debris. 

d. Preventing garbage and sewage disposal in sinkholes, caves, crevices, and cracks. 

Goal 8. Prevent soil erosion and enhance soil fertility. This goal may be reached through... 

a. Increasing the use of agricultural practices such as contour plowing and no tillage, mulching, planting of tree crops on slopes. 

b. Developing seedling nurseries. 

c. Using soil binding grasses for terracing. 

d. Introducing new tree crop varieties. 

e. Reforestation projects with rapidly growing trees to provide charcoal and lumber. 

f. Establishment of vegetation corridors to hold soil along riverbanks. 

g. Planting soil-binding plants with deep roots on erosion-prone slopes. 

Goal 9. Provide safe and clean water supplies adequate for the needs of all the watershed's inhabitants and end current the extensive reliance on springs and rivers in many rural areas. This goal may be reached through... 

a. Working with National water Commission to ensure that the upgraded Logwood pumping and delivery system includes feeder lines to all communities in the watershed. 

b. Reopen and extend standpipes. 

c. Development of new water resources. 

10. Ensure that rivers and springs continue to have regular unimpeded flow, and be kept free of pollutants. This goal may be reached through... 

a. Protection of ground water recharge areas from deforestation. 

b. Clearance of sinkholes. 

c. Prevention of blasting near springs and recharge zones. 

d. Prevention and cleanup of contamination in sinkholes. 

e. Reduced use of springs and rivers for washing, bathing, and toilet activities. 

f. Preservation of green corridors along river banks. 

g. Ban on use of environmentally dangerous chemicals in the watershed. 

h. Establishment of a local water quality monitoring program. 

I. No-wake motorboat rule to reduce propeller wake erosion of river banks. 

j. Pier extension to prevent sand bar blockage of South Negril River Mouth. 

k. Environmental Impact Study of possible effects of reopening the Orange River channel. 

l. Improved public health monitoring for potential contamination of waters with disease-causing microorganisms. 

Goal 11. Secure public access and ownership of key beachfront and shoreline lands. This goal may be reached through... 

a. Purchase of land, land trades, easements. 

b. Enforcement of and amendments to the Beach Control Act. 

c. Setting aside adequate publicly owned shoreline lands (especially UDC lands) 

Goal 12. Upgrade the local capacity of NRCA and train local environmental 'wardens" or "rangers" authorized to enforce existing environmental laws. This goal may be reached through... 

a. Upgrading the local capacity of NRCA. 

b. Training, including the judiciary and local environmental wardens or rangers authorized to enforce existing and new environmental laws. 

c. Using of signs, brochures, radio, and videos to educate the public about relevant laws. 

Goal 13. Protect caves as sites of exceptional natural beauty, the major sites of ground water flow from mountains to the sea, Arawak Indian archaeological sites, and the home of rare creatures. This goal may be reached through... 

a. Identifying, protecting and maintaining clear of obstruction all caves, sintholes, crevices, and cracks leading into them. 

b. Replacing sewage systems which release wastes into caves. 

Goal 14. Maintain and enhance all mangroves and seagrass beds as fish nurseries, bird rookeries, mud-binders, and shore protectors. This goal may be reached through... 

a. Establishing and enforcing laws on cutting and filing of mangroves. 

b. Initiating programs to replant mangrove seedlings along erosion-prone shorelines in order to stabilize beach loss and coral reef damage from mud.

Goal 15. Protect and enhance the capacity of the Morass and other wetlands to trap soil and absorb nutrients which would otherwise damage the coral reefs, as the second largest wetland in Jamaica, as a potential canoe, kayak, and fishing area, and as the major home of the rare and endangered Jamaican swamp royal palm. This goal may be reached through... 

a. Preventing construction of further drainage canals and infilling of the wetland. 

b. Protection of the freshwater flow from springs which supply it. 

c. Developing highly productive and soil-enriching aquaculture with raised field agricultural methods to replace use of soil depleting and eroding agricultural and pasture practices on the edges of the wetland. 

d. Establish clear boundaries for the morass by survey and field markings. 

e. Establish Royal Palm Reserve and major part of morass as a National Park. 

Goal 16. Protect all coral reefs in the area as the source of its marine biodiversity, fisheries, beach sand supply, and shore protection from storm waves. This goal may be reached through... 

a. Installation and maintenance of reef mooring buoys. 

b. Prohibition of dredging without silt curtains to trap sediment. 

c. Mandatory use of onshore garbage reception facilities by all boats. 

d. Control of watershed erosion. 

e. Prevention of ground water and surface water contamination. 

f. Establishment and enforcement of coastal zone water quality standards. 

g. Expanded sewage treatment to tertiary level. 

h. Use of dry sealed toilets or other technologies to end excess nutrient release into the coastal zone and subsequent algae overgrowth of coral reefs. 

i. Reef restoration projects. 

j. Joining in international adoption of steps to ensure that global climate change is held to rates within the capacity of reef corals and coral reef communities to adapt. 

Goal 17. Expand public awareness of the need to respect, conserve, and enhance the natural environment, and to comply with environmental laws and regulations. Ways that this goal may be reached include community meetings, signage programs, brochures, educational videos, a newsletter, environmental education curricula in area schools, and educational workshops and seminars 

Goal 18. Ensure that local organizations such as NEPT develop the financial resources necessary to play a leadership role in protection and restoration of the environment. This goal may be reached through... 

a. Access grants from international and national funding agencies. 

b. Develop a souvenir sales program. 

c. Development of ecotourism activities within the area's carrying capacity. 

d. Establishment of a local trust fund. 

e. Establishment of a system of user, visitor, and concessionaire fees. 

f. Solicit donations from private sector. 

a. Special fundraising events. 

Goal 19. Ensure that both the NRCA and NGIALPA are able to fulfill their roles as leaders and partners in environmental protection and Plan implementation. This goal may be reached through... 

a. Increased budgets and allocations to meet costs associated with Plan implementation. 

b. Increased staff levels, training and technical assistance. 

c. Provision of tools and equipment necessary, especially as it relates to enforcement and compliance. 

 1.3 First Three Year Objectives are measurable steps towards reaching goals. They constitute the plan of action for implementation. 

Priorities to be initiated during the first year: 

1. Hire permanent staff and establish the NEPT Board as the Local Advisory Committee to guide implementation of the Environmental Protection Plan. Expand Board membership to include representation by NWC and outlying communities. 

Implementation Considerations: NRCA needs to provide guidelines on roles and responsibilities of Local Advisory Committees for Environmental Protection Areas. The Local Advisory Committee would meet regularly to advise on matters related to environmental protection and sustainable use within the plan area. The NEPT staff would prepare the agenda for the LAC to discuss, based on input from NGIALPA, NRCA, UDC, etc. NEPT will have one Board member serve on the NGIALPA Board. Budget/Cost Implications: Board members will need to be reimbursed for travel between Negril and rural communities. Meetings will be held on a rotating basis throughout watershed communities. Organizing LAC activity would be part of the general responsibilities of NEPT staff The annual cost of supporting a full time NEPT staff would be approximately $J 2,000,000. 

2. Dredge the sand bar blocking the South Negril River. Shore bank to prevent erosion by boat wakes and help keep channel clear. Establish a regular channel maintenance schedule. 

Implementation Considerations: The first step is to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). A proposal for funding the EIA will be prepared by NEPT, submitted to EFJ and others. NRCA will review the EIA and approve action. The Agency or organization responsible for regular maintenance needs to be identified. A proposal for the dredging project will be sent by NEPT to potential funding agencies. Budget/Cost Implications: Environmental Impact Assessment cost estimate JA$170,000. Channel dredging estimates range up to JA$3,400,000. Bank stabilization cost is estimated at JA$850, 000. Additional costs include construction of a vegetation barrier to prevent sand being blown from the beach into the canal during northwesters. This will eliminate the source of canal blockage, and reduce regular canal maintenance cost by precluding the need for further dredging, except following hurricanes. 

3. Commission one full time NRCA "Environmental Officer" to the Environmental Protection Area to assist in Plan implementation, enforcement and public awareness. 

Implementation Considerations: NRCA to prepare job description for this position, hire, train, and place person. Budget/Cost Implications: Annual salary and support costs per year estimated at $J 300, 000. 

4. Hire a full time scientific officer to monitor the Negril Environmental Protection Area (NEPA) on a regular basis, document changes in ecosystem for record keeping, advise the NEPT Board on recommended actions for best protection of the natural resources within the boundaries of NEPA. Train NEPT staff in environmental monitoring techniques, ecology, environmental history, and any other relevant training. Advise and assist Executive Director, Parks Manager, Conservation Officer, in development of community-based projects. Assess habitats and species in the NEPA, network with community public education and outreach, basic research, train marine and terrestrial rangers, 

Implementation Considerations: NEPT to prepare job description for this position, hire, train. and place person. 

Budget/Cost Implications: Annual salary and support costs per year estimated at $J 300,000, which will be covered under the European Union funded, Marine Protected Area objective during the first two years. 

5. Secure designated lands between the South Negril River and Nonpariel Road for use by the Negril Fishermen's Cooperative. Development will include areas for storing equipment, repairing gear, cleaning and selling fish, boat building, and ecotourism services such as river tours to the Royal Palm Reserve. 

Implementation Considerations: Land identified for this use needs to be surveyed, and title or lease agreement completed. Building and site development plans need to be completed. Budget Implications: Negril Fishermen's Cooperative will submit a proposal to Canadian Green Fund for funding for a building, and seek assistance from CESO for technical assistance to help strengthen the Cooperative. NEPT is assisting the Fishermen's Cooperative prepare proposals to secure additional funds required to implement this project and subsequent programs

6. Designate Long Bay, Booby Cay, and parts of Bloody Bay as a Marine Protected Area, Negril National Recreation Area, or other form of protection. Prepare Management and Operations Plans, and request delegation of authority from NRCA for local management by NEPT. 

Implementation Considerations: NCRPS has received a grant from the EU to establish a Negril Marine Protected Area, including money to prepare a management and operations plan. This plan will include multiple-use multiple-zoning with various compatible mixtures of recreation, fishing or conservation. NRCA Parks and Protected Area staff will need to work with NCRPS/NEPT in plan preparation. NRCA needs to complete Parks aml Protected Areas Systems Plan, including guidelines for preparation of management and operations plans, policies, procedures, and requirements for delegation of authority. Booby Cay, Bloody Bay, and Little Bloody Bay sites will require negotiations with UDC for land to be donated or leased for public management, or for the costs to be assumed by UDC as part of their plan for the area. Budget/Cost Implications: Management and Operations Plan preparation will require commitment of one NRCA Parks and Protected Area and Coastal Zone Management staff person for 4 months. NCRPS personnel and costs would be covered by the EU grant. The possibility of sale or lease of needed lands may require a fundraising campaign and/or grant. 

7. Assess feasibility of the Royal Palm Preserve as a National Park or Protected Area. If feasible, update existing Management Plan. Delegate management authority to a local entity which will use the area as an Environmental Education Centre and promote it as Environmental Education Research Centre and ecotourism product. Include the South Negril River Corridor as part of the Park and as the link between it and the Long Bay protected area. Evaluate the health and regenerative capability of existing Royal Palms within the proposed National Park, those found in the larger morass protected area, and the conditions of the Jamaican thatch palm which was recommended for protection by the 1982 Coke vegetation survey. Start a program to restore endangered endemic wetland palms. 

Implementation Considerations: Issues surrounding lease arrangements for use and management of the Preserve with PCJ need to be resolved. NEPT will prepare a proposal to PCJ, outlining its strategy for management of the facilities, as well as terms and conditions. This will require participation of the Environmental Protection Area planning team and will emphasize conservation, species and habitat restoration educational and ecotourism potential of the site. If the response is favorable, preparation of the management and operations plan will be done in conjunction with planning in number 5 above. Budget/Cost Implications: Royal palm regeneration and restoration will be funded initially through a grant from a conservation and restoration proposal, and in the long run through an entrance/user fee system which will be put in place to cover costs of operating the facility. NRCA will support related work in its Parks and Protected Areas division, and would enforce protection efforts to stop illegal stealing, sale, and export of Royal Palm by listing it under CITES. 

8. Add Park Rangers to the enforcement team, employed by NEPT, and working under the guidance of the NRCA Environmental Officer. Train rangers to both enforce laws and regulations and to promote public awareness of ecological inter-relationships within the whole watershed. 

Implementation Considerations: The EU-funded NCRPS proposal includes funds for training and hiring two rangers for two years, and NRCA enforcement officers would serve as part of their overall duties. A training program needs is being designed by NCRPS & NEPT, emphasizing monitoring and assessment of local environmental problems, with supporting funds to be secured through a grant. Budget/Cost Implications: Park rangers would be employed by NEPT. When the EU funds are spent, salaries and expenses would be met through revenue generation activities within the Park. Based on the experience gained from Montego Bay and Blue John Crow Mountains, annual costs of each ranger is $J100,000. 

9. Focus attention on assistance to small communities throughout the watershed in solving some of their priority environmental problems. 

Implementation Considerations: NEPT is using its staff, facilities, and resources to assist each community in designing priority projects and developing proposals to be

submitted to funding agencies. Community meetings in May and June, 1995 identified the following projects:

Sheffield: tree nursery

Negril Spot, Top Hill, Retreat: proper drainage of blocked culverts

Cave Valley, Marchtown, Winchester: forestry project

Silver Spring, Springfield, Ketto: unblocking canal

Orange Hill, Retirement: tree planting and educational program

Hopewell, Revival: Brighton Beach clean-up

Mount Airy: dry toilet demonstration

Little Bay: Little Bay beach clean-up

Orange Bay: Improvement of fishermen's beach, unblocking canal.

Green Island: clearing salt spring river

Rock Spring. tree nursery

St. Paul: protection of ponds, stop bathing at standpipes

Logwood: tree planting

Budget/Cost Implications: Technical assistance costs (such as for the Planning Team, Scientific Advisor will be covered by KU. ) could be met through DEMO project funds initially. NEPT and NEST will help each community identify appropriate sources of funds as part of project design and proposal writing assistance.

10. Establish a comprehensive local water quality monitoring program (temperature, salinity, oxygen, pH, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate, total phosphorus, pesticides, coliform bacteria, and other pollutants).

Implementation Considerations: Recommendations for a coordinated Water Quality Monitoring program have been drafted by NEPT in conjunction with NWC, NRCA, UDC, UWA. This will maintain existing monitoring programs while greatly expanding the scope of surface water sampling in the watershed, allowing identification of pollution sources and assessment of management options to control them. Special priorities include 1) monitoring groundwater pollution baseline levels before construction of the new sewage system, 2) monitoring all springs and rivers used as human water sources, 3) expanding coastal zone monitoring beyond tourism areas, 4) monitoring pesticides, 5) monitoring water-borne infectious microbes, and 6) determining current inputs and outputs of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediments in the watershed and contrasting them with previous work by NRCA.

Budget/Cost Implications: Program costs are expected to be shared, with NEPT assuming primary responsibility for collection, storage, and shipment of samples, and the NRCA and NWC assuming lab costs. Memoranda of Agreement amongst participating agencies rzeed to be signed. NCRPS will use EU funding to develop the water sampling program for the first two years, and NEPT is developing collaborative proposals with NRCA, NWC, and the Ministry of Health, and various researchers to obtain funds for greater microbiological, pesticide, and groundwater monitoring. NEPT data collection costs will be met as part of routine activities of Park staff and Rangers, and NRCA through supporting part-time monitoring activities by the Environmental Officer stationed in Negril. The NRCA should move to adopt water quality standards for coral reefs and other marine ecosystems.

11. Prepare feasibility studies for mariculture options in Orange Bay and Little Bay to

determine what kind(s) of project(s) should be implemented first.

Implementatzon Considerations: Feasibility studies have been carried out by NCRPS scientific advisors and a pilot Irish moss program has been implemented in Little Bay by the Negril Fishermen's Cooperative, with support of EFJ. The NRCA needs to establish a fonnal management framework for securing leases to the right to mariculture production from designated sites, a management framework which prevents incompatible uses of mariculture zones, such as netfishing, bottom trawling, spearfishing, motor boat traffic, recreational use, etc.,. and legal protection from praedial larceny accorded farmers.

Budget/Cost Implications: Support for a wide range of mariculture programs are allocated by the EU funded NCRPS Marine Protected Area program, including two mariculture technical experts and support for pilot programs for two years. It is expected that beyond this period these activities will become self supporting. NRCA will be expected to draft mariculture guidelines and legislation as part of the Coastal Zone Management planning process underway.

12. Develop a long term mooring buoy maintenance program, including training of local water sports operators and fishermen.

implementation Considerations: At least four local fishermen and water sports operators will be trained and two rangers supported as part of a buoy installation and maintenance project and coastal water zoning program being carried out by the Resort Board, NCRPS, and NEPT. They will be employed part time by NEPT to carry out regular maintenance activities.

Budget/Cost Implications: A proposal for funding an ongoing mooring and zoning buoy maintenance, coastal zoning and mooring buoy installation, and two Reef Rangers has been prepared by NEPT. Some of the costs may be met through user fees, fundraising, and other income generation activities associated with operations of the Protected Area. Annual maintenance costs are estimated to be $J800, 000.

13. Extend community outreach and awareness activities into the Green Island, Rock Spring, St. Paul, Moreland, and Broughton areas. Assist community groups there to identify environmental action and educational priorities, and develop their own "Action Agenda" for dealing with them. Provide assistance as necessary in implementation.

Implementation Considerations: Work has already begun through community meetings in these areas and inclusion of area schools in NCRPS environmental education activities. NEPT will support community efforts to implement environmental improvement projects in each area. The Negril Development Plan review and Environmental Protection Plan update (in 1998) will focus attention on the conditions and needs of newly included outlying areas.

Budget/Cost Implications: Educational outreach activities to date have been developed by NCRPS with support of EFJ and the Canadian Green Fund. Continued work will be part of NEPT staff and NRCA Environmental Officer responsibilities, in conjunction with NCRPS and the schools. Community environmental education projects are being designed by NEPT and NCRPS and development of materials is expected to be funded through local fund raising activities and grants.

14. Re-establish mangroves and shore trees between Salmon Point and Hope Wharf to prevent erosion and protect the reefs and fisheries of Little Bay and Homer's Cove. Establish local seedling nurseries and stock seed sources. Expand work to Samuel's Bay area.

Implementation Considerations: A proposal for a pilot program near Salmon Point has been completed and should begin to be implemented as soon as funds are secured. Private landowners along Samuel's Bay have been encouraged to restore cut mangroves along the shore.

Budget/Cost Implications: Pilot Salmon Point project cost estimate $J295, 000. Proposal to be submitted to EFJ, Canadian Green Fund, or others. Proposal preparation supported by DEMO. Restoration activities at Samuel's Bay are expected to be borne bv private developers.

15. Initiate community garbage separation, recycling, composting, and collection programs throughout the Environmental Protection Area.

Implementation Considerations: Development of comprehensive community garbage separation, recycling and safe landfill programs will be undertaken by NEPT. A community solid waste workshop is being planned before the end of 1995. Demonstration separation and composting activities will be incorporated into the Alternative Sanitation demonstration under construction. Schools will be the center of separation and composting activities in communities throughout the watershed, supported by ongoing NCRPS and NEPT environmental education programs.

Budget/Cost Implications: Waste reduction and recycling approaches will be an integral part of NEPT daily operations, and the focus of much of its community public education programs. These have been run by NCRPS and funded by the Canadian Green Fund to date. The community solid waste workshop will be funded through the DEMO project. Specific pilot projects and a comprehensive program to be funded by grant proposals and local fund raising activities. Ongoing and new environmental education programs by NCRPS and NEPT will be funded by various sources including the Green Fund, EU, EFJ, and DEMO.

16. Incorporates Environmental Protection Plan recommendations into the Negril Area Provisional Development Order.

Implementation Considerations: This requires that NEPT staff and Board, NGIALPA staff, and NRCA staff are able to actively participate with Town and Country Planning in a review of the Draft Negril Development Plan, and its translation into a Development Order. Town and Country Planning's work program for Negril needs to be identified. One member from the NRCA Planning team should be assigned to work closely with Town and Country Planning staff. The NEPT Planning Team and scientific advisor for the Environmental Protection Plan will be involved.

Budget/Cost Implications: DEMO project is expected to assist with costs for NEPT Planning team, EU, and NGIALPA staff. Other costs are part of normal staff activities for NRCA and Town and Country Planning.

17. Designate areas currently and traditionally used by fishermen as official Fishermen's Beaches, establishing public access corridors and protecting this traditional use.

Implementation Considerations: Currently used areas have been identified. NRCA, in conjunction with other agencies needs to formulate official policy on protection, access, use, and development of fishermen's beaches (as part of work on Beach Control Act amendments). Sites need to be surveyed, boundaries established, signs placed, and maintenance responsibilities agreed upon. NEPT will work with local fishermen to accomplish this. Budget/Cost Implications: Negril Fishermen's Cooperative will be assisted by NEPT to secure survey and land title costs. DEMO funds may be used for signs. Fishermen using each beach would assume maintenance responsibilities, with funds to be provided by beach user fees in recreational areas, or from fishermen's license fees. NRCA to support review of beach access and registration as part of Coastal Zone Management review under way. NEPT and NC will develop fisheries management plans with support of NCRPS/EU Marine Park program. NRCA to support review of beach access and registration as part of Coastal Zone Management review under way.

18. Expand the existing Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society experimental program of coral reef restoration, fisheries and habitat restoration, and shore protection using mineral accretion and artificial reefs.

Implementation Considerations: A range of sites and applications have been identified by NCRPS, and NRCA CZM asked to review them. These projects ill include cooperation with community organizations and fishermen's cooperatives in Little Bay, Salmon Point, Orange Bay, and Green Island. Sites in great need of reef restoration, the reefs of Booby Cay, are off UDC designated land, and will require agreement with UDC regarding its long term management. Budget/Cost Implications: Funds have been included in the EU grant to NCRPS to continue this program for up to two years. The NRCA Coastal Zone Management needs to develop guidelines for artificial reefs and reef restoration.

19. Build fish aggregation devices (FADs) at suitable location along the coast to attract offshore fish stocks for line-fishing.

Implementation Considerations: A proposal to initiate this activity has been completed by NEPT and is currently being circulated for funding. Prototype demonstration projects will be implemented by NEPT and the Negril Fishermen's Cooperative. Budget/Cost Implications: Proposal budget for a comprehensive program is $J300,000 for one year. Pilot projects will be supported by the EU funded NCRPS Marine Protected Area Fisheries Program, and materials contributed from the NCRPS. The NRCA Coastal Zone Management division to prepare guidelines for FADs.

Actions and Programs for second and third Years:

20. Establish cliff public access corridors along the West End Fossil Reefs and Caves area, including one site for a public information centre. Protect the last remaining undeveloped forest area on the West End, between Rock Cliff and Drumville Cove, for a public park and Educational centre.

Implementation Considerations: As part of Marine Protected Area planning (see number 6 above) NEPT will work with Westmoreland Parish Council and West End business and property owners, and Port Authority (responsible for Lighthouse lands) to identify possible access and viewing corridors. Guidelines to preserve views out to sea from the road will be included in the Development Order (see number 15 above). An educational program will help local landowners protect fossil reefs, caves, cliffs, and sea level notches and develop information materials, signs, hiking and biking trails, etc.

Budget/Cost Implications: A fundraising campaign to acquire or lease one site as a public information center will be initiated. Sea level caves would be protected under the Marine Protected Area Management Plan developed by NCRPS with EU funding. NEPT will act to identify sewage and garbage draining into sinkholes and caves, and encourage landowners to divert or clean them as part of watershed management programs. The NRCA to support by Parks and Protected Areas participation.

21. Prepare a Conservation, Open Space and Protected Areas Plan for all UDC controlled lands in the Environmental Protection Area. It should include guidelines for all proposed developments on UDC lands.

Implementation Considerations: Minister and NRCA Executive Director need to secure commitment by UDC to prepare such a plan. NEPT Board members, staff, NGIALPA, and NRCA would participate on a planning team, contributing technical assistance and coordinate community participation and review. Plan should be included in Development Order.

Budget/Cost Implications: May be incorporated into UDC's regular environmental review and development process, and into NRCA and NEPT operating budgets.

22. Designate the area currently used by Orange Bay fisherman as a "Fishing Beach". Develop appropriate sanitary facilities as well as an Information/Ranger station there. Improve road and provide running water.

implementation Considerations: See numbers 16 and 20 above and 23 below. NEPT and NRCA need to work with UDC because area currently used is within UDC designated area, and with the Fisheries Division which is responsible for designated fishing beaches. Budget/Cost Implications: NEPT will work with Orange Bay fishermen to prepare a proposal for funding construction of beach sanitary facilities and other improvements. Funding for Information/Ranger station facilities will be identified as part of the area's Management Plan (see number 23 below). The NRCA CZM division to review proposed guidelines.

23. Work with local fishermen to establish an Orange Bay "Fish Management Zone". Prepare a Management Plan which establishes regulations, use zones, nursery and Fish Sanctuary areas, mariculture projects, and outlines an enforcement strategy which includes Fishermen as wardens.

Implementation Considerations: Some planning related work will be initiated as part of EU funded Marine Protected Area project (see number 6 above). NEPT staff and the Fishermen's Cooperative would work with Fisheries and NRCA to prepare a work program, budget, and schedule for this activity. Budget/Cost Implications: Development of a Fisheries Management Plan will be part of the NCRPS Marine Protected Area, funded by the EU. Plan preparation will require a Fisheries Officer from Fisheries Division (3 months), Scientific Advisor (2-3 months), NRCA resource planner (3 months), and Local Advisory Committee.

24. Work with local fishermen to establish a South Negril "Fish Management Area" between the Negril Lighthouse and Salmon Point. Prepare a Management Plan, establish regulations, use zones, nursery and Fish Sanctuary areas, mariculture development, and an enforcement strategy which involves local Fishermen (Little Bay, Homer's Cove, Salmon Point).

Implementation Considerations: Some planning related work will be initiated as part of EU funded Marine Protected Area project (see number 6 above). NEPT staff and Fishermen's Cooperative will work with Fisheries and NRCA to prepare a work program, budget, and schedule for this activity. Planning for the Orange Bay and South Negril Coast may be done simultaneously to use resources most efficiently.

Budget/Cost Implications: Same as for number 22 above.

25. Declare the Negril Great Morass as a National Park or National Ecological Reserve. Clearly establish its boundaries by field survey. Initiate broad public awareness campaign.

Implementation Considerations: Much of the morass is under control of UDC, PCJ, and the Commissioner of Lands. Planning for its protection will be a central part of the proposed Conservation, Open Space and Protected Area Plan described under number 20 above. It has been greatly affected by lowering of the water table, increased fires, invasion of weeds, conversion to agriculture, marl dumping, and seawater intrusion as a result of canal dredging in 1959 and '60. A critical first step is to review and update both the Coke vegetation survey and map the distribution of existing habitat and plant communities. This should result in clear boundaries of wetlands to be protected, which need to be field surveyed and marked. This process will be conducted as part of the Ranger Training program. Until this area is demarcated, a primary responsibility of the NEPT Planning Team, the NRCA Environmental Officer stationed in Negril, as well as NGIALPA building inspectors, will be to monitor development activities adjacent to the morass, preventing further filling. Existing canals need to be cleared to prevent flooding of agricultural land, but no new drainage of the morass should be allowed. If a Royal Palm Reserve National Park is established, it should serve as the administrative and educational center of a larger morass park or reserve. Budget/Cost Implications: A grant proposal will be prepared by NEPT to secure funds for field studies and survey work, monitoring, and identify funding sources for Park Rangers and a fire watch station and reporting network. NEPT will obtain support for the scientific advisor as part of the EU funded program. The NRCA will need to support the activities of enforcement personnel, including those from its Watersheds and Parks and Protected Areas divisions.

26. Declare a moratorium on any cutting or filling or further drainage of mangrove and wetland areas within the Environmental Protection Area until NRCA policies and regulations associated with protection, restoration, and sustainable use of mangroves and wetlands are completed.

Implementation Considerations: The NEPT and NRCA staff have reviewed the existing situation and recommended that wetlands and mangroves be protected island-wide as critical habitat. A moratorium can be included as part of Minister’s declaration of the Environmental Protection Area. Preliminary regulations (currently under preparation by NRCA Coastal Zone Management section) can be included provisionally in the declaration. Budget/Cost Implications: The NRCA and NEPT would cover enforcement costs as part of Environmental Officer and Park Ranger duties.

27. Establish "Information/enforcement" stations at key locations within the Environmental Protection area (e.g. Booby Cay, Orange Bay, Bloody Bay public beach, Long Bay public beach (UDC), Community Center public beach, West End Cliffs, Royal Palm Preserve, Little Bay, etc.).

Implementation Considerations: Site locations and facility requirements will be identified as part of Marine Protected Area planning described under number 6 above. Facilities for each site should include public sanitary conveniences, trash sorting receptacles, composting area, information signage, educational exhibits, emergency equipment and supplies, and a ranger shelter. Budget/Cost Implications: Land acquisitions and leases from UDC, the Commissioner of Lands, or private landowners will be needed. Marine Protected Area fundraising and capital campaign will be used to pay for construction. Maintenance will be part of annual Protected Area operations budget.

28. Work with UDC to establish Little Bloody Bay-Pumpkin Point as a public beach and park.

See number 20 above.

29. Establish programs of planting rapidly growing trees for fuel wood plantations, wood, fruit, shade, and other uses on both public and private lands to replace forest tree cutting for charcoal and lumber. Enforce tree protection order in watershed recharge areas and designated forest reserves.

Implementation Considerations: NEPT staff and Scientific Advisor will develop a project proposal, and identify a variety of sites in different habitats for a nurseries and experimental plantations in cooperation with local community representatives, local landowners, and the NRCA's Watersheds division. Land could be acquired, leased, donated, or usufruct (rights to harvest produce of an area granted by its land owner) for designated sites and usage. The NRCA and the Ministry of Agriculture's Forestry Division and Hillside Agriculture Project could provide seedlings for local nurseries. Budget/Cost implications: To be determined by project proposal. NEPT will develop a watershed-wide community forestry program proposal for submission to forestry and development agencies.

30. Move garbage from Orange Bay dump to a safe landfill in order to protect water quality in the Bay and allow recovery of Orange Bay reef and fisheries.

Implementation Considerations: A suitable and acceptable site where the garbage could be safely land filled needs to be identified by NEPT, NGIALPA, the Parish Councils, NRCA, and Western Parks and Markets. NRCA needs to develop site criteria for landfills to prevent ground and surface water contamination. Budget/Cost implications: A proposal would have to be developed for the costs of removal and land filling. Costs are uncertain at present. 

31. Expand sewage collection system to include all communities near the lines, such as Sheffield and Red Ground, outlying areas beyond the present sewage line limits which are undergoing rapid development, and hillside residential areas which could be served by cost effective feeder lines. 

Implementation Considerations: The sewage system may not intercept a large enough fraction of total wastewater nutrients generated in the watershed to reduce them to acceptable levels in the coastal zone and allow coral reefs and fisheries to recover. NEPT, NGlALPA, the NWC, and the European Union need to prepare a proposal for a second phase expansion of the Negril Sewage Collection System to all cost effective outlying areas. Budget/Cost Implications: Costs are uncertain at present. NWC could bear costs related to expansion of the new sewage system through a grant or loan from the EU. Monitoring of the sewage scheme will be provided by NWC and Environmental Solutions Limited, and of river waters by the proposed NEPT/NRCA/UWA Water Quality Monitoring Program.

32. Develop biological tertiary sewage treatment facilities.

Implementation Considerations: NWC has promised that it will install tertiary sewage treatment facilities if monitoring indicates that this is needed. Its design consultant indicated that there would be no outflow from the ponds for several years until they are filled. However, since the unlined ponds have been constructed at the water table in peat, they have immediately filled up to capacity. Thus, there will be outflow from the ponds as soon as sewage begins to enter. This overflow is likely to be high in total suspended solids, including nutrient rich bacteria and phytoplankton., The design leaves little or no space for biological tertiary treatment to remove suspended solids and nutrients since the pond's outflow is immediately adjacent to the river.

Budget/Cost Implications: Costs are unknown at present. The NWC, NEPT, and the EU need to develop a proposal to fund the improvements which may be needed. 

33. Implement dry toilet construction program

Implementation Considerations: NEPT has already begun the construction of the first demonstration model next to the Community Center complex. NEPT will work with NGIALPA and the Public Health Inspectors to develop guidelines for dry toilet use in new construction, and prepare a proposal for assistance to homeowners to replace existing soakaway systems which contaminate the groundwater supply. 

Budget/Cost Implications: The pilot demonstration model is being funded by DEMO. NEPT will develop a proposal, requesting funding for constructing models at public beaches and schools throughout the watershed, and assistance in replacing soak away systems. 

34. Expand treated water supply. 

Implementation Considerations: Existing water supplies, storage and distribution systems are inadequate to meet current needs in areas now served. Many communities are without treated water supplies. NWC is expanding the distribution system with a new line from Logwood to Negril via Sheffield. NEPT will work with NWC to ensure that existing supplies are not over utilized and depleted, causing further saline intrusion into the morass and groundwater, and that new sources of water are found and safely utilized as needed, and to see that all communities receive safe, treated water supplies. 

Budget/Cost Implications: NEPT will work with local community representatives to identify all outlying areas with inadequate treated water supplies, and work with NWC to ensure that these areas are included in all present and future water supply expansion plans. These costs would presumably be borne by NWC, funded by national water supply system expansion grants, and recouped through user fees. The proposed NEPT, NRCA and UWA Water Quality Monitoring Program will monitor all surface waters currently used for drinking or bathing for their chemical and microbiological water quality, and seek support for expanding trucking of treated water or portable treatment plants in the interim until safe piped water supplies are provided. NEPT is developing proposals for improved microbiological monitoring in cooperation with the Public Health Division of the Ministry of Health. 

35. Clean sinkholes/replant riverbanks and erosion prone slopes. 

Implementation Considerations: NEPT's whole watershed planning objectives include reducing soil erosion and water pollution by ensuring that sediments are trapped and recycled near their origin. Currently forestry programs are being developed in many communities in cooperation with the NRCA Watershed Division, National Environmental Societies Trust, RADA, The Forestry Department - Ministry of Agriculture. 

Budget/Cost Implications: Funding for community agroforestry projects on hillside slopes and for replanting of vegetation corridors along rivers is being sought by NEPT through GEF/World Band and UNDP, as well as local agencies such as EFJ, and LIFE. This will also involve support for regular sinkhole and river cleaning and NRCA needs to establish national guidelines for protection of existing riverbank vegetation, replanting riverbanks on private land as well as soil and water conservation measures on erosion prone hillsides. 

1.4 Funding Strategy 

Funding the implementation of this Environmental Protection Plan will come from a variety of sources. Donor assistance is supporting the planning work required to establish the Environmental Protection Area, as well as specific parks and protected areas within it. A capital campaign is being initiated to build up a Trust Fund to help NEPT meet operational costs, construct facilities and purchase or lease land. Many specific environmental improvement projects will be paid for by grants. User fees may be charged for watersports use of mooring buoys, and some areas such as the Royal Palm Reserve may charge an entrance fee. Concessions, permits, and licenses may bring in additional revenue. 

In addition to these, a broad based, dependable revenue source is needed to help the three primary implementing institutions, NEPT, NRCA, and NGIALPA meet ongoing costs associated with staffing, monitoring, enforcement, and education. Because beneficiaries will be visitors, and because surveys have demonstrated a willingness to pay for environmental protection (up to US$31 per person in one study), a visitor's fee or charge, administered through hotel rooms, will be explored as a means to raise the required funds. 

The NRCA Act authorizes the Authority to collect funds (user fees, charges for services rendered) to meet its expenses. This power can be extended to any entity under section 6, the "delegation of authority" provision. Thus, both NEPT and NGIALPA could share in the receipt and use of the funds. 

The Environmental Protection Area declaration could use section 38 of the NRCA act to include a regulation establishing a "Negril Conservation Fund". The fund could receive a set amount per person or per room, administered through hotels. All hotels and guest houses within the Environmental Protection Are would participate. 

Further study is needed to determine details of how the system would operate, and how funds will be utilized. Consultation will be required with the JHTA, Tourism Action Plan, Ministry of Tourism, the Chamber of Commerce, and other relevant agencies. 

A Conservation Fee would have applicability in other tourism centers of the island, most notably in Montego Bay, Port Antonio, Ocho Rios, and Black River. NEPT will be working with the NRCA, the Montego Bay Marine Park, the JCDT and other NGOs to determine the feasibility of such a Conservation Fee, as well as what needs to be done to implement it.  

1.5 Key First Steps Towards Implementation 

The following is a list of those actions which need to be taken immediately to begin effective implementation of this Environmental Protection Plan 

NEPT is already moving ahead on many of the programs and activities identified in the "Three Year Action Plan" (pages 8-17). Reaching these objectives, however, will require that the following be initiated immediately. 

1. Hire staff and begin to develop the capacity to carry out "ecosystem management" (environmental monitoring, education, enforcement, improvement projects, and management of specific areas). 

2. Implement a fundraising strategy which includes an aggressive Capital Campaign for the Trust Fund, a Building Campaign for permanent facilities, and taking steps towards a visitors "Conservation Fee". 

3. Expand the Board to include representation by UDC, NWC, NRCA ( local environmental officer) and outlying communities, in particular the Green Island area. 

4. Activate the Board as the Local Advisory Committee. Through regular meetings, it reviews proposed development activities and makes recommendations to both the NRCA and NGIALPA on ways to incorporate environmental protection and minimize adverse impacts from each activity. Through its broad membership, it permits discussion of environmental concerns on a regular basis, in a non-adversarial setting. 

The NRCA can immediately assist in Plan implementation through the following actions: 

5 Empower the NEPT Board as the Local Advisory Committee. Provide guidelines on LAC roles and responsibilities. Include the LAC in Environmental Impact Assessment reviews. 

6. Assign an "Environmental Officer" to the area to actively work with NEPT and NGIALPA staff towards reaching three year objectives. 

7. Provide guidelines for preparation of Management and Operations Plans for parks and protected areas. 

8. Assign one staff person from Parks and Protected Areas to work closely with NEPT and NCRPS as they begin work on a Negril Marine Park or Marine Protected Area 

9. Lead in the effort to incorporate environmental considerations outlined in this plan into the new Development Order 

The NGIALPA can support plan implementation through the following. 

10. Make NEPT a member of the NGIALPA Board, thus helping to include local environmental concerns in development decisions. 

11. Work with Town and Country Planning to help ensure that the new Development Order includes environmental protection and management considerations as outlined in this plan. 

12. Take advantage of training opportunities available through the DEMO project to improve staff capacity to monitor and minimize environmental impacts of development activities and land uses.  

2. Boundaries 

The proposed terrestrial boundaries for the Negril Environmental Protection Area correlate to those of the Negril Development Plan (and expected new Development Order). This area is determined by STATIN Enumeration Districts and includes most of the Negril and the lower part of the Green Island River watersheds. While the primary focus of this Environmental Protection Plan has been the Negril watershed, work planned over the next three years will expand this effort into the adjacent Green Island watershed. It is expected that the Environmental Protection Plan update (1998) will include both watersheds. Consequently, it is recommended that the Development Plan add the following enumeration districts so that all parts of both the Negril and Green Island River watersheds are included within the Development Order boundaries. 

W 50, W 5 in Westmoreland, and W 4 in Hanover (for the Negril watershed) 

W17,W18,W19,W21,W22,W23,W24,andW26,andW44 (for the Green Island River watershed) 

These enumeration districts are shown on the map on the facing page. The Environmental Protection Plan should be seen as the "natural resource base" for the Development Plan and Order. 

While it is convenient to use the same boundaries for the Development Order and the Environmental Protection Area, the natural watershed boundary is preferred for environmental management. The Negril watershed includes all land areas which drain into the Caribbean Sea between South West Point (northeast of Half Moon Bay), and Salmon Point (also known as South West Point) southeast of Little Bay. It includes the drainage basins of the Orange, Fish, Newfound, North Negril, and South Negril rivers. 

Natural marine boundaries extend seaward to the bottom of the outer vertical drop-off, estimated to roughly follow the 350ft. depth contour. Since this line has yet to be field surveyed, the following functional marine boundary is to be used. It is demarcated by connecting offshore points one mile from the following landmarks: 

Point 1: Starting from Negro Bay Point, one mile due northwest of this point 

Point 2:: one mile due northwest from South West Point west of Green Island, to Point 3: one mile due northwest from Orange Point, off Ireland Pen, to

Point 4: one mile due northwest from North Negril Point. to

Point 5: one mile due west from North Negril Point, to

Point 6: one mile due west from South Negril Point, to

Point 7: one mile due west from West Point at the Negril Lighthouse, to

Point 8; one mile due southwest from Sunset Point, to

Point 9: one mile due southwest from Salmon Point (also called South West Point on topographic maps), to

Point 10: one mile due south from Salmon Point (also called South West Point on topographic maps), to

Point 11: one mile due south of the boundary between Westmoreland enumeration districts W70 and W7 1. 

3. Community Environmental Issues 

During the December 1993 Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society workshop representatives from the Negril community identified the following as the most important environmental problems. 

1 Areas with unique characteristics, high public value, or ecological fragility are not being protected from development or deterioration. 

2 Lands are not being set aside for public parks, play fields, beaches, and open spaces. 

3 Fisheries stocks are being depleted by over fishing, destructive fishing practices, and loss of fish nursery areas (mangroves, wetlands, reefs, shallow lagoons). 

4 Water pollution, especially nutrient enrichment from inadequately treated sewage effluent throughout the watershed, is a major factor in widespread coral reef deterioration. Loss of corals and sand-producing algae contributes to net loss of beach sand, impacting the community's major natural attraction and economic base. 

5 The Orange Bay garbage dump continues to be both a hazard to public health and impact the watershed's largest remaining mangrove forest, its most important fish nursery area, and the best remaining reef in the area. 

6 Existing laws, regulations and building codes which are supposed to protect the environment and promote sustainable development are poorly understood and inadequately enforced. 

7 While community environmental awareness is generally higher than in most other parts of Jamaica due to the efforts of local NGOs such as the Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society, Negril Chamber of Commerce, and Negril Fisherman's Cooperative, and NEPT, translating this awareness into meaningful actions by all sectors of the community still needs to be done. 

This workshop resulted in both the establishment of the Negril Environmental Protection Trust and the initiation of the Negril Watershed Environmental Protection Area planning process. In order to comprehensively list environmental problems a series of community meetings were held throughout the watershed. Citizens of each area prepared a detailed list of local environmental problems, proposed actions to solve them, and identified sites needing protection. They chose local community representatives to participate in the NCRPS/NEPT workshop (Nov. 17-19, 1994), to report back to their community, and to act as a liaison with NEPT in developing the Negril Area Environmental Protection Plan. They agreed to work together to develop local cleanup and improvement projects in conjunction with NEPT. 

These workshops confirmed again the importance of the problems previously identified, but also raised many new ones. Environmental issues of community concern included site-specific local problems as well as problems which affected all members of the community in every district. Residents expressed the need and readiness to cooperate on environmental issues and develop local projects, and hoped that NEPT would lead a permanent program of community-based environmental protection and improvement. 

Problems and issues common throughout the watershed included insufficient public education on environmental laws and issues, inadequate school curricula, classroom space, furniture, and instructional materials, as well as the following: 

WATER Total lack of supplies of drinking water, and even of delivery pipes, in many districts of the watershed. Many standpipes turned off. Contamination of springs, wells, and rivers used for drinking, cooking, bathing, and washing. 

GARBAGE Lack of garbage collection in rural areas No garbage separation, recycling, and composting Illegal dumping by trucks from Negril and local citizens Littering Burning plastics Trash dumping in sinkholes Dumping in rivers, the Morass, and the sea, dead animals not removed 

SEWAGE Lack of proper sewage treatment for most residents. Most houses use ground water contaminating soak away pits Lack of Public toilet facilities 

ROADS Lack of road drainage causes flooding, erosion, and road potholes Lack of proper surfacing in rural areas No sidewalks, streetlights, garbage bins, signs. 

FISHING Seine nets and gill net use destroying nursery areas Small mesh fish pots Dynamite fishing Spear fishing of baby fish Spear fishing at night with lights Lack of catch and size limits Killing of turtles and manatee Inadequate facilities at fishermen's beaches, including fresh water for cleaning fish and toilets Encroachment on traditional fishing beaches and cliffs by development. 

DEFORESTATION

Charcoal burning

Lumber yards

Development on hills

Cutting of large trees 

WETLANDS

Pollution and garbage disposal

Charcoal burning

Grass fires

Canal clearance

Marl dumping 

POLLUTION Contamination of rivers, springs, and the sea Indiscriminate use of possibly dangerous or banned chemicals Possible damage to fish from chemicals Possible skin infections from contaminated water Possible water-borne disease transmission. 

MARINE Destruction of reefs Depletion of fisheries Pollution of coastal waters Mud damage to reefs Beach erosion Large fishing and tour boats lack provision for proper sewage treatment. 

MINING Topsoil mining by private operators creates stagnant pools and water holes. 

The following pages summarize issues and problems identified in community meetings. 

Negril beach strip, Redground, West End, West Cliff, Whitehall 

Encroachment on verges

Use of sea for garbage disposal

No public access to beaches for fishing and swimming

Encroachment on foreshore

Sewage disposal- inadequate facilities for residents and boats

Inadequate enforcement of environmental laws

Need better communication with fishermen

Fisheries depleted

Large hotels not conforming to zoning regulations

Inadequate enforcement of litter laws

Beach development has nearly caused huge crab populations to vanish

Development on cliffs blocks fishing

Improper road drainage

Lack of sidewalks

Need more frequent cleanups over larger areas, including Redground

Garbage dumping near Whitehall, and in the Morass

Lack of land for residential areas

Cutting of "Standing Woods" forests for charcoal kilns

River mouth blocked by sandbar, needs clearance

Perception that the rich are above the law: fair enforcement needed. 

Cave Valley, Marchtown, Winchester 

Over fishing, use of dynamite.

Lack of garbage disposal.

Lack of watershed protection.

Springs and wells drying up.

Lack of sewage treatment.

Dead animals in river.

Dumping and soil erosion in rivers.

Inadequate road drainage.

Cutting of mangroves and trees for charcoal and lumber.

Garbage dumping in mangroves.

Need to protect caves and blue holes.

Need to protect Marchtown duck pond as bird sanctuary.

Sand washing into river from upstream

Fish kills from stagnant rivers

Cane field erosion into river  

Mt. Airy, Heskith, Wirelane 

All-age school demolished by Hurricane Gilbert yet to be rebuilt

Street lights destroyed by Gilbert yet to be replaced.

Piped water supply to community discontinued from early 1980's by NWC continues to create hardship for residents.

Mining of topsoil by private landowners endangering roadways in sensitive areas like Duck and Heskith ponds.

Improper drainage of roads

Needed road improvements include completion of Heskith-Nonpareil bypass, paving of Heskith and Wirelane roads, and maintenance of Main road.

Improved inspections for meat, garbage, and sanitation.

Protection for birds and snakes

Wide scale use of weedicides and fire to clear land for farming.

Inadequate postal services

Lack of facilities for adult training and recreation

Quarry

Deforestation

Duck pond flooding residential area

Basic School needs toilet 

Spring Garden, Delve, Moreland, St. Paul 

Washing of garbage truck by water supply.

Tree cutting.

Herbicide and pesticide use in sugar fields.

Contamination of South Negril River source

River has turned green, fish killed.

Illegal night garbage dumping in canfields near church and in ponds near Retreat.

Erosion from deforestation on hills.

Cane fires cause suffocating air pollution.

Sugar cane overgrows roads.

Inadequate sewage treatment, use of pit latrines.

Contamination of ground water near cemetery.

Lack of piped water supplies.

Bathing/washing in springs, rivers, standpipes.

Need to protect ponds, springs, river source, and bathhouse near Delveland

Improper road drainage, marl surfacing washes into river during rain. 

Salmon Point, Old Hope, Little Bay, Homer's Cove, Brighton 

Inadequate road drainage.

Mosquitoes breeding in swamps.

Destruction of reefs.

Spear fishing

Inadequate water supply.

Tree cutting for charcoal.

Sand mining on beach causing erosion.

Improper garbage disposal in sinkholes and swamps.

Mud damaging reef.

Few fish left.

Use of sea as toilet.

Anchor damage to reef due to lack of moorings.

Disposal of dead animals at sea.

Noise.

Over fishing.

Use of nets with small mesh size.

No public bathing beach, mud problem at Little Bay

Killing of turtles.

No protection for fish nursery grounds.

Need to protect Homer's Cove and Little Bay as exceptional scenic spots.

Bird Sanctuary protection.

Need to protect caves, springs, mineral pools.

Protection of forests east of Little Bay.

Electricity and signal lights at fishing beach

Transportation 

Negril Spots, New Hope, Top Hill, Retreat 

Erosion of hillside caused by land clearance causing landslide hazards

Inadequate road drainage

Quarry floods in rainy season, causes unbearable dust in dry season

No water pipe supply.

No safe water, so people use muddy and contaminated river water.

No proper sewage treatment,

Well contaminated with sewage, causing illness

Vehicle washing causing oil, petrol, and grease to contaminate rivers

Garbage dumping in gullies and rivers

Inadequate garbage pickup

Garbage dumping in sugar cane fields.

Littering

Blocked road drains and culverts

Destruction of retaining wall causing erosion

Lack of housing sites for long time residents

Need for water quality monitoring

Need to protect nearby hilltops, especially Top Hill View

Lack of street lighting

Drain blockage in Retreat

Fixing of road to St. Paul 

Orange Bay, Logwood, Santoy 

No harbor master or signal lights on channel needed by night fishermen

Status of sewage plants in Orange Bay/Mount Pleasant

Road drainage and surface

Use of fine-mesh seine nets, gill nets, and fish traps

Lack of mesh size regulations

Dynamiting of reefs to make a channel for coastal development

Sand mining

Bathing beach muddy, polluted

Orange River mouth blocked, needs to be restored

Dumping in and development of the Morass

Cutting mangroves for fish traps

Garbage dumping behind housing scheme

Inadequate road to fishermen's beach, people must wade through swamp

Dead animals dumped in sea

Destruction of conch stock

Illegal dumping in sinkhole near school

Coral reefs dead

Drainage on road to Phoenix Town & Santoy

Flooding at Logwood river head

No electricity

River by clinic muddy

Orange River dry

Blocked main drain near Santoy, other drains

Overpumping of water from blue hole, river blocked to increase yield

Shortage of piped water

Washing in river

Hillside erosion 

Orange Hill, Retirement 

No piped water supply since 1980

Inadequate access to shoreline for fishermen

No garbage pickup

Garbage dumping in sinkholes

Inadequate sanitary inspectors

No basic school

Tree cutting and watershed destruction

Littering from buses

Killing of endangered snakes

Use of chemicals and pesticides

Dwindling supply of fish, many types gone

Over fishing by spearfishermen from outside the area

Telephone lines needed

Better sanitation (dry toilets) needed

Disaster preparedness education needed

Deforestation 

Hopewell, Revival 

No water supply except spring, but pump often broken

No road drainage, causes erosion

Erosion due to land clearance

No adequate public bathing beach

Homer's Cove choked with seaweeds

Pollution of New Savannah River watershed

Contaminated well near cemetery

Chemical contamination in river

Contamination of spring, inadequate pump

Inadequate toilets at school

Pollution in the Morass, bad smells, dead fish and crab

Tree cutting for charcoal

Sea Grape cutting along shore for lumber causes shore erosion

Sand mining

Sink holes blocked with garbage

Bird shooting

Clearance of bushes along road

No streetlights

Sand washing into river from up stream

Fish kills from stagnant rivers

Erosion of cane fields into river

Appropriate sanitation needed (dry toilets)

Telephones needed 

Sheffield, Nonpareil, Good Hope 

Illegal mining near Nonpareil.

Use of chemicals and fertilizers in agriculture.

Poor road drainage causes flooding.

Animals on road causes unsafe conditions.

Lack of proper sewage treatment and toilets.

Use of old wells for sewage pits.

Dead animals dumped in rivers.

Garbage dumping in river, fields, and by roadsides.

Cutting of hillside trees for charcoal burning and ground provisions.

Fish in river have disease, could be due to pollution.

No garbage pickup.

Littering along roads.

Bulldozing by developers.

Lack of public sanitary conveniences.

Inadequate quality of local water supply, possible salt contamination.

Need to protect Royal Palm Reserve, Springfield mountains.

Unequal distribution of Nonpareil property

Salt water intrusion into agricultural lands from canal

Agricultural lands in morass taken for sewage ponds and PCJ

Use of seine nets should be stopped

Water at Negril Spot making kids sick.

Need recreational lands

Good Hope marl pit needs water quality investigation.

Silver Spring, Springfield, Ketto

Illegal garbage dumping in ponds and rivers by trucks at night.

Canal is overgrown and has never been cleared, causing flooding.

Inadequate road drainage and surfacing.

Bathing and washing at water reservoir.

Sewage contamination of springs.

No garbage pickup or disposal site.

Use of chemicals by farmers, especially Gramoxone, getting in rivers.

Inadequate education of environment laws pollution issues.

Garbage and litter around springs.

Detergent contamination of springs.

Inadequate sewage treatment.

Mosquito control. 

Green Island, Salt Spring

Blocked canal

Garbage dumping in canal, mangroves, and Green Island Harbour Stagnant water breeds mosquitoes

Flooding

Lack of water in pipes

Dead animals in river

Lack of proper sewage

Changed river course

Unemployment

Another school needed, environmental education programs

Lack of public sanitary conveniences

Fire station needed

Gray water draining onto road

Soil erosion

Rock Spring 

Destruction of rain forest

Improper drainage

River needs cleaning

Improper garbage disposal

Not enough toilets

Air pollution from garbage burning

Unemployment

Dumping in culverts

Community center needed

Roadways need cleaning

Environmental education

Children not going to school

Community organization needed

Need telephones

Need rangers to enforce laws

Mosquito control needed

Soil Erosion

4. Roles & Responsibilities 

Implementation of an Environmental Protection Plan is a cooperative effort. It requires the participation of public agencies, private organizations, and individuals. The three described below (NEPT, NRCA, and NGIALPA) will play leadership roles and assume primary responsibilities. They need to form partnerships with the other public sector agencies, private organizations and individuals to implement the Plan. 

1 Negril Area Environmental Protection Trust The NEPT, established in early 1994, represents over sixteen local organizations. Its membership is open to all environmentally active groups based in the greater Negril watershed area. It includes government representation (NRCA, NGIALPA, UDC, local police, ECD of Ministry of Health). It operates under a Board of Directors, who also serve as the "local advisory committee" for the Environmental Protection Area. It maintains a staff to both support programs of member organizations, and to carry out specific activities related to implementation of the Environmental Protection Plan. 

Role: Lead local organization with respect to Environmental Protection Plan implementation, with Board functioning as local advisory committee. 

Responsibilities (related to Environmental Protection Plan implementation): 

1.1 Assume those specifically delegated to it by the NRCA (primarily enforcement powers and operations/management of specific Parks and Protected areas within the Environmental Protection Area) 

1.2 Communicate with member organizations regarding progress on Plan implementation. 

1.3 Communicate, and work with communities and general population within the Environmental Protection Area regarding Plan implementation, through meetings, workshops, publications, school programs, etc. 

1.4 Lead efforts towards achieving all of the objectives outlined in the three year "Action Plan" 

1.5 Coordinate plan implementation activities and programs undertaken by NEPT, its member organizations, and government agencies. 

1.6 Monitor conditions assess habitats and species related to the state of the local environment, responding to emergencies and updating or redirecting programs based on changing needs and priorities. 

1.7 Carry out fundraising and capital campaigns to pay for staff, facilities, and activities related to plan implementation. Establish and manage a Local Trust fund for this purpose. 

1.8 Maintain staff to assume responsibility for implementing action plan, including education and enforcement functions ("rangers"). 

1.9 Represent the perspective of the Environmental Protection Plan in local development decisions through NEPT representation on NGIALPA Board. 

1.10 Establish a local Land Trust to acquire and manage lands important to environmental protection within the Protected Area. 

1.11 Secure funding for implementation of actions identified in the Plan.  

1.12 Initiate and carry out actions necessary for establishment of Marine Parks, National Parks and other specific protected areas identified in the Plan. Manage and operate these areas when delegated authority to do so by the NRCA. 

1.13 Promote public awareness of the Environmental Protection Area, its Plan, regulations, boundaries, etc. through signs, maps, brochures, etc. 

1.14 Meet regularly to discuss progress towards achieving plan objectives. Form sub-committees and Task Forces as necessary. 

2. Natural Resources Conservation Authority The NRCA is the government agency specifically charged with environmental protection and management of the nation's natural resources, as well as enforcing environmental laws. Its overall powers and responsibilities focus on establishing and enforcing pollution control and waste management standards and regulations guiding environmentally appropriate development, through such tools as prescribing areas, requiring environmental impact assessments, and granting permits and licenses, and reviewing proposed developments, maintaining a system of national parks and protected areas, promoting broad public awareness through information, environmental education and outreach activities, monitoring and enforcing environmental laws and regulations, especially those outlined in the NRCA, Beach Control, Watersheds Protection, and Wildlife Protection acts, provide national environmental leadership, coordinate activities of other government agencies, and support local, non-government efforts in protecting and enhancing the environment. 

Role: Lead National Government Agency with respect to Environmental Protection Plan implementation. 

Responsibilities (related to Environmental Protection Plan implementation): 

2.1 Enforcement of all environmental laws and regulations authorized under the NRCA Act 

2.2 Delegation of authority to NEPT or other appropriate entities demonstrating the capacity and willingness to assume some of the Authority's responsibilities 

2.3 Assign one "Environmental Officer" to the Environmental Protection Area, and provide the necessary equipment and support to take a leadership role in implementing the Plan. This person is the NRCA representative on the Local Advisory Committee. 

2.4 Monitor progress towards reaching plan objectives, and providing technical assistance in man updating (every three years). 

2.5 Establish policies, guidelines, procedures, and regulations related to Environmental Protection Act 

2.6 Train, commission and delegate authority (with necessary powers of arrest) to enforcement officers with responsibilities within the Environmental Protection Area (rangers, game wardens, beach wardens).  

2.7 Assist in coordination of activities, and establishment of cooperative agreements with other public sector agencies in matters related to the Environmental Protection area. 

2.8 Guide development within the Environmental Protection Area (a prescribed area) through the Environmental Impact Assessment process. 

2.9 Provide technical assistance to NEPT and NGIALPA in matters related to environmental protection and sustainable resource use within the environmental protection area. 

2.10 Ensure that the new Development Order issued by Town and Country Planning is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Environmental Protection Plan. 

3. Negril Green Island Area Local Planning Authority The NGIALPA's primary responsibility is implementing the Development Order for the area. However, NGIALPA is required to submit building applications to Town and Country Planning Authority for planning approval, and to the Parish Council for building approval. The purpose of the Development Order is to control land use to insure proper sanitary conditions, coordinate provision of roads and public services, protect and extend amenities, and conserve and develop the area's resources. The Environmental Protection Plan should be seen as the "environmental base" for the Development Plan. 

Role: Local government partner with respect to Environmental Protection Plan implementation. 

Responsibilities (related to Environmental Protection Plan implementation): 

3.1 Serve on NEPT Board/local advisory committee. 

3.2 Help meet environmental objectives through enforcement of development zones, standards, regulations, and building codes as specified in the Development Order. 

3.3 Ensure that the new Development Order issued by Town and Country Planning is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Environmental Protection Plan. 

3.4 NGIALPA staff to work in partnership with the NRCA Environmental Officer NEPT rangers, and others to enforce all environmental laws and regulations. 

3.5 Help meet watershed management objectives through issuing and enforcement of Tree Preservation Orders. 

The following agencies and organizations all need to be active partners with NEPT the NRCA, and NGIALPA in implementing this Environmental Protection Plan. 

4 Hanover and Westmoreland Parish Councils Parish councils have responsibility for the provision of certain public services including public health, fire protection, abattoirs, cemeteries, street cleaning, parks and play fields. Parish Council also have responsibility for garbage collection and managing public markets, however, these services are currently provided by Western Parks and Markets.  

Role: With NGIALPA, the Local Government partner in Environmental Protection Plan implementation. 

Responsibilities (related to Environmental Protection Plan implementation): 

4.1 Work with NGIALPA to see that development within the area is consistent with both the Environmental Protection Plan and the new Development Order.

4.2 Work with area communities to identify and set aside adequate and appropriate lands for public beaches, parks, playfields, and open space. Maintain access to these sites.

4.3 Support efforts to implement a comprehensive solid waste strategy which includes reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, and disposal in an appropriately sited and operated sanitary landfill.

5. National Water Commission Responsible for water supply and sewerage services.

Role: Partner in implementing key aspects of the Environmental Protection Plan.

Responsibilities (related to Environmental Protection Plan implementation):

5.1 Supply safe and adequate supply of water to all communities within the Environmental Protected Area

5.2 Participate on local advisory committee

5.3 Establish policies which maximize the effectiveness of the new sewerage collection and treatment system, including mandatory connection wherever possible, and providing for tertiary treatment (nutrient stripping) to prevent eutrophication of near shore coral reef and sea grass ecosystems.

5.4 Actively promote and support environmentally appropriate sanitation solutions for individuals and communities unable to be served by the central system.

5.5 Aggressively promote water conservation.

5.6. Dedicate a portion of water use charges to watershed protection programswithin the aquifer recharge area.

5.7 Participate in a coordinated water quality monitoring program within the watershed

6. Urban Development Corporation The UDC operates as an independent local planning authority and developer within its designated area. Within the Negril watershed, the designated area includes extensive lands around Bloody and Orange Bays, as well as in the morass. While seen as a "development agency", it is also charged with managing areas under its control for recreation, open space, and conservation. UDC lands surround some of the area's best lagoons and reefs, and contain publicly accessible beach frontage as well as much of the remaining mangrove forest.

Role: Key partner in Environmental Protection Plan implementation.

Responsibilities (related to Plan implementation):

6.1 Participate in local advisory committee

6.2 Develop and use its lands in a manner consistent with the goals and objectives nf the Environmental Protection Plan.

6.3 Prepare, with the NRCA and local advisory committee, a "Conservation, Open Soace, and Protected Area Plan" for its lands.

6.4 Keep members of the LAC informed about planned developments for UDC lands, and seek advice early in the development process to minimize adverse environmental impacts, shorten the EIA process, and avoid delays.

6.5 Participate in a coordinated water quality monitoring program within the watershed

7. Underground Water Authority The UWA is responsible for the promotion and proper use of underground water resources, as well as monitoring or surface and ground water resources. Water legislation is currently under review, and the UWA is expected to be replaced by a Water Resources Authority for which legislation is pending.

Role: New Water Resources Authority would be a partner in implementing actions and establishing policies related to watershed management.

Responsibilities (related to Environmental Protection Plan implementation):

7.1 Participate on the local advisory committee

7.2 Establish policies and regulations which can be applied to the Negril

Watershed Environmental Protection Area.

7.3 Delegate authority for enforcement of its watershed regulations to the NRCA.

7.4 Support watershed management and water conservation efforts of the NWC.

7.4 Participate in a coordinated water quality monitoring program within the watershed.

8. Min. of Health (Environmental Control Division) The ECD enforces environmental health regulations. Two Public Health Officers (one for each Parish) currently work in the Negril area.

Role: Partner in enforcement and education activities related to Plan implementation.

Responsibilities (related to Environmental Protection Plan implementation):

8.1 One local Public Health Officer to participate on local advisory committee

8.2 Work in partnership with other enforcement officials, especially the NRCA Environmental Officer, to enforce and gain compliance of all environmental laws and regulations.

8.3 Actively promote appropriate sanitation systems for individuals and communities unable to connect to the central sewer system

8.4 Assess public health status particularly microbiological and chemical pollution of all drinking, cooking, and bathing waters.  

9. Fisheries Division, Ministry of Agriculture The Fisheries Division currently focuses on issuing fishing licenses, registering boats, and selling gas, boats and equipment to fishermen. It also has responsibility for designation and management of Fish Sanctuaries, some mangroves, and training local fishermen. The Division plans to grow into a more research oriented agency, with an emphasis on resource management. 

Locally, the Fisheries Division maintains offices in Lances Bay (Hanover), and White House (Westmoreland), each with a small staff (I instructor and 2 clerical workers). While a Fish Sanctuary has been proposed for Bloody Bay, currently there are no designated sanctuaries in the Negril and Green Island areas. 

Role: Partner in protection and management of fish sanctuaries and marine resources. 

Responsibilities (related to Environmental Protection Plan implementation: 

9.1 Provide technical assistance, information, and training to Local Advisory Committee, NEPT, NGIALPA, and NRCA in matters related to development of fisheries management plans. 

9.2 Participate in the planning and management of Fish Sanctuaries, and other designated Fish Management areas, including mangroves. 

9.3 Enforce existing laws and regulations related to sustainable use and protection of marine resources

 9.4 Conduct and support research related to fisheries, mariculture and aquaculture. Collaborate with NGOs and scientific institutions in research, monitoring, and interpretation. Make relevant information available to NEPT, NGIALPA, and the NRCA. 

10. Forestry and Soil Conservation Department (FSCD), Ministry of Agriculture The Forestry and Soil Conservation Department's general responsibilities focus on: development and management of plantations and natural forests, research (fast growing species for fuelwood, fodder production, honey, improvements of Caribbean pine, and utilization of bamboo) training of people working in the forestry sector soil conservation and watershed management forest extension services, and operation of recreation areas within forest reserves. 

There is a forestry office in Dias, Hanover, with two forestry wardens working mainly in the Deans Valley River watershed. There are currently no public lands designated for management by FSCD in the Negril and Green Island watersheds. 

Role: Provide technical assistance to NEPT, NGIALPA, and NRCA regarding sustainable forest management and soil conservation. 

Responsibilities (related to Environmental Protection Plan implementation): 

10.1 Assist in the implementation of projects which involve forest management, in particular local fuelwood plantations, soil conservation, and agro-forestry. 

10.2 Provide training and technical assistance to land owners in the Fish River Hills and other upland areas related to proper management of their forests.  

10.3 Inventory forest resources within the planning area, identifying areas of particular biological diversity and stands of mature native forest. 

10.4 Advise the Local Advisory Committee on matters related to forestry and watershed protection. 

11. Rural Agriculture and Development Authority (RADA), Ministryof Agriculture

The Rural Agriculture and Development Authority is Jamaica's chief agricultural extension and rural development agency. Its mandate is to: enhance the development of farming through the agriculture extension service, providing technical advice to farmers, provide information to rural development agencies to assist in improvements to rural infrastructure provide supplemental social services required for improvement of the quality of life of farm families, provide a reliable agricultural marketing information service, assist in implementation of rural development projects 

RADA maintains offices in Mango Hall and Green Island, with one Extension Officer and one assistant in each. RADA works in coordination with local organizations like 4H clubs, Social Development Commission (SDC), Parish Council, Public Health Department, Jamaica Agricultural Society, Agricultural Development Bank, and Commodities Associations (citrus. coffee. cocoa industries).

Role: Provide technical assistance to NEPT, NGIALPA, and NRCA in matters related to agriculture and watershed protection.

Responsibilities (related to Environmental Protection Plan implementation):

11.1 Advise and provide technical assistance to the Local Advisory Committee, NEPT, NGIALPA, and NRCA on matters related to agriculture and watershed protection.

11.2 Assist NEPT and local communities in design and implementation of projects which relate to agriculture, agro-forestry, and improvements to rural infrastructure and services.

11.3 Train local farmers on proper herbicide, pesticide and fertilizer use, and promote integrated pest management and less toxic alternatives.

11.4 Work with local land owners interested in developing demonstration farms using ecologically sound farming systems.

12. Area Schools Schools will be the focus of environmental education activities. Teachers will be trained on ways to integrate information related to the Environmental Protection Plan into the curriculum, and to participate in various programsassociated with Plan implementation. Area specific resource materials will be made available. The focus of student activities will be an active Junior Ranger program. programs and activities will be developed through the educational office for the Parish.

Role: Partner in education and public awareness activities.

Responsibilities (related to Environmental Protection Plan implementation):

12.1 Participate in and support an active Junior Ranger program.  

12.2 Participate in reaching objectives outlined in the "Action Plan" 

12.3 Integrate and develop information and materials related to the local environment into school curriculum and activities.

12.4 Participate in teacher training activities focusing on the local environment.

13. Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust JCDT is a national non-governmental organization with a primary mission to assist in Protected Areas, manage the Jamaica National Parks Trust Fund, promote environmental education, and assist NGOs with fundraising.

Role (in Environmental Protection Plan implementation): Potential financial, technical, and information source to NEPT in implementing Plan actions and programs, especially in those areas related to Parks and Protected Areas, fundraising, trust fund management, and environmental education.

14. Environmental Foundation of Jamaica The EFJ manages a fund created by a debt-for-nature swap, for the purposes of environmental protection and looking after the rights and conditions of children. It provides grants from this fund to NGOs primarily.

Role: Potential funding source for specific programs and activities related to Plan implementation.

15. National Environmental Societies Trust NEST is an umbrella group for environmental NGOs and community based groups throughout the country. The NEST provides assistance to these groups in the form of training, technical support, organizational development, and lobbying for their interests.

Role: Potential information, training, and technical assistance source for specific programs and activities related to Plan implementation.  

5. Enforcement & Compliance 

The enforcement and compliance strategy for the Environmental Protection Area will focus on 

1.) improved enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, and 

2.)active programs in environmental awareness. 

Enforcement of laws and regulations will be improved by: 

1. Appointment of one full time NRCA "Environmental Officer" to the Environmental Protection Area. Primary responsibility will be for enforcement of laws and regulations under the NRCA Act. The Environmental Officer should have District Constable status for both Westmoreland and Hanover parishes. Additional responsibilities will include

1.1 forming partnerships with other local enforcement officials, including NGIALPA Planning Administrators/Inspectors, Public Heath Officers, local police, local Litter Control Officer, Fisheries Officer, 

1.2 active participation in public awareness and education activities, 

1.3 serve on the Local Advisory Committee, 

1.4 train and oversee additional paid staff and volunteers with enforcement and education responsibilities, including NRCA Conservation Officers, Park Rangers, Game, Fish and Beach Wardens,

1.5 Participate in environmental monitoring activities, including water quality testing,

2. Additional paid and volunteer positions with enforcement responsibilities, including

2.1 Park Rangers will be commissioned for specific Marine and terrestrial National Parks to be designated within the Environmental Protection Area. They will be employed by the NEPT, and work closely with the NRCA Environmental Officer.

2.2 "Beach Wardens" will be lifeguards, specially trained and commissioned as "Beach Wardens", working under the supervision of the NRCA Environmental Officer. In addition to normal responsibilities as lifeguards, they will participate in community education and awareness activities.

2.3 "Marine Wardens" will be voluntary positions, similar to Game Wardens commissioned to help enforce the Wild Life Protection Act. Marine Wardens would in general be area fishermen or watersports operators. Upon completion of a training program, and appointment by the Governor General, they would enforce fisheries and water use regulations. Public awareness and education would receive as much emphasis as enforcement.

2.4 NEPT staff and Local Advisory Committee members will be encouraged to trained and commissioned as voluntary Game Wardens.

3. New regulations specific to Environmental Protection Areas. (see pages 58-59)

4. New policies and regulations to be developed over the coming three years, specifically

4.1 new Negril Development Order (1995)

4.2 "Plan and Policy for Jamaica's System of Parks and Protected Areas"

4.3 new Forest Act (1995)

4.4 new Water Resources Act, establishing a Water Resources Authority

4.5 regulations related to watershed protection

4.6 amendment to Wildlife Protection Act to include provisions for protection of flora, captive breeding, ranching operations, artificial propagation, and scientific research (1995)

4.7 amendment to Beach Control Act

4.8 amendments to Mining Act

4.9 regulations related to Environmental Assessments and audits

4.10 clarified Govt. policies and procedures for new developments

4.11 protection, restoration, and sustainable use of mangrove forests (by 1997)

5. Annual local enforcement officer training and awareness workshops, sponsored by the NRCA Enforcement & Compliance Division.

6. Formation of an "enforcement and compliance" subcommittee of the Local Advisory Committee charged with dealing specifically with this issue.

Improved public awareness and voluntary compliance will be accomplished through:

7. Continuation of existing local environmental education and awareness programs, in particular those of the Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society.

8. Informational signs, including large signs along roads at entrances to the Environmental Protection Area; signs identifying public bathing beaches, fishing beaches, and beach access points; signs with information about laws, regulations, permitted uses and appropriate behavior within the area;

9. Maps, posters, and brochures, for residents and visitors, showing the Environmental Protection area, summarizing the plan's Action Program, listing regulations and appropriate behavior, identifying roles and responsibilities, including what individual citizens and visitors can do, listing who to contact for additional information and/or enforcement actions.

10. Schools programs, for both teachers and students.

11. Community leadership; identification and support of individuals within each of the communities within the watershed to serve on the local advisory committee, represent local issues and needs, and help keep residents informed. 

12. An active Junior Ranger Program.  

6. Plan Recommendations: Coastal Zone Management 

The coastal zone occupies the entire marine habitat from the mean high tide mark to the bottom of the drop-off reef, along the entire shore of the Negril area watershed. Maintaining water quality in the reef habitat is the prime requirement for reestablishing healthy fish stocks and for production of new white beach sand. As activities anywhere in the watershed can impact aquatic and marine ecosystems below them, they need to be managed as a unit. Because the area lies at the very leeward end of the island, it is also affected by runoff from adjacent watersheds up-current to it along both the north and south coasts. Controlling excessive erosion and nutrient leaching from these areas is critical. 

The NRCA is one of several agencies having jurisdictional responsibility for coastal resource management and use. Several acts of parliament relate directly or indirectly to coastal matters. The NRCA has responsibility for the regulation of the use of the shoreline and sea floor resources by way of the Beach Control Act. Further management responsibilities are given to the Authority through its administering the Watersheds Protection Act, NRCA Act and the Wild Life Protection Act. The Negril Environmental Protection Area will be the first in Jamaica to consolidate the application of these acts towards integrated whole-watershed and coastal zone management emphasizing community leadership in both planning and implementation. 

6.1 Fishermen's Beaches Issues: Historically, Negril was a fishing village. With the current shift towards the development of tourism, fishermen have been largely displaced by the construction of beach front hotels and the proliferation of water sports in near shore waters. Some fishermen have benefited from the upsurge in tourism, providing boat tours and sale of fish, but others have been displaced by the collapse of traditional fisheries as the result of reef deterioration and over fishing. The Negril Fisherman's Cooperative is leading the effort towards designation of Fishermen's Beaches and developing support facilities at a planned Fishermen's Village along the South Negril River. Securing title to their site is a priority objective of this Plan. 

Recommendations: Draft amendments to the Beach Control Act to provide for official designation of Fishermen's Beaches, and the delegation of authority to manage and develop them to local fishing cooperatives or other suitable NGOs. See Plan objectives 5 17, and 22, on pages 9-14. 

6.2 Mariculture Issues: Efforts are underway by the Fishermen's Cooperative and NEPT /NCRPS to establish mariculture, fish attraction devices, artificial reefs, fish sanctuaries and establish a coastal zone water quality monitoring program. The potential development of mariculture will require a system of licensing fishermen for the marine life they grow in defined areas, restrictions on incompatible activities like net fishing and spear fishing in mariculture areas, and provision of protection from larceny legally equivalent to that provided farmers.

Recommendations: Draft amendments to the Beach Control Act to include regulations and guidelines for mariculture activities in coastal waters. Use the Negril Environmental Protection Area, and the proposed mariculture pilot projects to work with fishermen to develop, research, and test them. Support mariculture and fish ranching projects with fishermen and other alternatives to inshore overfishing 

6.3 Beach encroachment Issues: The Negril area, famous for its "seven miles" of continuous white sandy beach, is relatively free of obstructive encroachments such as groins and jetties along Long and Bloody Bays. Foreshore modification work has been done on and adjacent to the Rutland Point area to create conditions suitable for beach construction. For the Westend area, flights of steps and ladders comprise the majority of encroachments. Raftsfor parasailing, (there are at least four in Negril ) might also be regarded as encroachments. Licenses are required for all beach encroachments including fences. 

Recommendations: Review all licenses for the Negril area, with a view to determining the location and nature of unlicensed actions. Prepare new guidelines for the licensing of beach encroachments, using Negril as a test area. Maintain free public movement all along Long and Bloody Bays. 

6.4 Public Bathing Beaches Issues: There are three public bathing beaches in Negril, two operated by the Urban Development Corporation (one on Bloody Bay, one on Long Bay), the other by NGIALPA (at the Community Center site on Long Bay). These beaches are used by both locals and foreign visitors. The need for additional public beaches has been strongly expressed by locals who have found themselves excluded from traditional public beaches. The charges associated with use of the facilities at these beaches may be unaffordable to many residents. The two UDC beaches are far from local population centers, requiring additional transportation costs to use them. 

Recommendations: Review policies on user fees for facilities at local beaches, considering different fees for local and visitor use. Provide adequate public access easements from the road to both Bloody Bay and Long Bay. Secure additional sites for public bathing beaches in the north part of the watershed (Little Bloody Bay, Samuels and Half Moon Bays) and in the south (Little Bay. Sea Rock). 

6.5 Beach and Shoreline Access Issues: Traditionally fishermen enjoyed full access to the entire length of the shoreline for fishing activities. However, much of the coastline now has construction such as walls and buildings which appear to violate current shore "set-back" requirements and block traditional right of access to fishing spots. Land ownership patterns, the high value of coastal property, and the desire for security and privacy all contribute to lack of provision for free public movement to the shoreline.

Recommendations: Policies on these matters are now being reviewed by the NRCA Board. The experience in Negril should do much to provide a test cast for how such policies might be implemented, and the role of local authorities in monitoring and enforcement of relevant regulations and licensing provisions. Work with UDC to ensure that new developments along Bloody Bay and the shoreline to the north provide adequate public access easements from the road.

6.6 Visual Access

Issues: Development patterns continue to block views of the sea. This is particularly evident along the West End. With the expected tourism development along Bloody Bay, Ireland Pen and Orange Bay, existing views out to the water there could also be lost.

Recommendations: Include in the new Development Order guidelines for height of walls and fences along shoreline lands, and the provision for maintenance of some views out to the sea from the road where they currently exist.

6.7 Lifeguards Issues: Of the 500 persons in the Negril area who are lifeguard certified, only about 15 percent work as lifeguards, primarily for the hotels. The remainder are involved in water-related activities such as rafting, water sports, and tourism-related fishing. Even beach attendants are required to be "lifeguard certified" by NRCA. Lifeguard training and certification presents a great opportunity to increase local awareness and enforcement capacity.

Recommendations: Expand lifeguard responsibilities to also include protection of natural features, enforcement and environmental education. Make lifeguards who complete this training "Beach Wardens". Delegate some aspects of "Beach Warden" training to NEPT.

6.8 Nearshore and offshore uses Issues: Tourism-related activities are predominant in Negril's near shore waters. These include swimming, snorkeling, scuba, skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, sailing, sea tours (glass bottom boats), and parasailing. Fishing is the second most important near shore use, and includes use of long line, trap, and net techniques. This array of uses, often sharing the same area, leads to conflicts and hazards to life and property. Long Bay and parts to Bloody Bay will be zoned for watersports use, and swimmer's lanes.

Recommendations: Extend boat lane zonation along the West End to the Lighthouse. Employ rangers with boats to motors to educate and enforce compliance on use of zones. Work with fishermen to establish offshore zoning.

6.9 Coastal and Inland Developments Requiring EA's and EIAs Issues: Any development in a "prescribed area" which affects the environment must be referred to the NRCA to determine if an Environmental Impact Assessment is required. It is expected that the entire island of Jamaica will be declared a prescribed area, and a list of kinds of development which will require an EIA is being prepared. Until that is done, policies for EIA requirements within the coastal zone need to be established. Too often in the development process, plans have progressed too far before environmental impacts are addressed, setting up a situation for conflict. Written criteria for EIA requirements are now being prepared by the CZM Division.

Recommendations: Until the whole island in declared a "prescribed area" declare the entire Environmental Protection Area as "prescribed". A list of developments requiring EIAs within it is provided on pages 58-59. Prepare coastal development guidelines to help ensure that proposed projects include environmental considerations early in project design to minimize the potential for conflict.

6.10 Land Use Issues; Current concerns pertain to the following:

a. UDC is responsible for extensive land holdings in the area. Development orders should govern UDC actions.

b. Negril Green Island Area Local Planning Authority and the Town Planning Department are both responsible for overall development planning, however, there is need for more coordination between these two bodies.

c. Tourism is growing in the area; hence, the need for more housing for workers, particularly those working in hotels.

d. There is an absence of open space/green area.. No coordination in development is taking place. Area wide physical design is being ignored, and opportunities to create a high quality shorefront resort area are rapidly disappearing.

Recommendations: Town Planning Department is preparing an updated Development Order for the area. NEPT and the NRCA need to review and evaluate this plan from an environmental and resource management standpoint, ensuring that it is consistent with this Environmental Protection Plan. NRCA guidelines for how to develop land with minimal impact on the environment need to be prepared. NEPT and NRCA can assist NGIALPA in monitoring development, and enforcing regulations.

6.11 Effluent and Waste Discharges Issues: There are several sewage plants in the Negril area, the largest being the plants at Rutland Point (UDC) and the Whitehall Housing Scheme plant. These plants now discharge their effluent directly into the Negril Morass. Disposal of sludge from septic and holding tanks is another problem. No local sludge disposal site exists; wastes must be hauled relatively long distances and there is no guarantee against illegal dumping. 

Recommendations:

Provide for disposal of sludge and effluents in new NWC system under construction.

Require connection to this new system wherever feasible. Promote alternative sanitation solutions such as Dry Toilets for on-site waste treatment.

6.12 Beach Sand Removal

Issues: Little Bay and Salmon Point have persistent problems of sand removal, ranging from removal by individuals to bulldozer truck operations for large construction projects. The magnitude of the problem needs to be established, as does the means for monitoring and enforcement.

Recommendations: Draft an amendment to the Beach Control Act which protects all beaches from sand removal, and establishes NRCA responsibility for monitoring and enforcement. Include regulations for protection of beach sand deposits from mining in Environmental Protection Area legislation.

6.13 Channel Maintenance

Issues: A sand bar has formed at the mouth of the South Negril River from sand blown over the jetty from the beach. Strong concern has been expressed by fishermen, water sports operators, and hoteliers in the area about the proposed dredging of the bar, which now blocks the only shelter in the area from hurricanes.

Recommendations: Identify responsibility for river channel navigability (public agency), and design a program for regular channel maintenance, including funding requirements.

6.14 Marinas

Issues: There are no marina facilities in Negril. It is believed that boat shelter facilities will be required, and that perhaps both the North Canal and South Negril River could be considered as potential marina sites. These sites are risky because they could be greatly endangered by oil and fuel spills, bilge effluents, and sewage unless adequate facilities are available for their reception, treatment, and safe disposal. 

Recommendations: Develop design guidelines for marinas. Require that all marina developments have EIAs prepared. 

6.15 Coastal Erosion

Issues: Coastal erosion is persistent along Salmon Point to Little Bay, Orange Bay, and Samuels Bay. Most of the beach along Bloody Bay and Long Bay has retreated noticeably over the years, especially the northern part of Bloody Bay. It remains to be seen whether this is a temporary consequence of Northers in recent years, or the fact that new sand supplies have been greatly diminished since sand-producing corals and algae have been overgrown by fleshy algae. Rising sea level may make beach erosion an increasing problem in coming years. 

Recommendations: Continue to monitor location and rates of coastal erosion. Implement actions which improve the health of coral reefs and the marine environment. Minimize coastal and nearshore disturbances or changes (keeping structures and intensive use as far back as possible.) Reforest mangroves along eroding shorelines where they have been removed. 

6.16 Shoreline vegetation Issues: Major removal of mangrove forests by bulldozer has taken place near Salmon Point and along Samuel's Bay. Areas that have not yet been heavily impacted by vegetation removal for construction, for example, in Bloody Bay and along Ireland Pen are of concern. Insistence on the retention of vegetation on the seaward side of the main road is imperative, especially in areas like Ireland Pen. Already nearly half of the huge trees which distinguish the shore forests have been killed by slash and burn cultivators farming on UDC land.

Recommendations: Amend the Town and Country Planning Act to increase the effectiveness of Tree Preservation Orders, including provision for enforcement powers to the NRCA and to delegated local management entities such as NEPT. Inventory coastal tree and woodland resources, and identify those for which Tree Preservation Orders should be issued. Include retention of a certain percentage of existing trees in development guidelines which are to be prepared, and as part of local building codes.

6.17 Transport of Hazardous Materials Issues: The Negril area has not yet been impacted by ship related material spills, yet this is a constant concern due to the large amount of boat traffic which cuts around Negril en route between the Windward Passage and the Panama Canal, and oil tankers from Kingston to Montego Bay, as well as those bound from Mexico and Venezuela. There is one major fuel storage facility in Negril (discounting individual facilities operated by hotels, etc.). This is the Shell station on the main road leading to Sheffield. Potential for spillage exists either from tanker supply incidences or as was the case in 1991, a rupture of the underground fuel tanks,. The Shell station currently has double-walled underground tanks installed on site.

Recommendation: Spill contingency plans should be required for existing and any future facilities to be constructed in the Negril area. NRCA and Office of Disaster Preparedness should train local public officials and volunteers on emergency procedures related to oil or other hazardous material spills in the marine environment.

6.18 Coastal Solid Waste Disposal

Issues: The solid waste disposal site at Orange Bay has been decommissioned. At the same time, there is a growing volume of waste due to tourism and population growth. Current environmental impacts from solid waste dumps include leaching of contaminants into ground water and mangrove wetlands. The reefs of Orange Bay and Samuel's Bay are nearly destroyed as the result of leaching of nutrients from the old dump. There is a need for a site which will not arouse general public opposition, but site availability is limited. Mangrove areas to be avoided.

Recommendations: Identify a suitable sanitary landfill site within the Environmental Protection Area. Insure that it is lined, and that leachate percolating from it be subjected to tertiary level treatment before discharge or reuse. Develop a clean-up and restoration plan for the Orange Bay dumpsite.

6.19 Biological and Mineral Benthic Resources

Issues: A detailed inventory of the species found in the reefs and forests of the area has never been made. Much of the coastline has never been mapped in detail by sonar, so the depth to which the deep reef extends is unknown. No botanical study has been made of the forests.

Recommendations: Begin to inventory and map the living and non-living resources within the Environmental Protection Area. Make this information available in books, leaflets, and videos, and apply it to environmental protection and resource management decisions.

6.20 Establish Fisheries Management Plan

Issues: The local fishermen have identified fish nurseries that need to be protected and problems that affect the viability of near shore fisheries.

Recommendations: A fisheries management plan needs to be put together by local fishermen that includes action plans designed to address current problems, and provide alternatives to current destructive practices, such as the development of mariculture programs and other alternative means of sustaining their livelihood.  

7. Plan Recommendations: Watershed Protection 

The Negril watershed includes those lands drained by the Orange, Fish, Newfound, North Negril, and South Negril Rivers and coastal areas between Salmon Point, and Southwest Point. Part of the Green Island watershed is included in the Environmental Protection Area. The watershed includes the adjacent coastal zone because it can be affected by activities on the land. Watershed protection takes steps to protect the flow of water resources through the natural vegetation, soil, crops, water supply reservoirs, and ground water into the sea. Watershed protection attempts to guide activities to maintain and enhance the health and value of the area's natural resources, from the tops of the hills to the bottom of the reefs. 

A new Water Resources Act is expected, which will replace the Underground Water Authority with a Water Resources Authority, and include policies and regulations related to watershed management. Additionally, the NRCA's Watershed Division is preparing guidelines for watershed protection throughout the island, using Negril as a test case for some of them. As these policies, laws and regulations are enacted, it is expected that they will be applied to the Negril Environmental Protection Area. They should take into consideration the following issues and recommendations.

7.1 Negril Water Supply Aquifer Recharge Area

Issues: The communities of Negril and Lucea depend on the Fish and Orange river blueholes for their water. The land area that captures rainfall and feeds these blueholes is called the aquifer recharge area. Changes within this recharge area could reduce the amount and quality of water available, with the potential for significant impacts on local health and livability.

Recommendations: Guidelines related to protection of aquifer recharge areas should consider:

a) any trees cut to construct houses, roads, etc., will require a permit, and

replacement by planting a tree nearby

b) reforestation of degraded hillsides with appropriate trees

c) establishment of charcoal fuelwood plantations

d) no burning of vegetation, use of plant residue composting instead

e) erosion control farming with contour vegetation strips on hillsides

f) preference for perennial tree crops on hillside agricultural land

g) strict application of tree protection order in defined watershed recharge areas

h) No clearcutting on hillsides, use of selective cutting and lopping instead of

felling

i) all sinkholes to be cleaned and kept clear of debris and trash and monitored

before rainy season

j) no new construction of soak away toilets and steps taken to obtain funding for conversion of existing soak ways to Dry Toilets which do not pollute ground water

k) ending illegal trash dumping in the watershed, and establishment of a trash

separation and plastics recycling program, along with a lined, sealed

sanitary landfill whose effluents are trapped and subjected to biological

tertiary treatment before re-use for irrigation. A state of the art sealed dump

should be located within the watershed, but not in a ground water recharge

area.

l) wetlands and mangroves to be managed in a way that increases their

effectiveness at trapping nutrients and eroded soil.

7.2 Springs & Water Sources

Issues: Natural springs are the source of water for many people in the Environmental

Protection Area. Their yield and water quality need to be maintained.

Recommendations: Guidelines related to protection of springs and local water sources should include for consideration:

a) All major springs to be monitored regularly for water quality with regard to

nutrients, agricultural chemicals, and microbes, including temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate, nitrite,

ammonium, dissolved organic nitrogen, orthophosphate, dissolved organic

phosphorous, total suspended solids, mean probable numbers of coliforms,

pesticide residues, and pathogenic organisms.

b) Provision of emergency water purification facilities for remote areas with bad water supplies.

c) Construction of separate flow from spring, through tanks for washing use, and into gray-water tertiary treatment rather than back into the rivers.

d) Use of non-phosphate detergents.

e) Vegetation cover is required in a band 20 meters wide along all watercourses to reduce erosion, runoff, and evaporation, and increase infiltration and percolation into the water table.

7.3 Prime Farmland

Issues: Prime farmland occupies the generally level lowlands in the watershed. It is where intensive agriculture takes place, especially cane farming and vegetable production. The use of agricultural chemicals has an impact on the health of wetland (morass) and marine ecosystems.

Recommendations:

Banning use of all persistent agricultural chemicals which are known dangers to public health and aquatic ecosystems, under the Pesticide Control Act, and Section12, 12b, and 15 of the NRCA Act which addresses use of agricultural pesticides. Monitoring of current levels of agricultural chemicals and residues is needed throughout the watershed.

Proper drainage to minimize flooding should be practiced on level agricultural land.

7.4 Hillside Farmland

Issues: Many farming practices on hillsides can contribute to downstream flooding, erosion of soils, sediment transfer to lowland and marine areas, and surface and ground water pollution. Proven environmentally appropriate farming techniques exist, yet they are not widely known about or readily accepted.

Recommendations: Work with RADA to promote improved farming techniques such as the following.

Banks of rivers, gullies, sinkholes, and springs should not be disturbed or cleared of vegetation. The vegetation buffer zone should be at least 20 meters wide.

Soil conservation practices should include contour planting and use of deep rooted tree crops, minimum tillage, and no clearcutting.

Work towards feedlot systems to minimize overgrazing of hills.

Cleared hillsides should be planted as soon as possible.

Plant fast growing trees for charcoal burning.

Explore possibilities of growing other perennial crops.

7.5 Steep Slopes

Issues: Clearing the natural forest cover on steep slopes increases the speed with which rainwater runs off (contributing to flooding), and prevents the water from seeping down to recharging the aquifer.

Recommendations: Watershed protection regulations should maintain slopes in excess of 30% in natural forest cover. Tree Preservation Orders may be issued for steep slope areas. Where clearing is needed for roads or houses bands of trees should remain along the contours and borders to break the surface flow of water and increase infiltration. Stone barriers are recommended.

7.6 Tree Preservation Orders

Issues: Tree Preservation Orders could be used to protect forests in the watershed however, the law (Town and Country Planning Act) needs to be amended to increase fines, and improve effectiveness.

Recommendations: Tree Preservation Orders in the Development Order should include the following categories to support watershed protection objectives: a) Water supply aquifer recharge area, b) Mangrove forests, c) trees around sinkholes, water supplies, gullies, and rivers, d) all large trees of scenic value, such as those along the road in Ireland Pen

7.7 Erosion Control

Issues: Most land development in some way contributes to erosion of soil. Numerous construction and site design techniques exist to minimize it, however they are not widely known about or accepted.

Recommendations:

Increase pubic awareness of land development techniques which reduce erosion including use of stone barriers, grass barriers, contour planting of trees, bench terraces, mini convertible terraces, contour trenching, orchard terraces, individual basins, etc.

Acceptable practices for sediment control in watercourses to be encouraged include:

waterways, paved drains with stilling basins, check dams, gabion baskets, masonry works, logs, tires, etc.

Vegetation retained within 20 meters of water courses, springs, and rivers.

7.8 Roads

Issues: Roads can be a major contributor to erosion and sediment in rivers. Careful siting and design can generally keep these problems to a minimum.

Recommendations: New roads and upgrading of existing ones within the

Environmental Protection Area should be reviewed by NRCA and NGIALPA to

ensure that design minimizes erosion and provides appropriate drainage, by

a) avoiding steep slopes

b) following contours

c) properly planned drainage, adequate culvert sizes and types, avoidance of right angle interfacing of drains.

d) use of diversion, planting of grass on banks, retaining walls for unstable areas, vegetation belts, fast bank re-vegetation, and provision for subsurface

drainage

7.9 Flood Prone Areas

Issues: Localized flooding is common in lowland areas after heavy rains. Many of the watershed protection measures outlined above will reduce the amounts and speed of water flowing after heavy rains. However, it is still important to provide proper drainage features and keep them cleared.

7.10 Quarry Development and Reclamation

Issues: Rock quarries can result in noise, dust in the air, erosion and increased sediment in rivers. They also can be visual eyesores, and hazards to public safety when they are abandoned.

Recommendations: Amendments to the Mines and Quarries Act should include regulations related to Restrictions of quarrying near rivers except for desilting. Limit use of explosives in limestone quarrying to minimize air and dust pollution. Requiring EIAs and site reclamation plans before permits are issued

Delegating enforcement responsibility for beach sand mining to the NRCA

Proper road drainage and silt dams to trap all dust runoff from quarries flowing onto and blocking roads.

8. Recommendations: Parks, Protected Areas, & Wildlife

National Park and Protected Area System A key part of an Environmental Protection Plan is the identification of areas of national significance for addition into the system of Parks and Protected Areas. This system includes the following categories:

National Parks

National Marine Parks

National Nature Reserves (e.g. fish sanctuaries, morass, wetlands)

National Recreation or Scenic Area

National Monument

National Resource Conservation Area (Forests, Aquifer Recharge Areas, etc.)

Preparation of the Negril Environmental Protection Plan resulted in nine areas identified for consideration as additions to this system. These are illustrated on Map 7 pages 56-57 and briefly described below. For each, the following process will be followed.

First, the NRCA, with NGIALPA and NEPT will complete a feasibility assessment of the area, looking at boundaries, options for local management, and immediate actions needed until detailed management and operations plans area prepared. Based on this, the NRCA Executive Director will make a recommendation to the Minister to declare the area a National Park or other appropriate protection category.

Second, a NRCA, NGIALPA, NEPT-community led effort is directed at preparation of a detailed Management Plan for the area.

Third, an entity (such as NEPT) wishing to implement the management plan and operate the Park or Protected Area will prepare an Operations and Financing Proposal to be submitted to NRCA.

Fourth, based on an acceptable plan, the NRCA will delegate management authority to this entity.

The "First Three Year Action Plan" (described on pages 8-17) for this Environmental Protection Area identifies those Parks and Protected Areas for which various actions are expected to be taken between 1995 and 1998.

The NCRPS has received an European Development Fund Grant specifically for establishment of a "Negril Marine Park and Protected Area." Moneys are budgeted for setting up the park, equipment acquisition, initiating environmental monitoring activities, reef restoration, initial staffing (including rangers), and financial sustainability. Setting up a park would require the preparation of both Management and Operations Plans. The potential area for a traditional "Marine Park" extends from the Lighthouse to Ireland Pen, encompassing the core of the areas now used primarily for recreation and tourism. Land components (National Parks) associated with such a Marine Park could include the Royal Palm Reserve, linked to Long Bay by a South Negril River "Conservation Corridor". Additionally, securing a land component for a "Fossil Reefs and Caves" Park along the West End is a priority.

8.1 Long Bay, Bloody Bay, and Booby Cay

Classification Options: Marine Park or National Recreation Area

Priority: High, EDF Grant permits immediate action towards designation and management.

Possible Boundaries: Entire beach and coastline between high and low tide marks along Long Bay, Bloody Bay, and Little Bloody Bay, and the entire island of Booby Cay, out to Environmental Protection Area offshore limits.

Feasibility: Significant income generating potential to meet costs, high local interest in establishment, demonstrated local capacity for operations, funding available for start-up.

Comments: Public toilets and garbage reception facilities are needed at public beach access areas, and on Booby Cay. Booby Cay should have a Park Ranger Station with a platform outlook overlooking Long Bay and Bloody Bay. A site for an Educational and Interpretive Center/Park headquarters is needed. Long Bay and Bloody Bay, plus the West End as far as the lighthouse to be zoned for swimmer's lane, boat lane, motorized watersports such a waterskiing, jetskiing, and parasailing, and fishing areas, with protected no-anchor and no-fishing coral reef recovery areas.

8.2 Royal Palm Reserve

Classification Options: National Park, National Monument, or National Nature Reserve

Priority: High, potential land component of a Marine Park, facilities suitable for Park Headquarters and Environmental Education Center.

Possible Boundaries: Existing PCJ Royal Palm Reserve surveyed and designated area within the Morass, with the addition of the South Negril River Corridor down to the sea. Eventually, the Royal Palm Reserve could be the headquarters for management of a Great Negril Morass National Nature Reserve to be established on surrounding public lands. Upon further study, the park might be expanded to include a Jamaican thatch palm reserve and a northern royal palm reserve east of the airport.

Feasibility: Needs to be determined, PCJ in sale/lease process

Comments. The Royal Palm Reserve is ready to be declared and used as a National Park, with the potential for revenue generation through user charges to meet costs. If the Royal Palm Reserve National Park were fully operational, the entity managing it could assume some or all responsibility for the entire morass, with its rangers monitoring use, enforcing regulations, and promoting awareness. Strict "no-wake" operation of motorboats is needed in all rivers and canals, since propeller wash and boat wakes are a major cause of river bank erosion, slumping, and water turbidity. The existing Royal Palm facilities, built by as a nature and educational center, should be used for the purpose intended. The tower could be used to monitor the Morass area to provide early warning of dry season grass fires, which periodically damage large areas of the Morass. Because Negril has the major populations of the Royal Swamp Palm, a unique and endangered Jamaican species, it is necessary to protect all stands. Expanding the reserve to include all clumps should be studied. A scientific study is required to determine the causes of the palm's apparent reproductive failure, and replacement by thatch palms and trees.

8.3 Negril Fossil Reefs and Caves

Classification Options: Marine Park, National Monument, National Recreation Area

Priority: High, should be seen as an integral part of a Negril "Marine Park". Public access options are quickly disappearing as the area develops.

Possible Boundaries: Marine area from waters edge offshore at least 1000 ft, roughly parallel to the shoreline, from Negril Lighthouse to the Negril Yacht Club. Cliff side public access and viewing corridors need to be identified, as well as one area for construction of a public information facility.

Feasibility: High for marine areas. Finding public access corridors and a land site for public facilities may be difficult considering the fact that most of the cliff side area is already developed, privately owned, and expensive. The preferred area is the undeveloped properties adjacent to Drumville Cove. This area should be called Punto Negrillo because it is the last remaining stretch of coast showing the green forest above the black cliffs which led Spanish sailors to call it the Little Black Point, El Punto Negrillo. The Spanish has been corrupted in English to become Negril. Alternatively, public access and support facilities could be developed on the Lighthouse properties if an agreement could be reached with the Port Authority who manages this area.

Comments: Cliff side land should be developed as a nature park with walking trail, underwater snorkel trail, an interpretive and educational center featuring the relationships of the fossil reef, living reef, and global climate change. Within the Park boundaries, all cliff faces and caves to be protected from further encroachment and construction except for steps and ladders leading into the sea. Establishment of a swimmers and snorkelers lane, marked by buoys at least 50 yards offshore from headlands, within which motorized boat traffic is prohibited parallel to the shore. No-wake motorized boat traffic will be permitted at right angles to the shore for the purpose of loading and unloading boats from sea ladders. Identification, removal, and prevention of all contamination or construction debris blocking the flow of clean ground water through all cracks, crevices, and sinkholes feeding into the cave systems and underground rivers and springs is needed. Collection of fossils to be prohibited except for research purposes, subject to application and approval by NRCA/NEPT. Fish traps to be deployed only on sandy areas on the fore reef deeper than 80 ft. Provision needs to be made to maintain views from the road out to the sea wherever possible.

8.4 Negril Lighthouse

Classification Options: National Monument, part of Fossil Reefs and Caves National Park, potential Park Headquarters and/or Public Access and Information Center

Priority: High.

Possible Boundaries: existing grounds around the Lighthouse, as well as some of the Port Authority property on the upland side of the road (for parking, support facilities), and dedicated corridor for beginning of Ancient Sea Level Notch Recreation Trail (see 8.9 below)

Feasibility: Primary use of site for navigation may be incompatible with public recreation development and intensive use. Port Authority land on upland side to be privatized, unaffordable at market value.

Comments: The Negril Lighthouse site should be strictly preserved, with paid guided tours collected by the Port Authority, and used to protect and beautify the site, including lighthouse, fort, fossil reef, and cliffs. Interpretive displays should be presented. The antique brass lighthouse controls should be protected from corrosion by fingerprints by a glass shield. The inland site on the other side of the road, owned by the Port Authority, should be kept as a natural forest preserve with a walking trail leading from the Lighthouse parking area.

8.S Orange Bay Area

Classification Options: Fish Sanctuary, Marine Park, Nature Reserve, Resource Conservation Area

Priority: High, the area's most important fish remaining nursery grounds, a center for local fishing activities and critical area for marine recovery efforts.

Possible Boundaries: To be determined. Marine area could include Samuels Bay, and parts of Bloody Bay. Land area to include designated Fishermen's Beach, and all coastal mangroves and wetlands, including UDC dump site (to be reclaimed).

Feasibility: Land areas under UDC control, valuable for both tourism and Orange Bay community expansion development. Controls of land use impacts critical to viability of the Bay as fish nursery grounds.

Comments: In the preparation of a Management Plan by local fishermen, with assistance from NEPT, NRCA, and Fisheries Division, the following guidelines should he considered:

No destruction of coastal mangrove forests

Bloody Bay and Orange Bay no wake zones

No dredging or use of dynamite

No anchoring on coral reef areas, only on sand

All reefs to be specially protected and reef health monitored

No spear fishing, net fishing, or trap fishing within fish and coral recovery and fish nursery sanctuary areas (line fishing may be permitted). Rotating areas will be designated where one or all of these practices will be permitted in order to allow fish stocks to recover.

Trap fishing only in deep water areas, with rotating use to spread impact

No conch, starfish, or other marine organism collection

Controlled diving activity, Samuels Bay primarily for advanced divers, with permits required to monitor and control numbers

Specific areas zoned for mariculture activities

Garbage dump to be cleared of remaining garbage for removal to a lined, tertiary treated emuent landfill, and the area replanted with mangroves.

Approved sanitation systems required for all houses built in Orange Bay and Mount Pleasant

No clearance or development in mangroves all along Orange Bay and Samuel's Bay as far as Half Moon Bay

Exploration of reopening the Orange River channel to allow snook, mullet, and tarpon recovery

Establishment of mariculture programs and offshore fisheries

Tree preservation order for entire shore to main road from Bloody Bay to Southwest Point.

No introduction of exotic species without thorough study of impacts.

Preparation of a code of conduct for reef use for fishing and recreational purposes, to ensure voluntary compliance with existing laws and regulations.

Research permitted, following application to NRCA/NEPT.

Restoration programs for dynamited reefs and bulldozed mangroves along Samuels Bay.

Determination of sustainable harvests of fish and shellfish, and need for closed seasons or limited entry fishing.

Installation of marker buoys around channels to prevent ships running on to the reefs, demarcate mooring areas, and fish nursery zones.

Diving activities to be certified, boats registered, and limited to restricted zones.

8.6 Negril South Coast

Classification Options: Fish Sanctuary, Nature Reserve, Resource Conservation Area

Priority: High,

Possible Boundaries: Need further study. Marine area may extend from the Lighthouse all the way to Salmon Point. Land areas (fishermen's beaches) designated at Salmon Point, Little Bay, and Homer's Cove, as well as all mangrove stands.

Feasibility: High, though tourism and other shoreline development needs to be carefully guided to minimize marine impacts.

Comments: In the preparation of a Management Plan by local fishermen, with assistance from NEPT, NRCA, and Fisheries Division, the following guidelines should be considered:

No dredging or use of dynamite No spear fishing, net fishing, or trap fishing within fish and coral recovery and fish nursery sanctuary areas (line fishing may be permitted). Rotating areas will be designated where one or all of these practices will be permitted in order to allow fish stocks to recover.

Trap fishing only in deep water sandy plain areas, with rotating use to spread impact out

No conch, starfish, or other marine organism collection

Controlled diving activity, primarily for advanced divers, with permits required to monitor and control numbers

No anchoring on coral reef areas, only on sand

All reefs to be specially protected and reef health monitored

Specific areas zoned for mariculture activities

Approved sanitation systems for all houses along shore or inland

No clearance or development in mangroves

Establishment of mariculture programs and offshore fisheries

Tree preservation order for entire shore to main road from the Lighthouse to Salmon Point

No sand mining

Mangrove replanting to hold back mud between Salmon Point and Old Hope Wharf.

8.7 Negril Great Morass

Classification Options: National Park, Nature Reserve

Priority: High, but can be phased, after Royal Palm Reserve operational

Boundaries: All public lands designated as "wetland vegetation" in the Coke

botanical inventory (survey needed)

Feasibility: High, most of the morass is currently under public ownership,

(Commissioner of Lands, UDC, and PCJ)

Comments: Management plan should consider the following guidelines

maintain the morass as a roadless area, with access into the interior by boat only

manage the North and South Negril rivers as no wake zones to minimize stirring up of sediments and erosion of river banks

Promote the use of non-motorized boats (kayak, canoe) as the primary recreational means of travel

focus the most intensive use at the Royal Palm Reserve which has the facilities to absorb it

encourage owners of tourist facilities adjacent to the morass protected area to construct boardwalks and viewing platforms which promote passive recreational use

explore reopening the Orange River channel, as requested by locals to restore snook, mullet, and tarpon in Orange Bay

limit access into areas during nesting season

determine the sustainable crab catch from the Morass, and means needed to restore their populations to former very high levels

Maintain as wildlife sanctuary, with no hunting allowed

Solid waste disposal and septic tank disposal in the wetlands should be prohibited, except for approved biological tertiary treatment.

Exotic species should not be introduced into the area without thorough research into their potential impacts.

There should be minimal interference with drainage in the wetland itself. (This needs to be balanced against the need to keep river channels clear for boat traffic, and for drainage of flood prone agricultural land fringing the Morass.)

There should be no further filling or draining of the Morass, and any buildings should be raised above flood levels on stilts, poles, and pilings.

8.8 North Negril River

Classification Options: National Recreation Area, Scenic River

Priority: Moderate, may be designated as an extension of either the Marine Park or the Morass Nature Reserve

Possible Boundaries: to be determined, should extend from sea up to Cutoff Canal, possibly including the Orange River channel.

Feasibility: High; UDC designated lands are low and wet, difficult to develop without extensive filling.

Comments: The swamps, wetlands, canals, mangroves, palm stands, and forests along the North Negril River, and Cutoff canal have unique possibilities for low-density canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, and fishing if preserved in their natural condition. Fishermen could lead tours or rent canoes from a station at the mouth of the North Negril River or from the bend near Orange Bay. Motorboats would have to be operated under strict no-wake conditions, as propeller wash and wakes are the major cause of river bank erosion. Boat access will be restricted during bird nesting seasons. Environmental monitoring is needed to check on possible impacts to the area from rivers and ground waters draining soak away toilets, chemical and fertilizer on sugar cane fields, and other uses in the watershed above. If an environmental impact study recommends its feasibility, re-opening the original Orange River channel into Orange Bay, which was blocked in 1960, should be considered. This would have the advantage of increasing the populations of fish which migrate between salt and fresh water and re-establishing a more natural flow pattern (but it could subject Orange Bay to increased levels of soil erosion, sewage and agricultural inputs). Projected water withdrawal from Fish and Orange River blueholes may significantly lower flow during some parts of the year.

8.9 Negril Ancient Sea Level Notch

Classification Options: National Recreational Trail, National Monument

Priority: Moderate, other areas first

Possible Boundaries: to be determined by field work, should extend from the Lighthouse (trailhead) to the road from the Hogg property towards Orange Hill. The corridor should include land along the base of the escarpment, and extend to a setback at the top.

Feasibility: Except for area by Lighthouse, is private land. Dependent on securing easements from individual landowners. This could be an initial project of a Local Conservation Land Trust. The park along the cliffs could be along new road proposed in the development plan.

Comments: Natural forest corridors at least 100 feet wide should be preserved under a Tree Preservation Order along both the top and bottom of the old sea cliff. A walking trail should be constructed through the dry forest along the base of the cliff, with signposts pointing to caves and places of interest. A small interpretive and educational center at the entrance of the trail should contain displays illustrating the origin of the sea level notch under higher sea level (20 feet above today) and warmer conditions (around I degree celsius warmer) around 125,000 years ago, and its relevance to future global climate change.

Areas requiring further study include a Negril Hill forest reserve, Fish River and Moreland watershed reserves, and the following.

8.10 Orchid and Plant sanctuaries Areas containing endemic orchids and other plant species in dry limestone forests and wet hilly limestone forests need to identified and protected. The only botanical survey ever done in the watershed was confined to the Morass. The nearest limestone forest inventoried, Dolphin Head, was found to have many new species known to occur nowhere else. The evolution of many new species in that area is due to its isolation from other limestone areas of Jamaica by non-limestone geology of central Hanover and Westmoreland. The Negril Hill, Fish River Hills, and Moreland Hill forests are even more isolated than Dolphin Head, and span a large rainfall gradient. No botanical study has ever been made of them, and they are likely to contain many endemic species of orchids, melastome plants, insects, and land snails.

Experts in Jamaican forest botany should be brought in to help prepare a species inventory of the watershed vegetation, and identify areas high in native plant species. Based on these surveys, areas will be recommended for demarcation as National Nature Reserves under planned Amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act.

Areas of local significance requiring some form of protection. Sites deserving conservation were identified during the course of community meetings throughout the Negril watershed. These are listed below. Further field work, as well as meetings with local landowners and interested citizens are needed in order to outline an appropriate approach to protection and management. Local beaches, parks, playfields, open space and conservation areas should be identified and gazetted in the Development Order.

Mature Forests

Scenic Roadways

River Corridors

Archaeological Sites

Cave Paintings

Marine Wrecks and sites of interest to divers and marine historians

Caves and Large Sinkholes

Beauty Spots and Vista Points

Land Reclamation/restoration sites

Arawak Middens

8.11 Public Beaches, Shorelines and Beach Access Corridors The Environmental Protection Area has only three designated public beaches; NGIALPA beach, Long Bay (UDC), and Bloody Bay (UDC). Priorities for additional sites should be Little Bloody Bay-Pumpkin Point, near the community of Orange Bay, the West End Cliffs, and along the south Coast (Sea Rock). Four public access corridors are being established along Long Bay. Access corridors should be dedicated between major tourist developments along Bloody Bay.

8.12 Fishermen's Beaches All sited currently used for fishermen access and use throughout the Environmental Protection Area should be surveyed, and officially designated to prevent continued encroachment by other uses. These include Salmon Point, Little Bay, Homer's Cove, 4 beaches in the West End, the South Negril River mouth, Bloody Bay, Orange Bay, and the North Negril River by the Orange River bridge.

8.13 Ponds and Freshwater Wetlands Duck Pond in Mt. Airey, is thought to be visited by the endangered West Indian Whistling Tree Duck. Other ponds used by nesting and migratory birds will be identified. A field list of birds found within the Environmental Protection Area needs to be prepared by local bird watchers.

8.14 Mangrove Forests National policies on sustainable use, protection, and restoration of mangrove forests are to be established by 1997. Sites in the Environmental Protection Area which should receive interim protection until these policies and guidelines are completed are:

Orange Bay and Samuel's Bay mangroves: South Negril River Mangroves (near bridge) North Negril River Mangrove Forest Salmon Point mangroves (need re-establishment and protection of remaining stands Homer's Cove and Little Bay mangroves

8.15 Historic Buildings & Cultural Sites Compared to other parts of Jamaica, the historic sites and buildings in the Negril area are few and poorly documented. Only one building (the Lighthouse) is on the National Historic Register. The following is a list of other sites recommended for addition to the register in the 1984 Development Order. Further research is needed on each of them.

WISCO Beach House Whitehall Great House

Ruin of former fort Silver Spring House

Pumpkin Point Ruin Campbell family tombs (Orange Bay)

Campbell family tombs (Fish River)

8.16 Wildlife

It is illegal to hunt or have in one's "possession the whole or any part of any protected animal or protected bird". Endangered animals (those which remain in very low numbers) found in the Environmental Protection Area are:

all Sea Turtles West Indian Manatees White & Black Coral all Snakes American Crocodile Jamaican Parrots West Indian Whistling Tree Duck

All birds are protected by law except those that may be hunted in season, and those which are listed as pest species. The Wild Life Protection Act is expected to be amended to include provision for protection of plants.

The following guidelines are recommended in order to protect sea turtles and manatees.

Sea turtles

Sea turtle nesting activity has been reported at sites in the protected area including Bloody Bay, Booby Cay, and Orange Bay. NRCA guidelines are:

1. Lights should not be placed on nesting beaches. If lights are necessary they should either:

a) be turned off during peak nesting season (from May to November),

b) be shielded, lowered, recessed, or re-directed so that emitted light is not

visible from the nesting beach.

c)use low pressure sodium vapor (LPS) lights which emit wavelengths least

attractive to turtles.

2. Refuse should not be discarded on any sandy beaches or at sea as it can injure sea turtles

3. Vehicles should not be allowed on the beach as incubating eggs and hatchlings can be crushed, and tire ruts can block their trip to the sea.

4. Fishing nets should be checked to ensure hatchlings are not caught and drowned. Gill and seine nets should be prohibited near nesting beaches prior and during the nesting season.

5. Nesting turtles should not be disturbed.

6. Obstructions such as beach umbrellas and lounge chairs should not be left on turtle nesting beaches at night.

7. Care should be taken that turtles are not killed by boat propellers during nesting and hatching seasons.

Manatees should not be harassed. Boats should travel under no-wake conditions if there are signs of manatee. Monofilament line should not be thrown into the water, as manatees can be injured by fish hooks and lines in aquatic plants on which they feed.

9. Key Environmental Laws And Regulations

9.1 Environmental Protection Area Regulations Section 33 of the NRCA Act authorizes the establishment of regulations within designated Environmental Protection Areas. To date, no regulations for an Environmental Protection Area have been drafted because Negril is expected to be the first such area. This plan recommends that regulations related to the following topics be included in the Negril Environmental Protection Area declaration. It should be noted that improved enforcement of existing laws and regulations is a primary strategy within the Environmental Protection Area. New regulations should only be drafted where

a. No policies or enforceable regulations exist for a particular topic

b. Existing laws or regulations are unclear or unenforceable

c. Enforcement responsibility needs to be broadened to include the NRCA or those that it delegates enforcement authority to (such as NEPT)

d. Interim regulations are needed until amendments or new ones are put in place.

The power under section 40 of the NRCA Act can be used to amend other acts (with the advice of the Attorney General's office, as the NRCA sees to the strengthening of other agencies to carry out environmental management responsibilities.

Environmental Protection Area regulations should include the following:

Beach Sand Mining: Prohibition of any removal of sand within 1000 ft. of shoreline without a permit from the NRCA. Establish NRCA responsibility for monitoring and enforcement (with the possibility to delegate this authority to some other entity.

Mangroves: Declare a moratorium on all cutting, filling or encroachment of mangroves within the Environmental Protection Area until NRCA policies and regulations related to mangrove protection, restoration, and sustainable use are in place. At that time, such policies and regulations would be applied to the Environmental Protection Area.

Sanitation: Requires that all developments which can be feasibly connected to the central collection and treatment system do so. Describes acceptable on-site sanitation solutions for all new developments within the Environmental Protection Area. Sets a date for compliance by existing developments.

Dumping of Garbage: Dumping only permitted at official sanitary landfill, establishes fines and enforcement responsibilities (NRCA).

Disposal of Toxic or Hazardous Wastes: No disposal within Environmental Protection Area, authorizes identification of collection-transfer station to store wastes until transferred to the National Toxic and Hazardous Waste site; establishes fines and enforcement responsibility.

Environmental Impact Assessments: Declare the Environmental Protection Area a "Prescribed Area", requiring Environmental Impact Assessments for the following developments and uses:

Land subdivision, roads, and utility services into undeveloped, unroaded areas

Mining, quarrying, manufacturing, extraction of sand and gravel, and industrial processing

Major infrastructure facilities such as power plants, transmission corridors, incinerators, solid waste disposal landfills, airports, oil refineries, sewerage projects, etc.

Port and harbor projects, piers, marinas, seawalls, sea terminals, other shoreline protection structures, dredge spoil disposal, coastal discharge

Dredging, canalization, dams, water impoundments, etc.

Shopping complexes, hotels and other commercial developments.

Major public facilities including hospitals, transportation centers, schools, recreation complexes, etc.

Intensive agriculture, aquaculture, mariculture

New residential developments at proposed densities greater than those permitted in the Development Order

Activities and uses which generally will not require an EIA include expansions and additions to existing buildings, new private residences, public parks and recreation areas, and agriculture.

Schedule of Parks and Protected Areas: List those areas which are to be added to the National system of Parks and Protected Areas:

Long Bay, Bloody Bay, Booby Cay (Marine Park, National Recreation Area)

Royal Palm Reserve (National Park, National Monument)

Negril Fossil Reefs and Caves (Marine Park, National Park, National Recreation Area, National Monument)Orange and Samuels Bays (Fish Sanctuary, National Nature Reserve)

Negril South Coast (Fish Sanctuary, National Resource Conservation Area)

Negril Great Morass (National Nature Reserve, National Park)

North Negril River (National Recreation Area, Scenic River)

Negril Ancient Sea Level Notch (National Recreation Trail, National Monument)

Negril Hill Forest Reserve

Fish River and Moreland Watershed Reserves

Appointment of Environmental Officer: Authorize new position "Environmental Officer" as NRCA staff person with responsibility for Environmental Protection Plan implementation, including enforcement of laws and regulations. Include provision for District Constable powers for both Westmoreland and Hanover parishes.

Appointment of Local Advisory Committees: Authorize formation, establish composition, responsibilities, etc.

Existing regulations (for National Parks and Marine Parks) which may be used as is or modified for Environmental Protection Areas include: Fire Mining (requiring EIA and Site Restoration Plan) Research/Collection of Objects and Specimens Zones Appointment of Enforcement Officers/Rangers Environmental Protection Plans Water Regulations

9.2 Natural Resources (Montego Bay Marine Park) Order (1992): These regulations would be the kind that may apply to Marine Parks designated within the Environmental Protection Area. Provisions include: restrictions, with exemption subject to written permission by the park authority, on mining, removal, damage, destruction, attachment to, mooring in, etc. of all living and non-living natural resources in the designated park area. It similarly bans dredging, excavating, construction, salvaging, discharge of pollutants, littering, advertising, use of explosives and poisons, removal of markers, and fishing except subject to permit with regard to type of catch and gear used. It permits research and collection of marine life for educational and research purposes subject to a permit. It provides for penalties for violations of the above restrictions, and for interference with the marine park authority. It provides for zoning, research, monitoring, and enforcement by rangers under the authority of the Advisory Board.

9.3 Natural Resources Conservation (Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park) (Declaration) Order (1993); These regulations would be the kind that may apply to National Parks designated within the Environmental Protection Area. Provisions include: control of animals, including horses, donkeys, mules, and dogs in the park, and bans littering, pollution of lakes and streams, vehicles, planting and cultivation, use of poisons, disorderly behavior, damage to markers and signs, etc. It designates permitted camping areas, use of fires, commercial activities, mining, research, fishing, parking of vehicles and mooring of boats, etc. it provides for fines for violations of the act and interference with park officers. It provides for zoning, monitoring, enforcement, and the development of management plans by the Park Authority.

9.4 NRCA Act (1990): Establishes NRCA with primary responsibility for protection and management of the country's natural resources and control of pollution. NRCA powers and responsibilities focus on establishing and enforcing pollution control and waste management standards and regulations guiding environmentally appropriate development through such tools as prescribing areas, requiring environmental impact assessments, and granting permits and licenses, maintaining a system of national parks and protected areas, promoting broad public awareness through information, environmental education, and outreach activities, monitoring and enforcing environmental laws and regulations, especially those included in the NRCA, Beach Control, Watersheds Protection, and Wild Life Protection acts. providing national environmental leadership, coordinate activities of other government agencies, and support local, non-government efforts at protecting and enhancing the environment. 

9.5 Beach Control Act (Subsequently re authorized under NRCA Act, currently under review for amendments by NRCA Coastal Zone Management Division):

establishes Crown ownership and management responsibility for the foreshore, floor of the sea, and overlying water (regulates activities to territorial limit, including control over construction of sheds and huts on beaches, prohibits the use of public beaches for fishing activities, prohibits commercial use of these areas without license from NRCA, directs NRCA control over activities including fishing, waste disposal, dredging, coral removal, requires NRCA permit for any structure on or attachment to the foreshore, including seawalls, piers, jetties, mooring buoys, and artificial reefs, requires NRCA approval of beach development plans (developments up to I mile inland), inspection of beaches to ensure adherence to safety and cleanliness standards. 

Beach Control Act Regulations of 1978 relate to hotels, commercial and public recreational beaches, regulates beach activities, care of beaches, and outlines rights of license. 

9.6 Wild Life Protection Act: prohibits removal, sale, or possession of protected animals (turtles and turtle eggs, immature or juvenile fish, most birds, black coral, etc.), and the use of dynamite, poisons or other noxious material to kill or injure fish. It also prohibits the discharge of trade effluent or industrial waste from any factory into harbors, lagoons, estuaries, or streams. It also authorizes the establishment of Game Sanctuaries and Reserves where no hunting or collecting is permitted, and regulates hunting and fishing in rivers. 

9.7 Watersheds Protection Act (1963, incorporated into NRCA Act of 1990, under review, expected to be amended, and regulations established): provides for the designation of watersheds for conservation purposes, to reduce soil erosion, ensure regular flow in rivers and streams, maintain optimum levels of groundwater, and encourage proper land use to protect watershed recharge. All Jamaica's watersheds have been designated as protected under this act. NRCA administers the act. 

9.8 Town and Country Planning Act: establishes Town and Country Planning Authority with responsibility for Development Orders (broad based land use plans and regulations). Development orders are to control both rural and urban land development, ensure proper sanitary conveniences, coordinate building of roads and other public services, protect public amenities (conservation areas, wetlands mangroves). Authorizes issue of Tree Preservation Orders, providing for the protection of designated trees, groups of trees and woodlands (needs strengthening). 

This Environmental Protection Plan needs to support and compliment the new Development Order. Together, they form the basis for sustainable, appropriate growth and development along with environmental protection and enhancement. 

9.9 Local Improvements Act: requires that anyone wishing to subdivide land for building, lease, sale, or other purposes, must provide the local planning authority with a plan for approval. Subdivision plan interagency reviews are coordinated by Town Planning Department. 

9.10 Land Development & Utilization Act: provides for the regulation of idle lands, terms of leasing, and the disposition of agricultural lands, 

9.11 Urban Development Act (1968): established UDC with authority to acquire, manage, or dispose of land within or outside of designated UDC areas, and to act as the sole planning authority within its designated areas. Also develops domestic water supplies and wastewater treatment facilities. 

Lease and purchase agreements for UDC controlled lands should include requirements for wastewater treatment and sediment control, as well as what kinds of recreational uses and structures (docks, platforms, marinas, etc.) will be allowed in/or adjacent to Fish Sanctuary, Marine Park, or other protected area lands and waters. Power of enforcement and applicability of environmental laws and regulations within UDC designated areas needs to be clarified. Once activities encroach on the foreshore and beyond, the Beach Control Act supercedes the UDC Act. 

9.12 Fisheries Industry Act (1976): establishes Fisheries Division responsibility for licensing fishermen and fishing boats, protection of the fishery by establishment of closed seasons, creation of fish sanctuaries, and penalties for landing or sale of illegally caught fish. 

9.13 Port Authority Act (1972): authorizes Port Authority to declare harbors, and establish or alter boundaries of harbors. Establishes Marine Board to make rules for the regulation and control of harbors and ship channels. Prohibits the discharge of rubbish earth, stone, ballast, mud, oil, mixtures with oil or its residues, as well as the removal of stones and gravel from reefs, shoals, or cays. Marine Division of the Port Authority regulates the construction of structures on or over the water, or dredging activities. The designation of Negril as a harbour requires designation of ship anchoring zones and the appointment of a designated Harbour Master authorized to control all sources of sewage, pollution, oil discharge, chemical releases, garbage disposal, etc. to the harbour from all land-based and ship-based sources. Shore reception facilities for ship-based garbage and sewage treatment should be provided under his supervision before any marinas are approved. 

9.14 Clean Sea Bill: (legislation yet to be passed) 

9.15 Underground Water Authority Act: Established the Underground Water Authority with responsibility for conservation and proper use of underground water resources. Water legislation is under review, and UWA is to be replaced by a Water Resources Authority, for which legislation is pending. 

9.16 Public Health Act (1974): Provides for standards and enforcement for domestic water consumption and waste disposal and for monitoring micro biological quality of water used for drinking, bathing, washing, and cooking. 

9.17 National Heritage Trust Act: provides for designation, preservation, and management of Arawak, archaeological, and historical sites, buildings and artifacts. The Lighthouse is the only site within the Environmental Protection Area which is on the National Historic Register. 

9.18 Trade Laws: Trade Law 4 prohibits export of unprocessed turtle shells, 

9.19 Quarries Control Act (1983): establishes quarry zones, and controls licensing and operations of all quarries. 

9.20 Litter Act (1986): controls littering in public and private places, establishes implementation responsibility with the Parish Council or Local government, authorizes them to hire people to enforce the act ("litter control officers"). Responsibilities include locate, and maintain collection receptacles. 

9.21 Pesticides Act: Control of importation, use, and disposal of pesticides. Regulations related to agricultural developments (use of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, etc.) in areas adjacent to marine ecosystems, wetlands, and rivers need to be enforced by provision of lists of banned and approved chemicals as decided by the Pesticide Control Unit of the Ministry of Health, the Government Chemist, and the NRCA, backed by analysis of groundwaters, springs, and rivers in affected areas. 

9.22 Forest Act: (Enactment of a new Forest Act is expected by 1998). 

Relevant International treaties include: 

9.23 Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol: encourages the establishment of protected areas to conserve rare and fragile ecosystems and habitats occupied by vulnerable species; protection of endangered and threatened species; and promotion of sustainable management and use of wildlife. 

9.24 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat: an international treaty which protects designated wetlands which are breeding or nesting sites for migratory birds. 

9.25 CITES Convention: the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species bans international trade in endangered species, including turtle shell and meat, and black coral. It is being amended to include all hard and soft corals. Jamaica has banned collection and sale of coral, yet endangered Philippine corals and shells are still imported via Florida for the tourist curio industry. 

9.26 Cartagena Convention: an international treaty signed by all Caribbean nations, obligating them to marine pollution monitoring and control of ship-borne and landbased sources of hydrocarbon (oil) pollution. Although in force, the treaty has never been enacted due to lack of funding. 

9.27 The Earth Summit Treaties signed by Jamaica at the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, including Agenda 21, the Biodiversity Convention, and the Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UN Conference on Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, in Bridgetown Barbados, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the London Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, and the Basel Convention on The Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal all obligate Jamaica to take wide ranging measures in environmental protection and sustainable development, including enacting over-riding legislative authority in environmental matters to the Ministry of the Environment. Many of these are not yet in force. 

The Presidential Summary of the High Level Segment (Heads of Government) of the Report of the Global Conference on Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, following the points raised in the speeches of the Prime Minister of Jamaica and the heads of other small island states, points out: 

"It was noted that the natural beauty of small islands and their coastal resources constituted the foundation of the tourism industry, on which many island countries had become increasingly dependent. In that regard, attention was drawn to the fragile nature of the resources on which tourism was based and the commensurate need to protect these resources if tourism was to continue to be a major growth sector. Sustainable tourism, it was noted, should take into account not only environmental health but also the quality of life and the culture of island peoples."  

About the NRCA... NRCA is the official agency of the Government of Jamaica specifically charged with environmental protection and management of the nation's natural resources, as well as with enforcing environmental laws. NRCA's responsibilities include both land and sea habitats. NRCA is prepared to work in partnership with duly authorized local community-based environmental management organizations, like NEPT, in reaching environmental goals and implementing programs. 

The function of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority is broadly defined in the 1991 Act which was established: 

"to take such steps as are necessary for the effective management of the physical environment of Jamaica so as to ensure the conservation, protection, and proper use of its natural resources." 

NRCA powers and responsibilities focus on establishing and enforcing pollution control and waste management standards and regulations guiding environmentally appropriate development, through such tools as prescribing areas, requiring environmental impact assessments, and granting of permits and licenses, maintaining a system of national parks and protected areas promoting broad public awareness through information, environmental education, and outreach activities monitoring and enforcing environmental laws and regulations, especially those outlined in the NRCA, Beach Control, Watersheds Protection, and Wildlife Protection acts. providing national environmental leadership, coordinate activities of other government agencies, and support local, non-government efforts at protecting and enhancing the environment. 

About the NEPT...

Sixteen local organizations from the Negril area joined forces to form the Negril Area Environmental Protection Trust (NEPT). They include the Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society, Negril Green Island Local Planning Authority, Urban Development Corporation, Negril Fishermen's Cooperative, Negril Chamber of Commerce, Negril Watersports Association, Rotary Club of Sav la mar, Rutland Point Craft Market Association, Whitehall Citizen's Association, Itinerant Vendor's Association, Negril Resort Board, Negril Craft Market Association, Area Schools, Negril Police, Public Health Department, Little Bay Citizen's Association, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Negril Chapter. Membership in NEPT is open to all environmentally active organizations based in the greater Negril Watershed Protection Area. 

Through NEPT, local efforts towards environmental conservation and sustainable development within the Negril watershed and coastal zone are coordinated. Its office, staff, and facilities support both its own work, as well as that of other area organizations. Activities focus on community education, establishment and management of Parks and Protected Areas, environmental monitoring, fundraising, and a wide variety of environmental improvement projects.

About the NGIALPA

The Negril Green Island Area Local Planning Authority, established in 1984, operates under a Board of Directors appointed by the Minister responsible for planning. Its primary functions include

granting permission to develop land (based on the Development Order and subject to approval by Town and Country Planning Authority) maintaining a public register on land development applications' enforcing planning controls, determining if permission is required to change the use of land, making Tree Preservation Orders, giving consent for advertisements, requiring proper maintenance of waste lands, authorizing entry for land surveying or inspection.  

About Environmental Protection Areas... 

Section 33 of the NRCA Act states 

"(I)...the Minister may, on the recommendation of the Authority, and if he is satisfied that it is in the public interest to do so, by order published in the Gazette declare any area to be an environmental protection area and direct the Authority to prepare and to submit to him for approval an Environmental Protection Plan for that area.... 

(2) The undertaking of any activity in an environmental protection area shall be subject to such provisions as may be prescribed by regulations, subject to negative resolution, in relation to the protection of the environment and the natural resources in that area." 

The Environmental Protection Area designation is typically used for large, diverse areas such as a watershed or parish. Within it, smaller and more specific protected areas may be identified and properly managed, such as a Marine Park, Fish Sanctuary or National Nature Reserve. The Environmental Protection Plan is a guide for how the important natural resources within the area should be used. Negril is expected to be Jamaica's first Environmental Protection Area. 

Typical outcomes from the process of preparing an environmental protection plan....

1. Identifying important environmental problems, as well as actions to respond to some of them.

2. Setting community environmental priorities.

3. Improving public awareness of the area and its environmental concerns, through workshops, meetings, signs, maps, press coverage, etc.

4. Providing greater environmental focus to Development Plans and Development Orders.

5. Establishing local land trusts or land banks to acquire and manage important areas.

6. Establishing local environmental trust funds to help finance environmental protection activities.

7. Strengthening of existing environmental organizations and establishing new "umbrella groups" representing most of the other NGOs within the plan area.

8. Improved opportunities for assistance (technical, financial) as a result of clear community priorities and a cooperative spirit.

Typical outcomes from designating an Environmental Protection Area, and implementing the Plan....

1. A clear action program for what will be done to protect and improve environmental conditions within the area.

2. Improved and better coordinated environmental monitoring activities by both government and community organizations.

3. Formation of a Local Advisory Committee to monitor environmental conditions and development activities within the area, and recommend actions by government and community groups.

4. Delegation by NRCA of some powers, such as authority to manage specific designated parks and protected areas within the Environmental Protection Area, and authority to enforce some environmental laws and regulations.

5. Greater awareness and enforcement of existing environmental laws and regulations.

6. New "environmental protection area" regulations, and a listing of uses or developments requiring environmental impact assessments

7. Appointment of one full time NRCA Environmental Officer to provide leadership and coordination with environmental protection and management.

8. Commissioning and deployment of paid or voluntary enforcement officers to work with the NRCA Environmental Officer.

9. Identification of possible sites to be designated and managed as local parks, open space reserves, conservation zones. etc.

10. Identification and schedule of additions to the National Parks and Protected Areas system.