But like many areas of the world, Jamaica is under siege by humankind. For instance, polluted coastal waters often mean poor fishing catches, fewer tourists, less employment, more imports. And it harms the coral.
A significant proportion of coral around Jamaica has died, a tragic situation affecting communities and commercial interests dependent on fishing and tourism for their livelihood, and an irrecoverable loss.
Promoting environmentally sound practices make good business sense and good public policy. This is especially true in tourism, Jamaica's strongest growing sector of the economy generating US$1.2 billion in 1998. Under the banner of "Promoting Sustainable Natural Resources Management through the adoption of environmentally sound practices", the United States Government, through USAID has two major projects and a new "flagship" scheme, which is about to come on stream.
The new "flagship" environmental project, the Ridge-to-Reef programme, which links reductions in upper watershed deforestation, pollution and land erosion to improvements in coastal water quality, represents an integrated approach to arresting land degradation and the deterioration of water quality. Activities are specifically designed to:
Create a policy environment that encourages the adoption of improved environmental practices.Environmental Audits For Sustainable Tourism (EAST) is an existing project that targets the tourist industry, with a smaller component focused on the manufacturing sector.
The project encourages hoteliers and related industries to think and act "green" and to develop as eco-conscious businesses that protect the environment on which they depend. The environmental audits, at the core of the project's activities, identify environmental and managerial weaknesses and promote the use of better practices in the industry by demonstrating their financial benefits.
Some of the environmental improvements include low volume toilet tanks, low flow shower heads, installation of fluorescent bulbs, recycling of kitchen waste through composting and the use of phosphate free detergents.
The project has recently been extended to the Caribbean, demonstrating how the tourist sector can expand on eco-friendly lines, attract more customers thanks to its "greener" image and become more profitable while improving environmental management practices.
The EAST programme is being extended for another two-and-a-half years starting June 2000. It will strengthen the capacity of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) and train local professionals to conduct similar initiatives.
The Coastal Water Improvement Project (CWIP) is a six-year, US$9 million project with the Jamaican government, which has spawned initiatives as diverse as improved wastewater management operations and recycling programmes. Each activity includes an environmental awareness component and community participation.
Among its main aims are tackling environmental concerns and funding activities that can be sustained by the communities themselves. Along with establishing public/private participation models for improved wastewater management and assist the government of Jamaica in effectively managing investments in its new sewerage systems.
Next year several accomplishments are expected to be reached.
Environmental audits of at least five hotels and three manufacturing companies and two training workshops on the implementation of environmental management systems will be completed.
The development of a curriculum in environmental management, and the introduction of a certification programme in environmental management in a local tertiary institution will also be a focus.
An assessment of environmental threats to two critical watersheds and the development of an action plan will be carried out, alongside helping foster improved agricultural practices for small farmers in target watersheds and the tabling and public discussion of two green papers, one on environmental management systems and another on coastal zone management. There are signs that the programmes are having a positive effect.
Negril Cabins Resort is a trendsetter.
It's also 30 per cent more efficient, and it's winning prizes. Tucked away in the "bush" behind the all-inclusive giants Sandals and Grand Lido at Bloody Bay, it showcases how both the tourist industry and environment awareness can be married to a common and profitable aim.
As an enthusiastic participant in USAID's EAST programme, the Negril Cabins Resort was environmentally audited. The audit covered the use of water, treatment of wastewater, use of energy, treatment of solid waste and use of chemicals.
The participating technical assistance team examined the operational systems at the hotel and assessed the management's attitude to environmental issues.
More efficient equipment was installed along with an environmental management system. As a result of the EAST programme, not only did Negril Cabins see a substantial reduction in operating costs, but it also won the first Green Globe Certification.
More importantly, its success, and the success of the EAST programme, has established a greener way of thinking in the industry.
This article was contributed by the United States Agency for International Development.
