Overview
The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is an Executive Agency that became operational on April 1, 2001. It is an Agency of the Ministry of Health and Environment.

NEPA represents a merger between the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA), the Town Planning Department (TPD) and the Land Development and Utilization Commission (LDUC). The Agency results from the work of the Government of Jamaica Public Sector Modernization Programme (PSMP). The aim of the merger is to integrate environmental, planning and sustainable development policies and programmes and to improve customer service.

Our Mission
To promote sustainable development by ensuring protection of the environment and orderly development in Jamaica through highly motivated staff performing at the highest standard.

Our Vision
That Jamaica's natural resources are being used in a sustainable way and that  there is broad understanding of environment, planning and development issues, with extensive participation amongst citizens and a high level of compliance to relevant legislation.

Legislative Mandate
NEPA operates under the following Acts:

• The Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act;
• The Town and Country Planning Act;
• The Land Development and Utilization Act;
• The Beach Control Act;
• The Watershed Protection Act; and
• The Wildlife Protection Act

Policies
The work of NEPA is guided by the following policies and plans:

• Jamaica National Environmental Action Plan (JaNEAP) 1999-2002
• National Physical Plan
• Policy for Jamaica's System of Protected Areas - 1997
• Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (Draft)
• Watershed Mangement Policy (Draft)
• Beach Policy for Jamaica (Draft)
• Environmental Management Systems Policy and Strategy (Draft)