The provides for the management, conservation and protection of the natural resources of Jamaica. The Act establishes the Natural Resources Conservation Authority, a body of persons appointed by the Minister of the Environment. The functions of the Authority include the taking of such steps that are necessary to ensure the effective management of the physical environment of Jamaica; and the management of marine parks and protected areas. Section 9 of the Act creates a Ministerial discretion to declare parts of or the entire island a ‘prescribed area’, in which specified activities require a permit, and for which activities an environmental impact assessment may be required. The Natural Resources (Prescribed Areas) (Prohibition of Categories of Enterprise, Construction and Development) Order, 1996 and the Permits & Licensing Regulations was passed pursuant to section 9 of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act, 1991. The Order provides that the entire island of Jamaica is a prescribed area and lists specified categories of enterprise, construction or development that require a permit. The Act also addresses Sewage and Trade Effluent discharges as well as air emissions. Regulations are being developed to specifically address these sources of pollution. Under the new regulations the polluter pays principle will be incorporated.
National Environment & Planning Agency © 2009
