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Conventions & Treaties

Overview

The Government of Jamaica recognises that as a small island developing state, Jamaica faces many environmental challenges and as such, is committed to addressing these environmental issues. Some of these issues are, but are not limited to:

  • Loss of species and biodiversity
  • Ozone depletion
  • Hazardous waste management
  • Pollution from land-based sources

The Government of Jamaica is addressing these international and global concerns through Multilateral and Regional Agreements with other States. By taking steps to ratify or accede to the many environmental Conventions discussed hereafter, the Government is committing itself to adopting administrative policy, and legal mechanisms to implement these Agreements, as one step in promoting sustainable development at the national level.

 

International Agreement, date entered into force and main UN institution involved Main Objectives/Area of Action Date of Accession for Jamaica
Convention on Biological Diversity, 29/12/1993 (UNEP)-The Nagoya Protocol (12/10/2014).

This aims to help the parties implement the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources (in particular when it concerns indigenous people´s knowledge of biodiversity).

29 Dec. 1993
Convention on Biological Diversity, 29/12/1993 (UNEP)-The Cartagena Protocol (11/09/2003)

Governs the movements of living modified organisms (LMOs) also known as Genetically Modified Organisms resulting from modern biotechnology from one country to another.  To help do this a Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH) was established to facilitate the exchange of information on LMOs and assist the Parties to better comply with their obligations under the Protocol.                                                                                            

25 Sep. 2012
Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention) 11/10/1986 (UNEP)-3) Land-based Sources of Marine Pollution Protocol, 11/07/2010

The Contracting Parties committed to taking appropriate measures to prevent, reduce, and control pollution of the Wider Caribbean Region from land-based sources and activities, through the use of the best practical means available, and in accordance with each country’s capabilities. To achieve this aim, the Contracting Parties agreed to develop and implement national, sub-regional, and regional plans. The Contracting Parties also agreed to cooperate in a number of areas, including monitoring activities, research and development of relevant technologies and practices, and exchange of scientific and technical information. The Annexes to the LBS Protocol identify priority source categories and primary pollutants that are of particular concern.

The LBS Protocol further requires the Contracting Parties to develop and adopt guidelines regarding environmental impact assessments.

30 Nov. 2015
Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention) 11/10/1986 (UNEP)-2) Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife Protocol (SPAW), 18/06/2000

Contracting Parties committed to protect and preserve – in a sustainable way – threatened or endangered species and areas of special value within the Convention Area by regulating and, when necessary, prohibiting activities that would have adverse effects on those areas and species. Furthermore, the Contracting Parties agreed to enact certain national measures for the protection of threatened and endangered flora and fauna. Also calls for Contracting Parties to establish Protected Areas to sustain the natural resources of the Wider Caribbean Region and to encourage the ecologically-sound and appropriate use, understanding, and enjoyment of these areas.

18 Jun. 2000
Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention) 11/10/1986 (UNEP)- Oil Spills Protocol, 11/10/1986

Contracting Parties agreed to take all necessary preventative remedial measures, within their respective capabilities, to protect the Wilder Caribbean Region from oil spills by reducing the risk of oil spills and establishing and maintaining response plans. The Oil Spills Protocol provides an array of means to accomplish these objectives, including enacting legislation, preparing contingency plans, identifying and developing response capabilities and designating an authority to be responsible for implementing the Protocol. The Contracting Parties further commented to provide assistance, within their capabilities, to other Contracting Parties who request in response to an oil spill.

11 Oct. 1986
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 21/03/94, (Secretary General of the UN), Kyoto Protocol

Sets legally binding obligations for developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

28 Jun. 1999
Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (London Convention),Protocol 1996, 24/03/2006

Prohibits all dumping at sea, except acceptable wastes on the so-called "reverse list", contained in an annex to the Protocol (includes sewage sludge, fish waste and dredged material).

Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, 5/10/ 2016

Involves the phase-down of the production and consumption of HFCs

Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. 01/01/1989

Sets out  legally binding targets on the reduction and eventual elimination of CFCs.

31 Mar. 1993
Sustainable Development Goals, 25/09/2015

The Sustainable Development Goals are:

  1. No Poverty
  2. Zero Hunger
  3. Good Health and Well-being
  4. Quality Education
  5. Gender Equality
  6. Clean Water and Sanitation
  7. Affordable and Clean Energy
  8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
  9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  10. Reducing Inequality
  11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
  12. Responsible Consumption and Production
  13. Climate Action
  14. Life Below Water
  15. Life On Land
  16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
  17. Partnerships for the Goals
25 Sep. 2015