In order to ensure that the principles set out Jamaica's environment are advanced, the Government has adopted a number of objectives for its environmental policy, including:

During 1997, coral reef protection assumed added urgency as a result of international initiatives to counter the widespread destruction and degradation of reef systems worldwide. This policy is intended to be adopted in order to improve the protection of coral reefs and by so doing to sustain their ecological and socio-economic functions. The goals of the policy include:

This policy will be adopted in order to promote the management of coastal wetlands so as to ensure that the many benefits they provide are sustained. The goals of the policy include:

Sea grasses are marine flowering plants found growing in the shallow waters around Jamaica. There are three types of sea grasses found in coastal waters around Jamaica, namely, Thalassia testudinum commonly referred to as turtle grass, Halodule wrightii or shoal grass and Syringidium filiforme or manatee grass. Sea grasses are of direct importance in maintaining the integrity of the Jamaican coastal marine environment.

This Action Plan builds on the International Coral reef Initiative (ICRI). This document focuses on Five main areas:

• Integrated coastal zone management and related institutional policy and legal issues;
• Environmental education and awareness;
• Co-management of coastal resources;
• Prevention and reduction of sources of marine pollution;
• Research and monitoring for the management of coral reef and coastal resources.

Species diversity is normally considered to be one of the primary indicators of a healthy ecosystem. In Jamaica, wild endangered animals are protected under the Wild Life Protection Act (1945). Investigations conducted by the NRCA between 1993 to 1996 revealed that there has been a significant increase in the number of protected animals held in captivity over the years. Wildlife attractions linked to nature tourism are considered to be one of the contributing factors. The specific objectives of this policy are to:

This Action Plan is being developed as a component of the Management Plan for the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). The activities of this action plan are envisioned for three phases: short, medium and long term.

This species of butterfly are among the most spectacular and are becoming increasingly economical and could be a part of a sustainable industry. This Action Plan states that these invertebrates face threats of extinction in many parts of the world and Jamaica is no exception.

This Plan establishes a point of reference on environmental education for sustainable development regarding where we stand; what has been done; the key actors; the major target groups; and goes further and identifies programme areas, priority themes and potential partners. The Plan therefore creates a strategic framework within which to place and relate future actions.