WORLD WETLANDS Day has been celebrated on February 2 since 1997, giving us the opportunity to focus attention on the significance of these most abused pieces of earth. This year's theme: There's Wealth in Wetland Diversity Don't Lose it, highlights the cultural, economic and traditional importance of these areas.
Recent events have highlighted the need to protect our wetlands as scientists studying the December 26 Tsunami that devastated Asia have stated that the areas suffering the most devastation were without wetland protection. Most of the swamps in these areas, the scientists found, had been cleared for development.
This provides even more proof that the survival of our wetlands, or morass areas, is crucial to life. These areas, although often smelly and mosquito-infested, provide habitat for a wide variety of animal and plant life; they are sources of water, medicines and food; they protect the land from sea surges and protect our reefs from land-based pollution. Scientists have also found, that where wetlands are healthy, there are more fish for food. Nearly two-thirds of the 20,000 species of fish in the world are dependent on wetlands for survival.
At NEPA, we recognise the economic, social, cultural and ecological values of the wetlands. It is our role to protect them and to ensure that they are used wisely and that they are managed properly so that they continue to be valuable natural resources.
Significant wetlands sites in Jamaica are now protected by law. The Ramsar Site at the Black River Lower Morass, which includes Middle Quarters and Parottee Pond, is one of the over 1,000 wetland sites on the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance. Other protected wetlands include the Palisadoes /Port Royal Protected Area; The Great Morass in St. Thomas; Mason River Reserve in Clarendon; Bogue Lagoon in the Montego Bay Marine Park and the Negril Royal Palm.
The Black River Morass and all the other wetlands are under threat from human activities and NEPA is mandated to ensure that this does not happen. Regulations are in place to control development in these areas: - environment and planning permits must be obtained from NEPA before any development takes place. Unfortunately, not all developers apply for the requisite permits and in some cases we are forced to shut them down or to prosecute.
I assure you, we are not anti-development, but development must happen in a way that it minimises damage to the environment and ensures our long-term safety and well-being as we strive for sustainable development. As we pause to celebrate World Wetlands Day I would like to encourage every Jamaican to get involved and help to care for and protect our wetlands.
PAT SINCLAIR MCCALLA
CEO NEPA
