close
close

Jamaica exceeds environmental targets ahead of schedule

Posted on by darion

Jamaica is reportedly five years shy of achieving its 2030 land mass conservation goal, according to a recent statement by Senator Matthew Samuda, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

The government has pledged to provide legal protection for 30 percent of the country’s terrestrial and coastal ecosystems by 2030.

This goal is part of a broader strategy to combat biodiversity loss and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Alignment with global commitments

The country’s efforts are in line with the United Nations Decade for Ecosystem Restoration and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

During his speech to mark the 51st anniversary of the Portmore Kiwanis Club, Minister Samuda highlighted the success of initiatives such as the national tree planting program, which have contributed significantly to increasing forest cover and meeting international environmental protection obligations.

– Advertisement –

Progress in the field of renewable energy

In addition to protecting ecosystems, Jamaica is making significant strides in renewable energy to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

A tender procedure is currently underway for the creation of new power plants that will produce a total of 100 megawatts of clean energy.

The Mona Reservoir Floating Solar Project is expected to produce 45 megawatts in a phased development, with the goal of fully powering the Mona treatment plant complex.

– Advertisement –

Economic and climate benefits

Switching to renewable energy not only solves environmental problems, but also brings economic benefits.

Minister Samuda noted the abolition of taxes on batteries and reduced costs of solar panels, making solar energy investments profitable for individuals and businesses.

Moreover, government investments in electric and liquefied natural gas buses promise to reduce emissions and operating costs for the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC).