Message from Chris Corbin on the Observance of Jamaica’s Labour Day, May 23, 2025
UNEP Congratulates Government on Environmental Focus for Labour Day
Encourages Ratification of Cartagena Convention SPAW Protocol
The UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat is pleased to endorse the Jamaica National Labour Day observations which has the environment as its major focus under the theme “Protect the Environment: Our Land, Our Duty, Our Future.”
Chris Corbin, Coordinator of the Cartagena Convention Secretariat
at the United Nations Environment Programme in Kingston.
Jamaica and the Cartagena Convention
The Cartagena Convention is the only regional legal agreement for the protection of the Caribbean Sea. Adopted in 1983, it entered into force in 1986. It is supported by three protocols: Oil Spills, Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife, (SPAW) and Land Based Sources of Marine Pollution (LBS).
These protocols guide our efforts as the Convention’s Secretariat to support Jamaica and other Governments in the region to control marine pollution, protect endangered species, establish marine protected areas, and sustainably manage coastal and marine resources. Jamaica became a signatory to the Convention and the Oil Spills protocol on May 1, 1987, and the LBS protocol on October 6, 1999. It is among 26 of the 28 countries as contracting parties.
Taking the next step- Ratify the SPAW Protocol
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the entry into force of the SPAW Protocol this year, (June 18), and given Jamaica’s strong leadership in biodiversity conservation, we encourage the Government to take the next step by ratifying the SPAW Protocol, the only protocol under the Cartagena Convention that it is yet to sign.
It would also be a timely initiative as the region and the world seek to accelerate implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework which has a vision of the world living in harmony with nature by 2050.
Congratulations on the Environmental Focus for Labour Day 2025
We congratulate the Government of Jamaica on its plans to establish an Environmental and Research Park, at Mason River in Clarendon, a protected National Heritage Site as the national Labour Day project for this year. This important wetland is internationally recognized under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. It is vital to the livelihoods of communities and provides diverse ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, nutrient recycling, and biodiversity support. The Park will undoubtedly become a haven for citizens and tourists alike.
We also commend the people of Jamaica on embarking on environmental protection projects across the island. This is critical as Jamaica especially its marine environment is home to many diverse and protected species among them the West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus), The American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), and the hawksbill sea turtle. These species rely on mangroves and seagrass beds for feeding and shelter. However, they are under threat due to habitat loss, boat collisions, illegal trade, and bycatch. Coral species such as elkhorn (Acropora palmata) and staghorn (Acropora cervicornis) have experienced significant declines due to factors like disease, climate change, and ocean acidification. The parrot fish which thrive in coral environments also face threat due to overfishing.
Tackling Invasive Species
Recent reports of invasive and foreign species such as the green iguana are also concerning because if allowed to flourish, it can upset the fragile ecosystem and displace native species like the rock iguana. We commend the authorities for their vigilant efforts to stem the tide of smuggling and encourage citizens to remain on high alert and refer related incidents promptly to authorities when they occur.
“Jamaica Nice, Protect Wi Paradise” – How we are helping
Thanks to our partners, we have several programmes geared towards protecting the marine environment.
These include the Global Environmental Fund-GEF LAC Cities project aimed at reducing plastics pollution in Kingston, Montego Bay, and other cities across Latin America and the Caribbean through circular economy approaches.
Jamaica is also participating in the GEF CReW+ Project: “An integrated approach to water and wastewater management in the Wider Caribbean Region using innovative solutions and sustainable financing mechanisms.” The project seeks to demonstrate the reuse of treated wastewater effluent from the National Water Commission (NWC’s) Innswood Wastewater Treatment Plant to assist with the operation of the Water Resource’s Authority Managed Artificial Recharge System.
Our small grants programme funded by the EU African, Caribbean, and Pacific Multilateral Environmental Agreements III Programme is having significant impact empowering communities such as Bluefields in Westmoreland to enhance marine protected area management and reduce marine litter.
More recently we partnered with the Government of Jamaica and the Government of the United Kingdom on a technical capacity project that focuses on how water quality in coastal areas impacts sustainable blue economies. Launched under the UK’s Sustainable Blue Economies Programme, the “Enhancing Water Quality for Sustainable Blue Economy Development” initiative will mobilize UK scientific expertise and regional knowledge to address marine pollution, an escalating threat to Jamaica’s economic growth, food security, and environmental health.
At the Cartagena Convention Secretariat, we continue to adapt and respond to emerging environmental challenges, safeguarding the Caribbean Sea and the livelihoods it supports. We remain committed to working with the government of Jamaica and other key stakeholders to maximize new opportunities and ensure a sustainable future for its people.
Congratulations on your Labour Day Environment Projects Jamaica!
About the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the world’s leading voice on the environment. It provides leadership and fosters partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
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