WATERSHED MANAGEMENT IN JAMAICA

Background Location and Size The island is located in the north-western Caribbean Sea, it is the third largest of the Greater Antillean islands with a total area of 10,900 sq. km. Physical Characteristics The island consists of a high mountainous interior with coastal plains. The highest elevation is the Blue Mountain Peak at 2256m. above sea level. Climate Tropical marine climate with mean annual rainfall of 1530mm (in the blue mountain region) and two rainy seasons and susceptible to hurricanes. Mean temperature 25 o C. Drainage The type of land formation gives rise to surface drainage i.e. a large network of streams and rivers with groundwater storage occurring mainly in the mid-western section of the island which is mainly limestone.

What is Watershed Management A watershed can be described as an area of land that delivers runoff water, sediments and dissolved substances to surface drainage and underground water Watershed management can be defined as the administration and regulation of the aggregate resources of a drainage basin for the production of water and the control of erosion. Objectives:  Prevention of erosion and landslides  Fixation of shifting soil  Flood control  Water supply protection regarding regularity, purity and maximum quality

Watershed Units The island is divided into twenty-six (26) Watershed Management Units (WMUs) comprising all the land from the mountains to the sea and containing over 100 streams and rivers. These WMUs are essentially composites of river basins which fall within ten (10) hydrological basins (regions)

In addition to the Watershed Protection Act 1963, several other pieces of legislation are pertinent to watershed management work: The major ones are listed below:  Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act (1991)  Forest Act (1996)  Rural Agricultural Development Act (1990)  Water Resources Act (1995)  Town and Country Planning Act (1988)  Land Development and Utilization Act (1966)  Country Fires Act (1988)  The Mining Act (1947)  Wildlife Protection Act (1945)

Main Threats to Watershed Areas Deforestation (cutting trees for urban development, agriculture, fuel, timber) Poisoning of the river (pesticide runoff, using chemical for fishing) Washing of vehicles in rivers Improper solid waste management (industrial waste being dumped in rivers) A poisoned tributary of the Rio Grande River in Windsor with dead crayfish floating on the surface of the water

Watershed Management Project Project ongoing since 1997 and focuses on: Biological and Cultural aspects – strip cropping, contour furrows, mulching, cover crops, vegetative/rock barrier Engineering Structures for Earth Movements – Contour trenches, hillside ditches, individual basins, waterways, terracing, diversion channels, check dams, river training, retaining walls Revegetation – grass planting, orchard terraces, timber species, live check dams

Water is Life Jamaica is renowned for its natural spring water Adequate rainfall provides water for consumption and irrigation Use of rivers for recreation and tourism

Strategies and Actions to Reduce Threatening Activities  Education and awareness campaigns, including use of radio and TV.  Education about the watershed and relevant environmental legislation  Resource Centres in communities, where information could be obtained.  Reforestation – involving community members.  Training in soil conservation and other proper farming methods for farmers.  Establish closer relationship with the Police, for enforcement purposes.  Increased collaboration between Forestry Department, and the Environmental Agency for enforcement and compliance.  Develop protocol for community action when illegal activities are witnessed.  Development of sustainable livelihoods e.g. craft development and tourism/recreation development, based on the natural and cultural heritage  Develop lobbying and advocacy roles with regards to solid waste management.