KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican officials have declared wetland conservation a fundamental component of the nation’s long-term development framework. Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, emphasized that protecting these vital ecosystems is indispensable for realizing Jamaica’s Vision 2030 objectives.
During a recent JIS Think Tank session, Minister Samuda articulated the multifaceted role wetlands play in advancing national priorities. He directly linked their preservation to achieving critical outcomes in climate resilience, sustainable economic livelihoods, water security, and biodiversity conservation. “Vision 2030 envisions a healthy environment for all Jamaicans. Our wetlands are a critical part of that environment, supporting livelihoods, protecting communities, and ensuring development occurs in harmony with nature,” Samuda stated.
The minister detailed how wetlands are intrinsically tied to Outcome 13 of the national development plan, which focuses on the sustainable management of environmental and natural resources. He further highlighted their significance in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies. Samuda characterized ecosystem-based adaptation, such as leveraging natural wetlands for flood control, as a highly cost-effective alternative to expensive engineered infrastructure projects.
“Every community that benefits from fisheries, tourism, or agriculture near a wetland is part of our development framework. Protecting these ecosystems means safeguarding jobs, food security, and resilience—core pillars of Vision 2030,” he explained, reframing environmental protection as a strategic development investment.
Emphasizing the necessity of public engagement, Samuda asserted that achieving Vision 2030 is contingent on community participation. He advocated for enhanced environmental education initiatives targeting local communities, schools, and service clubs to foster a culture of collective responsibility and environmental stewardship.
Adding technical perspective, Monique Curtis, Manager of the Ecosystems Management Branch at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), confirmed the alignment between Jamaica’s international commitments under the Ramsar Convention and its domestic Vision 2030 targets. She cited specific wetland systems, including the Black River Lower Morass and the Portland Bight Wetlands and Cays, as prime examples of ‘development assets’ that sustain key industries like fisheries, agriculture, and ecotourism while performing essential services like water filtration and carbon sequestration.
“These sites are not just environmental assets; they are development assets. Wisely restoring and managing them strengthens our natural capital, which is central to Jamaica’s sustainable growth pathway,” Curtis informed.
As Jamaica joins the global observance of World Wetlands Day 2026 under the theme ‘Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,’ the overarching message is clear: wetland conservation is a imperative not merely for environmental preservation but for securing a prosperous and sustainable future for all citizens.