Focus more on how environment sustainability can improve growth - PIOJ
Published:Thursday | October 4, 2018 | 12:00 AMJodi-Ann Gilpin/Gleaner Writer
A call is being made for a renewed focus on ways the country can benefit from the opportunities that the natural environment and environmental sustainability can provide, which can enhance Jamaica's resilience and inclusiveness for all citizens.
Elizabeth Emanuel, programme director at the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Vision 2030 Jamaica secretariat, indicated that conceptualising rural areas as drivers of growth is one area in which Jamaica can build its resilience, economically and physically.
"The National Development Plan proposes to create economically viable and socially stable rural areas where there is universal access to social amenities, a system of governance which fosters the active participation of local communities, and where opportunities are created so that there can be greater contribution to growth and development of the nation," she said, while addressing the JA REEACH 11 End of Project Symposium, which was held on Thursday at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston.
She noted, too, that any development must include the sustainable use of natural resources and protection of the natural environment. She also said that policy formation would be critical in how environmental strategies are achieved.
"There should be greater use of strategic environmental assessments in decision making as an important step towards effective policy formulation, which will result in a more proactive cross-sectoral approach where environmental considerations are integrated into all policy areas," she said.