UDC, NEPA partner for Great Goat Island wildlife sanctuary

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the management of Great Goat Island in St Catherine as a wildlife sanctuary.

The MOU is effective for five years and will provide for the conservation of existing endemic flora and fauna species, eradication of invasive species and introduction of endangered species.

Great Goat Island falls within the Portland Bight Protected Area, which is under the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act (1991). The boundary for the area is set out in the Natural Resources Conservation (Portland Bight Protected Area) Order of 22 April 1999.

The Goat Islands have historically served as a habitat for an array of endemic flora and fauna. The islands have a rich heritage, as they were once inhabited by Tainos, and Little Goat Island served as a United States naval base during World War II.

Due to the rich ecological environment, the islands are believed to be well-suited to become the site for the reintroduction and survival of several endemic and endangered species.

A stakeholder forum with representatives from NEPA, the UDC, civil society, non-govern-mental organisations, other governmental agencies and the public was held today at the Alhambra Inn and Restaurant in Kingston, to discuss the management approach for the wildlife sanctuary, the first of its kind in Jamaica. A management plan is expected to be completed to allow commencement of implementation in 2019.