Exploring our world and Jamaica’s place in it

Every year in November, Geography Awareness Week (GAW) is celebrated to promote the importance of geography in understanding our world. This global initiative encourages individuals to explore their surroundings, appreciate diverse cultures, and understand the interconnectedness of our planet.

In 2024, GAW continues its mission of fostering geographic literacy, emphasising the critical role of geography in addressing global challenges like climate change, migration, and sustainable development.

This year, the celebration runs from November 18-22 under the theme, ‘Connecting Communities: A Geographic Lens on a Changing World ’, which highlights the significance of geography in uniting people and solving pressing issues.

For Jamaica, GAW offers an opportunity to reflect on the island’s unique geographic position and how it interacts with the rest of the world.

Below, we delve into the importance of GAW globally and provide a closer look at how it relates to Jamaica.

WHAT IS GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK?

• History and purpose: Established in 1987 by presidential proclamation in the United States, GAW aims to raise awareness about the role of geography in education and decision-making.

• Focus: The week focuses on spatial thinking, cultural understanding, environmental stewardship, and global citizenship.

• 2024 theme: This year’s theme, ‘Connecting Communities: A Geographic Lens on a Changing World’, emphasises the power of geographic knowledge to address global disparities and bring communities together.

WHY IS GEOGRAPHY IMPORTANT GLOBALLY?

• Understanding interconnectedness: Geography helps us see the links between people, places, and environments.

• Climate change awareness: Geographic knowledge is critical in understanding and combating climate change. Rising sea levels, deforestation, and changing weather patterns are all deeply geographic issues.

• Global challenges: Issues like resource distribution, urbanisation, and migration require geographic insights for effective solutions.

• Cultural appreciation: Geography fosters respect for cultural diversity and heritage, bridging gaps between communities.

JAMAICA’S GEOGRAPHIC SIGNIFICANCE

Jamaica, a small island nation in the Caribbean, has a rich geographic identity. Its unique position offers lessons in resilience, cultural exchange, and environmental management.

Key geographic facts about Jamaica:

1. Location: Situated in the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica is part of the Greater Antilles, approximately 145 kilometres south of Cuba and 191 kilometres west of Haiti.

2. Size: Covering 10,991 square kilometres (4,240 square miles), Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean.

3. Topography: The island features mountains, coastal plains, and limestone plateaus. The Blue Mountains are home to the highest peak, Blue Mountain Peak – 2,256 metres (7,401 feet).

4. Climate: A tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, prone to hurricanes and tropical storms because of its location in the Atlantic hurricane belt.

5. Natural resources: Known for bauxite, limestone, and its fertile soils, Jamaica’s economy is deeply tied to its geography.

THE ROLE OF GEOGRAPHY IN JAMAICA

Environmental Resilience:

Jamaica faces significant challenges because of its geographic position:

• Climate change: Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities, while changing weather patterns affect agriculture.

• Hurricane preparedness: Geography is crucial for disaster risk management, ensuring the country is better prepared for storms and hurricanes.

• Biodiversity: Jamaica boasts unique flora and fauna, requiring conservation efforts grounded in geographic understanding.

Tourism and Culture:

• Tourism: With its stunning beaches, waterfalls, and cultural landmarks, Jamaica’s tourism industry depends heavily on its geographic appeal.

• Cultural exchange: As a hub in the Caribbean, Jamaica’s location fosters cultural and economic interactions.

Global Connectivity:

• Trade and shipping: Jamaica’s ports, such as Kingston, are vital for international trade, connecting the Caribbean to global markets.

• Diaspora relations: Geography also plays a role in shaping Jamaica’s large diaspora community, influencing remittances and cultural ties.

TIPS FOR ENGAGING IN GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS

For Students and Educators:

1. Explore local geography: Visit local landmarks, parks, or historic sites to understand Jamaica’s geographic features.

2. Use technology: Utilise geographic information systems (GIS) or online mapping tools to explore global and local geography.

3. Study environmental issues: Focus on how geographic factors affect Jamaica’s environment, such as coral reef degradation or deforestation.

For Families and Communities:

1. Cultural celebrations: Highlight Jamaica’s diverse cultural heritage, from Maroon history to Rastafarianism, and its ties to the land.

2. Interactive activities: Engage in map-making or scavenger hunts to teach geography in a fun, interactive way.

3. Community projects: Participate in tree-planting drives or clean-up campaigns to connect with local geography.

For Policymakers and Advocates:

1. Promote geographic literacy: Invest in education programmes that emphasise the importance of geographic thinking.

2. Climate action plans: Develop policies based on geographic data to address rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and disaster preparedness.

3. Sustainable development: Use Jamaica’s geographic resources wisely to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

CONCLUSION

Geography Awareness Week 2024 reminds us that geography is not just about maps and memorising capitals; it’s about understanding the relationships between people and places. For Jamaica, this week is an opportunity to appreciate the island’s unique geographic identity and its role in the broader global context.

By fostering geographic literacy, Jamaica can better address its environmental challenges, strengthen its global connections, and celebrate the beauty and resilience of its landscapes and people. Let’s use this week to deepen our understanding of the world and Jamaica’s special place within it.

editorial@gleanerjm.com