NEPA Marks National Environmental Awareness Week With Restoration, Youth and 25th Anniversary Events

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has announced a programme of events for National Environmental Awareness Week (NEAW), which runs from June 1 to 8 under the theme, 'Recover Stronger, Recover Greener: Integrating Ecosystem Solutions in Post-Disaster Planning'.

The 2026 activities are also being used to mark NEPA's 25th anniversary as an executive agency. The agency was created on April 1, 2001.

Angela Hamilton, NEPA's Manager for Public Education and Corporate Communication, told JIS News that the theme reflects Jamaica's experience last year when Hurricane Melissa affected the island. She said the agency wanted the week to focus on recovery, noting that the hurricane caused major destruction, particularly in western Jamaica.

NEPA's first major activity is set for Friday, June 5, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, where it will host a distinguished lecture featuring Dr. Kishan Khoday, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Multicountry Office in Jamaica.

The forum is by invitation only and is intended to bring together policymakers, environmental planners, academics, development partners, community leaders and private-sector interests. Discussions will centre on knowledge-sharing, recovery planning and approaches to national development.

Before that lecture, NEPA will introduce one of its anniversary initiatives, the 'junior CEO for the day' programme. Ms. Hamilton said the activity will allow one student to be chosen to act as junior CEO for a day, while helping young people better understand sustainable development and encouraging them to embrace environmental responsibility.

Students will be selected through a video storytelling contest. Entrants will prepare three-minute videos sharing their views on sustainable development, with winners at the school level moving on to compete nationally.

On Saturday, June 6, the agency will attend a church service at Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church in St. Andrew. Ms. Hamilton said NEPA will use the service to give thanks for 25 years and to reflect on the agency's work over the past quarter-century in protecting and conserving Jamaica's environment.

Governor-General His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen is expected to participate in the service and deliver remarks.

NEPA will turn its attention to restoration work on June 8, World Oceans Day, when it plans to carry out rehabilitation activities at Winns Morass in Trelawny. Ms. Hamilton said the area is ecologically significant and was badly affected by the hurricane, making its repair important.

She also pointed to the role of mangroves as natural flood barriers and said the area helps to reduce the loss of bioluminescent phytoplankton around Oyster Bay.

Activities linked to the observance will continue after NEAW ends. A Jamaica Observer newspaper supplement commemorating NEPA's 25th anniversary is scheduled for publication on June 10.

On Sunday, June 14, NEPA will stage its second National Environmental Awareness Week 3K run/walk at Hope Botanical Gardens in St. Andrew. Funds raised from the event will support the Holland Bay Crocodile Sanctuary in St. Thomas.

Ms. Hamilton said crocodiles play a meaningful role in the natural environment, even though many people may not understand their importance. She explained that crocodiles help keep waterways clean by feeding on dead and decomposing marine flesh, which benefits fisherfolk by supporting cleaner waters and healthier fish catches.

She encouraged the public to take part in the run/walk, enjoy Hope Botanical Gardens, get some exercise and support the wider ecological balance of Jamaica's environment.

Persons seeking registration details for NEPA's activities may call 876-872-7954 or email [email protected].