NEPA marks 25 years with green recovery lecture on disaster resilience

The National Environment and Planning Agency marked World Environment Day and National Environmental Awareness Week 2026 with a distinguished lecture focused on how Jamaica can rebuild after disasters while protecting the ecosystems that reduce risk. The event, held as part of NEPA’s 25th anniversary observances, was organised around the theme “Recover stronger, recover greener: integrating ecosystem solutions in post-disaster planning.”

Speakers framed environmental protection as a core development issue, pointing to forests, watersheds, wetlands, mangroves, coral reefs and sustainable land-use planning as essential to disaster preparedness and recovery. Christopher Whimstone, chairman of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority and the Town and Country Planning Authority, said resilience should not be judged only by the speed of rebuilding, but by whether reconstruction lowers future danger, protects communities and strengthens natural systems.

Whimstone cited the Hope-Yallahs watershed as a major source of water for the Kingston Metropolitan Area and said mangroves provide measurable flood protection for built assets. He argued that post-disaster planning must take a ridge-to-reef approach, linking watershed rehabilitation, coastal restoration, hazard mitigation and long-term public investment.

National Solid Waste Management Authority executive director Oley Gordon used his remarks to call for a cultural shift in waste handling. He said flooding is often worsened by plastic bottles, food containers and other garbage placed in drains, gullies and roadways. Gordon also outlined Operation CALM, a programme aimed at flood-prone communities through clean-up work, public advisories, local leadership and ongoing monitoring during the hurricane season.

The programme also included the launch of NEPA’s Junior CEO for the Day initiative, which will invite students to submit three-minute videos on sustainable development. The winning student will shadow NEPA’s leadership and receive opportunities to engage with environmental decision-making.

UNDP resident representative Dr. Kishan Kaday delivered the main lecture, linking Hurricane Melissa’s damage to the wider climate crisis and urging green recovery across tourism, watersheds, coastal areas, energy systems and community livelihoods. He said ecosystem restoration, climate-resilient infrastructure, solar solutions, local grants and improved spatial planning all have roles to play as Jamaica prepares for more frequent and severe climate shocks.