NEPA marks 25 years with climate resilience lecture on greener disaster recovery

The National Environment and Planning Agency marked its 25th anniversary during National Environmental Awareness Week 2026 with a distinguished lecture focused on greener disaster recovery and climate resilience. The World Environment Day event was held under the theme, “Recover stronger, recover greener: integrating ecosystem solutions in post-disaster planning.”

Speakers said Jamaica’s recovery planning must treat forests, watersheds, wetlands, mangroves and coral reefs as essential infrastructure, not as separate environmental concerns. NEPA officials said the agency’s work over the past quarter-century has covered environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, land-use planning, watershed management, coastal protection and environmental governance.

Christopher Wimstone, chairman of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority and the Town and Country Planning Authority, said Hurricane Melissa showed the scale of Jamaica’s exposure to climate risk. He said resilience should not be judged only by how quickly damaged assets are replaced, but by whether rebuilding reduces future danger, protects communities and strengthens the ecosystems that support the economy.

National Solid Waste Management Authority executive director Audley Gordon used the forum to call for a stronger public-education push on waste management. He said poor disposal habits worsen flooding and highlighted Operation CALM, a programme targeting flood-prone communities through clearance, advice, community leadership and monitoring during the hurricane season.

Andre McLaren, representing the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, said Jamaica’s recent hurricane experiences show that recovery must go beyond restoring what was lost. She said forests, wetlands, coral reefs and mangroves support livelihoods, food security, public well-being and economic growth.

NEPA also launched its Junior CEO for the Day programme, aimed at encouraging young Jamaicans to present sustainable development ideas through video storytelling. CEO Leonard Francis said the initiative is intended to build future environmental leaders, while the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information endorsed the programme.

UNDP resident representative Dr. Kishan Khoday said small island developing states face disproportionate climate impacts despite contributing little to global emissions. He pointed to Hurricane Melissa’s heavy damage and urged strategic environmental assessments, ecosystem restoration, resilient spatial planning, community grants, solar recovery projects and greener tourism investments as part of Jamaica’s recovery path.