5.4.1. Specific Adaptation Strategies
To support the Long-Term Strategy (LTS) objectives for coastal resilience, sustainable tourism, watershed protection, and protected areas management, Jamaica identified a wide range of adaptation strategies. These strategies target five key areas: engineering solutions for beach protection, reducing overfishing and illegal fishing, diversifying eco-tourism, implementing nature-based solutions (NbS) for coastal zones, and improving land and watershed management through green infrastructure. Specific actions include scaling up the use of ShoreLock for beach stabilization, expanding marine sanctuaries, training aquaculture farmers, enhancing enforcement, and upgrading heritage sites. Other interventions aim to mainstream NbS like beach nourishment and coral reef restoration, though many of these currently lack quantified targets. A comprehensive suite of green infrastructure practices has also been proposed to reduce runoff and sedimentation, such as bioretention systems, permeable pavements, and restored wetlands. In parallel, Jamaica is strengthening its protected areas system through improved governance, awareness campaigns, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement. These strategies are supported by national plans and policies, including the Strategic Business Plan for Tourism and Fisheries and the Overarching Policy for Jamaica’s Protected Areas System.
LTS action |
Specific strategy |
Target |
Source |
|---|---|---|---|
Engineering solutions to protect beaches |
Increase use of ShoreLock |
750 m every five years |
ShoreLock test results in The Gleaner |
Reduction in overfishing and illegal fishing practices |
Define fish sanctuaries (hectares of coastal fishery water) |
20,000 hectares by 2026 and 2 consultations in 2024 |
Strategic Business Plan. National Fisheries Authority |
Reduction in overfishing and illegal fishing practices |
Farmers trained in aquaculture |
34 farmers/year (2023–2026), 45 (2026–2027) |
Strategic Business Plan. National Fisheries Authority |
Reduction in overfishing and illegal fishing practices |
Robust monitoring and enforcement |
Monitor 324 sites annually (2023–2027) |
Strategic Business Plan. National Fisheries Authority |
Diversify and invest in tourism |
Install 26 storyboards and 12 directional signs |
Upgrade 3 eco-tourism destinations each year (2025–2046) |
Strategic Business Plan. Ministry of Tourism, Jamaican Heritage Sites |
Diversify and invest in tourism |
Upgrade of Heritage Sites and Attractions |
Upgrade 3 eco-tourism destinations each year (2025–2046) |
Strategic Business Plan. Ministry of Tourism, Jamaican Heritage Sites |
Diversify and invest in tourism |
Develop a Tourism Strategy and Action Plan |
Every 10 years (2025–2045) |
Strategic Business Plan. Ministry of Tourism |
Diversify and invest in tourism |
Develop a Tourism Destination Development and Management Plan |
3 eco-tourism destinations per year (2025–2046) |
Strategic Business Plan. Ministry of Tourism |
Land management to reduce runoff |
Governance mechanism for protected areas |
1 strategy in 1 year (2025) |
Overarching Policy for Jamaica’s Protected Areas System |
Land management to reduce runoff |
Update of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) |
1 plan in 1 year (2025) |
Overarching Policy for Jamaica’s Protected Areas System |
Strengthen protected areas (PA) |
Integrate climate adaptation in PA planning |
10 plans with adaptation in 10 years (2025–2035) |
Overarching Policy for Jamaica’s Protected Areas System |
Strengthen protected areas (PA) |
National Mangrove and Swamp Forest Management Plan |
1 plan in 2025, implemented over 9 years |
Overarching Policy for Jamaica’s Protected Areas System |
Strengthen protected areas (PA) |
Capacity building programs |
30 programs in 10 years (3/year) |
Overarching Policy for Jamaica’s Protected Areas System |
Strengthen protected areas (PA) |
Public awareness strategies |
10 education programs in 5 years (2/year) |
Overarching Policy for Jamaica’s Protected Areas System |
Strengthen protected areas (PA) |
Research for marketing strategies |
2 studies per year (2026–2027) |
Overarching Policy for Jamaica’s Protected Areas System |
Strengthen protected areas (PA) |
Stakeholder involvement in PA management |
157,500 USD total; 31,500/year (2025–2030) |
Overarching Policy for Jamaica’s Protected Areas System |