to cabinet to facilitate amendments to relevant existing laws as the first step in the ratification of the Kigali Amendment. Through the project, a baseline assessment93 was done to determine products entering the country that contain the greenhouse gas, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC). Jamaica does not produce HFC and most of the imported quantities are used in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector. The substance is being phased down, and this assessment will assist the Jamaica Customs Agency to take stock of the percentage of the substance that is currently in the country. It will also allow for an assessment as to whether people are stockpiling these substances, which could impact the phase down timeline. A public awareness workshop was held for members of the refrigeration and air conditioning sector, importers of HFCs, tertiary level students pursuing refrigeration and air conditioning related courses, and other industry stakeholders. They were sensitized on the Kigali Amendment, the pending changes, and how the various sectors would be impacted. A project steering committee made up of key stakeholders provided guidance for the project and assisted with access to customs and users for the assessment. HCFC phase out and HFC phase down are crucial in combating greenhouse gases. It has been projected that if the Kigali Amendment receives global compliance with the phase down targets, then global warming could be reduced by 0.5⁰C by the turn of the century. The support of UNDP in this area has been important, contributing to the removal of ozone depleting substances and a reduction of greenhouse gas release in Jamaica.
2.4 Natural resource management Environmental sustainability is one of the priorities of Jamaica’s National Development Plan – Vision 2030. In this area, UNDP aims to support the strengthening of policy and regulatory frameworks for natural resource management and the integration of environmental issues into economic and social decision-making, 93 94
CPD Outcome 4: Inclusive and sustainable solutions adopted for the conservation, restoration and use of ecosystems and natural resources Related outputs Output 4.1: Legal and regulatory frameworks, policies and institutions enabled to ensure the conservation, sustainable use, access and benefit sharing of natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystems, in line with international conventions and national legislation Output 4.2: Solutions developed at national and sub-national levels for sustainable management of natural resources, ecosystem services, chemicals and waste as well as promoting livelihoods in low-income and inner-city communities. UNDP’s programme in this area built on its work in the previous cycle. Having contributed to the establishment of the National Conservation Trust Fund of Jamaica, UNDP plans to support its operationalization and capitalization in this cycle. UNDP also aims to support the development of the minerals industry to promote sustainability, while boosting economic opportunities. UNDP intends to support the sustainable management of chemicals. UNDP’s approach in this programme area focuses on building the capacity of individuals and institutions for the sustainable management of natural resources, while increasing public awareness on natural resource management issues. UNDP plans to build on past successful collaboration with national counterparts, and to continue providing technical assistance to natural resource management. There are seven projects94 under the area, with an expenditure of around $1.53 million for the period
Kigali baseline assessment report. They are: 1) Stockholm Persistent Organic Pollutants National Implementation Plan; 2) GEF 6 Initiation Plan; 3) Strengthening Sustainability of NPAS in Jamaica; 4) Sixth National Report on Biodiversity in LAC; 5) LVMM II_ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme Phase II; 6) Extractive Industries for Sustainable Development; 7) National Biodiversity Planning to Support Implementation of CBD.
CHAPTER 2: FINDINGS
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