Complete Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (JM0012)

What is the public problem that the commitment will address?

The framework for the conduct of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in Jamaica has guidelines for inclusion of stakeholder consultations in the decision-making process for development projects and activities that may have a significant impact on the environment or public health. It is therefore important that key stakeholders, particularly those who may be affected by their impacts, are empowered to actively participate in the process. It is noted that citizen awareness and understanding of the environmental and public health impacts of projects are critical in ensuring proactive public participation in the EIA process. Indeed, public participation may also be improved by provision of greater information and data on the potential impacts of development projects.

What is the commitment?

To complete Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations under the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) Act.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem?

The completion and subsequent promulgation of EIA Regulations will provide the public with access to information on projects and activities that may have a significant impact on the environment and public health throughout all phases of the project or activity, and will require the participation of relevant stakeholders, including the public, in the environmental decision-making process for the approval of relevant projects and activities. EIA Regulations with legal requirements for access to information and public participation will enhance consistency and predictability in the process for approving major projects and developments.

Why is this commitment relevant to OGP values?

The completion of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations in Jamaica is relevant to the following OGP values: 1. Access to Information: This commitment will strengthen processes to make public relevant information on projects and activities that may have an impact on the environment and public health safety. 2. Civic Participation: The completion and subsequent promulgation of EIA Regulations will strengthen the role of consultation with stakeholders in the approval process for development projects and activities, and increase the capacity of citizens to understand how projects and activities can impact their environment and public health. 3. Public Accountability: This commitment aims to put in place a process and standards to be adhered to by implementers of projects which have an impact on the environment and public health.

Additional information

The completion of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations is aligned with: • Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act 1991 • The Building Act 2018 • Town and Country Planning Act 1958 • The Local Improvements Act 1914 • Vision 2030 Jamaica National Development Plan –National Outcome No. 13 Sustainable Management and Use of Environmental and Natural Resources; National Outcome No. 14 Hazard Risk Reduction and Adaptation to Climate Change; and National Outcome No. 15 Sustainable Urban and Rural Development • Medium Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework (MTF) for the relevant three-year period • The Escazu Agreement (2018) to which Jamaica is a signatory • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 13 Climate Action; SDG 14 Life Below Water; and SDG 15 Life On Land

Milestone Activity with a Verifiable Deliverable | Start Date | End Date
Conduct stakeholder consultations on elements of EIA Regulations | August 2024 | January 2025
Prepare drafting instructions for EIA Regulations | February 2025 | July 2025
Submit drafting instructions on EIA Regulations to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and collaborate on the finalization of EIA Regulations | July 2025 | June 2026