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4.9. The licence, authorization, or permit stipulates, inter alia, the type, method, and fishing gear; the fishing areas; the period; and the species and quantities authorized. These conditions may be changed or rescinded on environmental grounds (e.g. conservation of resources) or if the right is misused. (...)

4.16. Import and export prohibitions, restrictions, or licences may be imposed (i) on agricultural products on the grounds of protecting health and food safety for humans, plants, and animals; safeguarding the environment; and ensuring food security; or (ii) under international conventions. (...) Jamaica maintains an export quota for conch (HS 0508.00), which is allocated through an export licensing system.[21] The exploitation of conch continues to be regulated due to heavy poaching and IUU fishing. In 2019 and 2020, exploitation was forbidden; the exploitation reopened, in 2021, but Jamaica put in place strict no-harvesting zones and established a quota of 300 metric tonnes. (...) [21] Endangered Species (Protection, Conservation and Regulation of Trade) Act.(...)

4.20. (...) The Production and Productivity Programme (or the Production Incentive Programme (PIP)) is an initiative to improve productivity and promote rural development through the expansion of sustainable agricultural production and the use of adaptable climate-smart and resilient approaches. The programme seeks to rehabilitate and expand the production of 12 selected crops (i.e. yam, ginger, dasheen, lime, plantain, strawberry, onion, Irish potato, hot pepper, cassava, pineapples, and cocoa), and small ruminants. These crops were chosen according to domestic demand and export potential. The programme focuses on vulnerable groups within rural communities and specific production zones and provides for the distribution of inputs (seeds and agrochemicals) and extension services. Tools and equipment to reduce and/or speed up recovery from the effects of climate change are also afforded.

4.21. In FY2020/21, the MAFM[Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining] implemented an immediate response programme, the Agriculture COVID-19 Recovery Project, composed of different initiatives. Two of the most important initiatives were the Produce Acquisition Program (Buy-Back Programme) and the initiative to support the resilience of the fisheries subsector. The other initiatives included those that provided support to livestock farmers in the form of grants for the breeding of small ruminants and to farmers of traditional export products, and those implemented to mitigate disaster risk through the adoption of climate-smart production practices and technologies and to acquire equipment and develop infrastructure.

4.24. Jamaica is also implementing its Fisheries Development Programme through two programmes, one to promote community-based climate resilience and the other to modernize the licensing and registration systems to capture and/or produce fish. The objective is to enhance resilience to climate change among targeted fishing and aquaculture communities.

4.28. Mining and quarrying have a significant socio-economic impact, as many communities depend on these activities and thus are vulnerable to changes in input prices (particularly of energy and caustic soda) that would impact production and thus employment. The effect of these activities on the environment should not be underestimated; dust, water, and noise pollution, as well as deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and threats to watersheds, are issues for the local and neighbouring communities and which may lead to reallocation. (...)

4.30. (...) The sector[Mining] is also regulated by environmental and land use legislation, which was also not modified. Some of these pieces of legislation are dated and might not reflect modern mining practices, including those related to the environment, such as sustainable practices. Jamaica has ratified several international arrangements that impact the mining sector, including UN conventions relating to the environment, waste and pollution, and protection of women and children.

4.32. The Ministry of Transport and Mining was, until 2023, responsible for regulating the mining and quarrying sector. As of that date, the mining portfolio moved to the MAFM, as the sector together with agriculture and fisheries is considered a pillar for Jamaica's further development. However, the remit of the Ministry has not been modified. It is still responsible for designing and implementing the mineral policy with the primary objective of promoting sustainable growth and supporting the modernization of the industry. The Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) continues to advise, monitor, and implement policies on all aspects of the industry, as well as to conduct technical and economic research. Additionally, it is responsible for the environmental management of the bauxite/alumina industry and the monitoring of its environmental impact.[34] As a result, the JBI is in charge of implementing pollution control initiatives, surveying the industry, establishing community relations including public education, and reporting to the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). [34] Through an MOU, the Natural Resources and Conservation Authority (NRCA) delegated responsibility to the JBI.

4.33. (...) All mining-related permits are subject to a fee. Environmental permits issued by NEPA are also required for engaging in exploration and processing.[36] (...) [36] National Environment and Planning Agency. (...)

4.41. The cost of energy and the reliability of the supply remain challenges for manufacturers. Renewable energy is actively being explored to provide energy at lower costs, and to promote the development of a more diversified, greener energy sector. Until recently (2019), Jamaica's energy matrix mainly relied on petroleum. However, since 2020, LNG[liquified natural gas] has become the main source of electricity generation. This is in line with the National Energy Policy (2009-30), which establishes a goal of 20% renewable energy in the energy mix by 2030. In this context, increased investments in the energy sector resulted in the completion of the country's first LNG terminal in 2019.[48] The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSC) is also investing in upgrading its facilities. In 2020, a new Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) was approved; it sets a target to invest around USD 7.3 billion in the electricity sector by 2037. By 2025, the IRP aims to support 320 MW of solar or wind power, 120 MW of LNG, and 74 MW of other renewable generation capacity (including hydro, waste to energy, and/or biomass energy). The major priority of the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport (MSETT), established in 2023, is to facilitate access to alternative energy sources and to address issues such as the cost of energy and the reliability of the supply. In this context, fiscal incentives were implemented to promote access to energy-saving devices, lithium-ion batteries used in renewable technologies, and energy accumulators. In addition, there have been several upgrades to the power generation system and in 2023 Jamaica decided to replace fossil fuel generation plants with renewable energy options. [48] World Bank (2019), "Improving Energy Efficiency and Security in Jamaica", 26 April. (...).