JAMAICA is one of 13 Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries to benefit from environmental programmes in the region for which the European Development Fund (EDF) has committed 9,144,400 euros.

The programmes, according to the state news agency, JIS News, are aimed at marrying the objectives of conservation with improved quality of life.

Six of the 13 projects are to be approved for implementation in September this year by a Joint Executive Committee (JEC) which oversees the Caribbean Regional Environmental Programme (CREP).

CREP organises and distributes funds for the 13 projects out of the Caricom states. One demonstration site, which is the area where work will be carried out, is selected in each country and allotted 600,000 euros.

The demonstration site chosen for Jamaica is the Negril Environmental Protection Area and Marine Park. Some developments to be made include beach stabilisation in eroded areas, boardwalk upgrading and redesign, and educational programme development.