THE United States Government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has committed US$6 million to a “Ridge to Reef” watershed project which is being implemented by the National Environment & Planning Agency (NEPA), the American Embassy announced yesterday.

The project, estimated to cost US$8 million, is designed to improve the natural resources in targeted watershed areas, and will be officially launched by Horace Dalley, minister of land & environment, and USAID mission director, Mosina Jordan, at the Sunset Beach Resort in Montego Bay today.

The five-year “Ridge to Reef” watershed project has three main aims:

* to work with local organisations to promote sustainable environmental management practices;

* to identify and provide support for activities that encourage better enforcement of existing environmental regulations and policies; and

* to enhance the capacity of Jamaican government agencies, private sector and civil society organisations to implement effective watershed management programmes in Jamaica.

Associates in Rural Development, a US-based development consulting firm, is providing technical assistance for the project.

Preparatory work on the environmental initiative, which included participation by members of the communities and local organisations, began just under a year ago in the Great River Watershed which covers parts of St James, Hanover, St Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Work will begin this month in the Rio Grande Watershed in Portland and St Thomas.

The Ridge to Reef activity is viewed by experts as extremely timely against the backdrop of deforestation and soil erosion in watersheds that has contributed to large scale flooding and infrastructure destruction following heavy rains in recent months.

Over the past year, the project team of the Ridge to Reef watershed project has been working to develop initiatives directed at reducing soil erosion and pollution, improving land management practices, providing clear and consistent environmental awareness and creating a vibrant and viable market network with the potential to increase alternative income-generating activities, entrepreneurial spirit and co-operation in watersheds.