KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica will host the Caribbean’s first ever symposium on Climate Change and World Heritage in May.

This was announced by the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, in her message to mark World Heritage Day being celebrated on April 18, under the theme, ‘Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism’, a release from the ministry disclosed.

Grange said emerging from the symposium will be best practices to safeguard heritage sites based on the impact of climate change.

She also said the decision to host was part of the ministry’s strategic thrust to strengthen Jamaica’s presence in World Heritage.

“We recognise the importance of cultural heritage in our nation’s development and the impact that climate change can have on heritage sites. Through the symposium we will be able to coordinate efforts and resources in the Caribbean to improve awareness and collaboration in preserving and safeguarding our tangible and intangible heritage resources,” said the minister.

The symposium will bring together forty delegates from twelve Caribbean nations with existing World Heritage properties, as well as policy makers and experts involved in Climate Change.

Funding support is provided through the Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO – Participatory Project, UNESCO Kingston Cluster Office for the Caribbean and the Climate Change Division of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

Grange also announced plans to unveil the final World Heritage gateway sign leading to the Blue and John Crow Mountains World Heritage Site. The first set of gateway signs was unveiled in Papine, St Andrew and Port Antonio, Portland. The final sign will be erected in Port Morant, St Thomas.