KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and the National Environmental and Planning Agency (NEPA) are to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the management of Great Goat Island in St Catherine as a wildlife sanctuary.

The MoU is effective for five years and will provide for the conservation of existing endemic flora and fauna species, eradication of invasive species and introduction of endangered species.

Great Goat Island falls within the Portland Bight Protected Area which is under the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act (1991). The boundary for the area is set out in the Natural Resources Conservation (Portland Bight Protected Area) Order of 22 April 1999.

The Goat Islands have historically served as a habitat for an array of endemic flora and fauna. The islands have a rich heritage as they were once inhabited by Tainos and the Little Goat Island served as a US Naval base during World War II. Due to the rich ecological environment, the islands are considered as well suited to become the site for the re-introduction and survival of several endemic and endangered species.

A stakeholder forum comprising representatives from NEPA, the UDC, other governmental agencies, civil society, non-governmental organisations and the public is being held on November 22, 2018 at the Alhambra Inn and Restaurant in Kingston, to discuss the management approach for the wildlife sanctuary, the first of its kind in Jamaica.

Discussion topics will include governance, enforcement, sustainable financing, public education and staffing. A management plan will then be completed to allow commencement of implementation in 2019.