Bio-diversity

Forest areas are important in addressing climate change, maintaining water sheds, flood control, the stability of slopes and soil protection, thus reducing land degradation. The ecosystem of St. Ann, and in particular, the Ocho Rios area has been impacted by these and other environmental factors. It is therefore critical to protect and restore forested areas through strategies including the establishment of new forested areas, and the maintenance and enrichment of forested areas. The Ocho Rios Circuit of Baptist Churches has been implementing a forestry project since 2003 to address, among others: deforestation, land degradation, protection of ecosystem (bird sanctuary), and watershed protection Implementation of the project has resulted in the planting of a variety of trees on lands owned in the Breadnut Hill/Fern Gully rain forest area of Ocho Rios. The need exists; however, to accelerate the project in order to complete the establishment of the forest reserve within a reasonable time frame for it to significantly impact the deteriorating ecosystem and aid in arresting reduced rainfall resulting from less tree cover in the Fern Gully watershed. There is need to establish a bird sanctuary to protect endangered species such as parrots, woodpeckers (Melanerpes radiolatus), ground dove (Columbina passerine jamaicensis), qua qua or blackbird. Sources include: Denis Lepage s Checklist of birds of Jamaica and www.jamaicachm.org.jm/Endemic Birds.asp Endangered ferns and orchids will also form part of the reserve. Objective The primary goal of the project is the establishment of new forested areas and the maintenance and enrichment of the established forested reserves. Expected outcomes and outputs of the project The project will be implemented on twelve (12) acres/ five (5) hectares of lands, part of a seventeen (17) acre/ seven (7) hectare property owned in the Breadnut Hill/Fern Gully rain forest area of Ocho Rios. The Key Results Areas are: 1. Establishment of twelve (12) acres/ five (5) hectares of forest reserve, incorporating nature trail, bird sanctuary and recreational areas for the community 2. Training of the community in land management practices 3. Enhanced environmental awareness and improved environmental practices 4. Issues of land degradation and deforestation addressed 5. Breadnut Hill/Fern Gully rain forest and watershed protection enhanced 6. Demonstrate sustainable land development to the community

Jamaica