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MHPM_Boundary of the Cockpit Country and the Cockpit Country Protected Area Page
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Conservation Authority Act, the Wildlife Protection Act, the Endangered Species
Act and the Mining Act, prior to any decision being made. In addition, the
relevant public authorities have been mandated to increase their enforcement
activities within the Cockpit Country Protected Area and its environs to minimize,
and ultimately eliminate, those activities that may pose a threat to the natural
resources within the area, including charcoal and yam stick production, open
burning, introduction of non-native species, disruption of cave ecosystems,
hunting, poaching, and over-collecting of specific species. Mr. Speaker, while
we will have designated protected areas; the relevant public sector agencies,
including the Natural Resources Conservation Authority, as per their respective
legal mandates are required to protect and conserve the natural resources
within the country’s jurisdiction.
Mr. Speaker, the extension services of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce,
Agriculture and Fisheries have been asked to work with subsistence farmers in
the Cockpit Country and its environs to ensure that best farming practices are
applied in order to minimize any adverse impacts on this ecologically and
hydrologically sensitive area.
The delimitation of the boundary of the Cockpit Country has long been
awaited. I would like to thank every single person who contributed to the
discussions. I note the interest and vigilance in ensuring that this matter is
finalized. In arriving at this decision, the Government has shown its commitment
to preserve this unique national treasure for the benefit of present and future
generations of Jamaicans and visitors alike.
[Slides 17 and 18 – Map 8 – Boundaries of Cockpit Country and CCPA; Map 9 –
Core Cockpit Country and CCPA]