Portland Bight Protected Area (PBPA) and the Cays Ramsar Site, established in 1999, are located along the coastal plain within the southwest quadrant of Jamaica and is comprised of a mosaic of saltwater and brackish water wetland types including, mangrove, scrub mangrove, salinas, beaches and marshland (Figure 1). The area represents the largest remaining mangrove system in Jamaica, encompassing 48 km2. These areas provide valuable nesting for several endangered and threatened species including the Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), West Indian Whistling duck (Dendrocygna arborea), and American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus).

This report will form one of five deliverables of a consultancy awarded by the Caribbean Coastal Areas Management Foundation (C-CAM) to the Climate Studies Group, Mona (CSGM). It is an assessment of the physical and socio-economic vulnerabilities of the Portland Bight Protected Area (PBPA) due to climate threats. The analysis was carried out through reviews of existing relevant literature, limited analysis of climate variables for the region and surveys conducted among some residents of the PBPA.

The following information is based on historical records for the presence of fossils and non-fossilized bones, and JCO research for the presence of cave fauna. Numbering of sites is from the main document, “The Caves of Portland Bight, Jamaica”.

A survey commissioned by the Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation (C-CAM). Conducted in Portland Ridge, Jamaica, part of Portland Bight Protected Area (PBPA) in southern Clarendon. The report includes details of flora, ecology, environmental impacts and related conservation issues.

A summary of known speleological sites in the area of Portland Bight, including Portland Ridge and the Hellshire Hills, with recommendations for further research to establish a baseline dataset and a framework for systematic monitoring. Prepared for: The Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation (C-CAM), February, 2013

This report will form the fourth of five deliverables of a consultancy awarded by the Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation (C-CAMF) to the Climate Studies Group, Mona (CSGM).

This report will form the last of five deliverables of a consultancy awarded by the Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation (C-CAMF) to the Climate Studies Group, Mona (CSGM).

In July, C-CAM circulated a policy brief about the on-going assessment of proposed locations for the proposed port. The assessment is being carried out on behalf of C-CAM by Conservation Strategy Fund (an international NGO, with board experience of working on large infrastructure projects. It is funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund.

“JAMAICA CAN HAVE ITS GOAT AND EAT IT!” So said Aaron Bruner, Senior Economist at Conservation Strategy Fund at a meeting at the Courtleigh Hotel, Kingston, Jamaica on 28th October 2014.

Economic comparison of alternatives to building a port on Goat Islands : Does Jamaica need to sacrifice a world class conservation site in order to build a world class port?