Jamaica marks World Wetlands Day with mangrove clean-up in St Elizabeth
Published:Monday | February 2, 2026 | 3:33 PM
Several government agencies joined community members on Monday in a mangrove forest clean-up in Parottee, St Elizabeth, as part of efforts to remove hurricane-related debris and commemorate World Wetlands Day.
The hurricane deposited heavy-duty waste, including fallen trees and household appliances, into the mangrove ecosystems, which are vital for coastal protection, biodiversity, and climate resilience, according to a statement from the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change
It said that rapid assessments after the storm showed that nearly 25 per cent of Jamaica’s mangrove forests were degraded, increasing vulnerability along coastlines and threatening livelihoods and marine habitats.
Matthew Samuda, minister of water, environment and climate Change, said the exercise reflects the government’s whole-of-society approach to environmental stewardship.
“Mangroves are among Jamaica’s most powerful natural defences against storm surge and climate impacts. Restoring these ecosystems is not optional; it is essential to protecting communities, livelihoods, and our long‑term resilience,” he said, adding that meaningful environmental restoration requires coordinated action and sustained commitment.
"Today’s exercise is a prime example of how government agencies, communities, and partners can work together to deliver practical solutions that protect both people and the environment,” Samuda said.
As part of sustainable reuse, wood from fallen trees will be chipped to support the Forestry Department’s nursery operations and national tree-planting programmes.
The National Water Commission also provided immediate support by refilling household water tanks and containers during the clean-up.
The initiative included volunteers from the Forestry Department, the National Environment and Planning Agency, the National Solid Waste Management Authority, the NWC, and the Jamaica Public Service, the country's main power provider.
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