NEPA eyes special environmental zone status for Jamaica’s gullies

November 4, 2026

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) through two of its statutory authorities is considering measures to bring Jamaica’s gullies under stricter environmental regulation including the possibility of designating them as special environmental zones.

Chairman of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) and the Town and Country Planning Authority (TCPA) Christopher Winston says he hopes to lobby for legislation that would formally recognise gullies as protected environmental areas and establish clear standards governing activities within them.

Among the measures being considered is the introduction of discharge licences for persons or property owners responsible for releasing waste or other substances into gullies.

Mr. Winston says establishing standards would be critical to ensuring that any proposed legislation can be  enforced effectively.

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/TAKE-CARE-OF-GULLIES.mp3

He was speaking this morning  at the World Town Planning Day Forum ,under the theme: “From Recovery to Resilience: Planning for a strong Jamaica.”