JAMAICA has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection under the Cartagena Convention, announcing that it is in the final stages of ratifying the Protocol for Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW).

The move represents a major step in the country's efforts to safeguard marine biodiversity and enhance environmental governance across the wider Caribbean.

Speaking at the opening ceremony for the 18th Conference of the Parties (COP18) at Jamaica Pegasus hotel Monday morning, Minister of Water, Environment, and Climate Change Matthew Samuda confirmed that Jamaica's ratification of the SPAW Protocol is imminent, pending one final legislative step -- amendment of the Wildlife Protection Act.

According to Samuda, the revised Wildlife Protection Act is expected to be tabled in Parliament within the coming weeks.

"We are not ratifying from a perspective of symbolism; we are ratifying because we acknowledge the principles and benefits of the Cartagena Convention," said Samuda.

"The SPAW Protocol brings to life greater protection for our oceans and wildlife, and Jamaica is ready to fulfil its obligations under this important regional framework," added Samuda.

He underscored that the Caribbean is already feeling the effects of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, which is manifested through coral bleaching, declining water quality, and rising sea levels.

Samuda stressed that the shared Caribbean Sea is integral to the region's identity and economic survival as he underscored the importance of regional cooperation through the Cartagena Convention and SPAW.

"The environmental challenges we face today are far more complex than in 1983 when the convention was adopted. But through mechanisms like SPAW, we can address these issues together in a practical and meaningful way," said Samuda.

The SPAW Protocol, which came into force in 2000, provides a legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of coastal and marine biodiversity in the wider Caribbean.

It protects more than 300 species of plants and animals through habitat preservation, restrictions on harmful trade, and the establishment of protected area networks.

Under the SPAW protocol, the focus is on marine protected areas and wildlife, threatened and endangered marine species, marine and coastal ecosystems, and guidelines for protected areas and species.

By ratifying the SPAW Protocol Jamaica stands to benefit from increased recognition and awareness of national marine protected areas, new employment and income-generating opportunities, and increased access to small grants and other sources of financing.

Samuda: Jamaica closer to ratifying SPAW protocol