While Portland is blessed with a rich biological diversity the appreciation of local flora and fauna for its; intrinsic, medicinal and other benefits is remarkably low. The abundance of flora & fauna and the relatively low levels of economic development have combined to create a generation of Portlanders with little or no regard for the parish?s rich diversity. This is evident in many lifestyle practices observed through-out the parish, the dumping of wetlands, development of ecological sensitive and pristine coastal areas, deforestation, capture and/or sale of endemic/endangered species and un-licensed bird shooting.

Portland is home to many of Jamaica?s endemic and endangered species including; the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly, at least 20 of Jamaica?s endemic birds, the American Crocodile, Orchids and the Manatee. Despite this the residents of Portland are either unaware of or have no appreciation of, these national treasures; this has resulted in years of habitat destruction or hunting of these species further reducing the populations and almost eliminating the parish of its rich diversity. The problems highlighted above continued un-checked for years with little or no intervention.

Since its inception, PEPA has developed and implemented a number of projects to address the lack of awareness and promote positive actions. The project outcomes include the declaration of a game sanctuary, the publication of a book on the benefits of medicinal plants, the establishment of tree preserve and the development of a lesson plan guide on biodiversity for primary schools. This resulted in increased awareness and appreciation of local flora and fauna; this was evident in the number of signatories to our petition to have bird shooting banned in the parish and the overwhelming demand for the book on medicinal plants.

The low levels of awareness and appreciation particularly among youths has resulted in the degradation of the natural environment (deforestation, water pollution etc.), the reduction of endemic & endangered species and the failure of the parish to realise its potential as an eco-tourism destination.

The goal of the project is to increase the awareness and appreciation of the importance of conserving biodiversity and promote the sustainable use of the parish?s flora and fauna by advocating for the development of eco-tourism projects and promoting the use of plants for medicinal benefits.

After the successful implementation of the project the following outcomes should be achieved over both the short and long tem. The long term outcomes projected include; the conservation of local flora & fauna, reduction in environmental degradation (water pollution, deforestation) and the development of community based eco-tourism projects. The short term outcomes will include; reduced bird shooting among local youths, reduced capture/slaughter of endangered species, increased cultivation of plants and increased appreciation/care of local flora & fauna; as a result of the following project activities; reading or butterfly gardens at 3 schools, 1000 trees planted at schools through-out the parish, more effective lesson plans on biodiversity in 25 schools, bird ?houses? at 3 schools and the promotion of ????the medicinal benefits of plants.

PEPA is currently implementing a project funded by the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica to conserve wetlands in Portland. A component of this project is the erection of a perimeter fence to protect a family of American Crocodiles (endemic, danger of extinction). To support this activity and ensure its success PEPA will highlight the importance of wetlands and crocodiles during our community and school presentations. Participants will also be made aware of the consequences of harming the crocodiles. The field trips will also include stops at the Turtle Crawl wetland, the habitat of the crocodiles to increase awareness of the need to protect the crocodiles.

PEPA will also advocate for the sustainable utilization of the parish?s biodiversity through the marketing of the parish as a green destination. Through its membership on the local committees of the Resort Board, the Jamaica Hotels and Tours Association, and the Parish Development Committee, the others members will be implored to the make policy decisions that result in increased conservation of biodiversity. This will be evident in the development of eco-tourism and environmentally friendly attractions, attractions with certifications of commitment to operate in an environmentally friendly manner (Blue Flag, Green Globe, PEPA?s green card programme etc.)