Managing Jamaica’s forests for the benefit of all
IF ON hearing the word ‘forestry’ you immediately thought, ‘trees’ or ‘greenery’, you would have correctly guessed the core function of Jamaica’s Forestry Department.
The agency is the government organisation responsible for the management and conservation of the country’s forest resources. The functions of the agency are mandated under the Forest Act 1996 and are aimed at managing forests on a sustainable basis to maintain and increase the environmental services and economic benefits they provide.
FORESTRY DEPARTMENT’S CORE FUNCTIONS
The agency has several functions, but our core activities include:
National and local forest management and conservation planning
Management of the forest estates Forest licences and permits management
Legal services and enforcement
Strategic planning, policy guidance, and project development
Forestry-related information and services
Corporate management
Internal audit
Public education
WHAT WE DO
Our core functions include:
Conducting scientific assessments of Jamaica’s forest resources
Preparing forest management plans
Conducting reforestation programmes on public and private lands
Managing plantations and naturals forests
Developing tree nurseries
Promoting agroforestry practices
Engaging in public education
Providing forest extension services
Providing recreational facilities
Creating GIS mapping products
Learn more about the Forestry Department’s work and activities by visiting our website at www.forestry.gov.jm.