Water is the link that ties the terrestrial ecosystems with marine habitats and lowland urban areas. The human settlements of the lowland urban areas and unplanned hillside communities are another important aspect of Jamaica's environment. The unavailability of land for low-income settlements has led to overcrowded squatter settlements, short of domestic water and sewage facilities and plagued with public health risks and the other social and economic problems of urban settlements. The urban management and settlement issues are not confined to those of the informal sector, but are compounded by poor adherence to physical planning precepts which has led to the juxtaposition of industries and residential areas. There is a particular concern in relation to the agroprocessing sector which has traditionally disposed of its waste in streams and sinkholes, and whose impacts on the water resources are significant.
People are at the centre of the environment in Jamaica.
All the people of Jamaica, and all sectors of society must share in the burden of rehabilitating and restoring the Jamaica environment. A national effort between Government, the private sector, community based entities and NGOs is required. There is acceptance among the civil society and private sector in Jamaican of the need for their participation in environmental management. Added to this is the presence of an active and expanding environmental NGO community with a commendable track record and international recognition.