Climate Change Meeting Ends On Positive Note

A four-day exploratory meeting aimed at examining idea concepts for Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA) projects in Jamaica’s energy Sector that have a climate change mitigation potential, ended with stakeholders feeling empowered.

This was disclosed by Dr. Oscar Coto, international consultant with the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA) which falls under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change following the final meeting at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston on January 16.

The meetings were convened to generate a platform for opportunities on activities in Jamaica’s energy sector and that could have a climate change mitigation potential. NAMA is used by various countries as a vehicle to explore and maintain efforts and commitments under the international framework convention on Climate Change.

“The general impression that we received is that there is an interest in the consideration of the NAMA possibilities in Jamaica.  From there, obviously supported by the various technical assistance, the government will take a decision on their priorities,” he said.    

This was supported by head of the Latin-America Energy Organization (OLADE), sub-regional office in Jamaica, Dr. Conroy Watson who told JIS News that he too was pleased with the outcome of the meetings.

“We are heartened by the responses and reactions that we’ve gotten so far. One of the areas of merit is the extent to which financial institutions including the private banks are active in the energy field and that’s a plus because ultimately it means that when the sector is capitalized the benefits are more forthcoming,” he said.

Participants included stakeholders from the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ);  the Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change; Wigton Wind Farms Limited; The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, as well as representatives from various universities.

A workshop is being planned for Februay to further explain and discuss these matters as well as generate greater involvement among stakeholders and participants.

He says the details will be worked out and notification given.