Acts, Orders & Regulations
Access Jamaica's comprehensive legal framework for environmental protection and planning governance
Legal Framework
NEPA's regulatory authority is established through comprehensive legislation that governs environmental protection, natural resource management, and planning development in Jamaica. This legal framework provides the foundation for sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Browse our complete collection of Acts, Orders, and Regulations that guide environmental governance and planning decisions across the island.
Acts of Parliament
NEPA operates under the following Acts:
Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act
Establishes the Natural Resources Conservation Authority and provides framework for environmental protection and conservation of natural resources.
Wild Life Protection Act
Protects Jamaica's native wildlife species and regulates hunting and wildlife-related activities.
Endangered Species (Protection, Conservation and Regulation of Trade) Act
Incorporates CITES into local laws and regulates trade in endangered species. NEPA serves as the designated Management Authority.
The Endangered Species (Protection, Conservation and regulation of Trade) Act
Additional endangered species protection legislation regulating conservation and trade activities.
The Wild Life Protection Act
Comprehensive wildlife protection legislation governing the conservation of Jamaica's native species.
Watersheds Protection Act
Protects Jamaica's watersheds and regulates activities that may affect water resources.
Beach Control Act
Regulates the use and development of beaches and provides for the establishment of protected beach areas.
Executive Agencies Act
Establishes the framework for executive agencies including NEPA's operational authority and governance structure.
Planning Laws
Town and Country Planning Act
Provides the framework for town and country planning in Jamaica, including development control and planning permissions.
Land Development and Utilization Act
Regulates land development and utilization to ensure proper planning and sustainable use of land resources.
Orders
Development control orders and protected area designations
Beach Control (Protected Area) (Black Coral) Order
Establishes Black Coral as a protected area under the Beach Control Act.
Beach Control (Protected Area) (Ocho Rios) Order
Designates Ocho Rios area as protected under beach control regulations.
Cockpit Country (Protected Area) Order
Establishes protection measures for the Cockpit Country region.
Natural Resources (Montego Bay Marine Park) Order
Establishes Montego Bay Marine Park as a protected marine area.
Natural Resources (Ocho Rios Marine Park Protected Area) Order
Designates Ocho Rios Marine Park as a protected area under natural resources legislation.
Natural Resources (Prescribed Areas) (Prohibition of Categories of Enterprise, Construction and Development) Order
Prohibits certain categories of enterprise, construction and development in prescribed protected areas.
Natural Resources (Prescribed Areas) (Amendment) Order
Amendment to the prescribed areas order updating prohibited activities and protected areas.
Endangered Species (Protection, Conservation and Regulation of Trade) (Designation of Management Authority) Order
Designates NEPA as the Management Authority for CITES implementation in Jamaica.
Regulations
Detailed regulations implementing legislative provisions
Regulations Under Review
Detailed regulations implementing the various Acts are currently being compiled and updated. Please contact NEPA directly for specific regulatory information.