As a part of World Oceans Day celebrations, the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) in association with UNEP Caribbean Environment Programme (CEP) hosted a workshop for hotel environmental managers and other personnel on Friday, June 6^th, 2008. The workshop was held at the Discovery Bay Marine Lab, St. Ann, under the theme “Strong reefs, strong islands.”  Aims of the workshop included increasing general knowledge about the importance of coral reefs, highlighting the effects that coastal development has on these systems and outlining the ways in which environmental management systems can reduce risks to reefs. 

Twenty-seven persons attended the workshop representing 15 north coast hotels. The workshop included a presentation on Jamaica’s coral reefs given by Mr. Peter Gayle, Chief Scientific Officer of the Discovery Bay Marine Lab and a semi-submersible boat tour of the coral reefs in Runaway Bay.  

Ivan Hernandez of Coral Viewer Ltd. speaks to the Environmental Officers of hotels about coral reefs

“I thought the seminar was very well organized and very informative. It really served to heighten our awareness of the things happening in our environment and what we can do to change for the better”, said Sashalyn Holt, a Management Trainee at Couples San Souci.  

Likewise, Shauna Cameron, an environment, health and safety manager with the Super Clubs group stated, “This was a very informative and fun [workshop]. Some information gathered will be used to educate my fellow team members at Hedonism II and Grand Lido Negril [and] likewise, my community members. Thanks for the opportunity which has indeed made me more aware.” 

Sunday June 8, 2008 was internationally recognized as World Oceans Day, with a variety of activities held that highlighted the importance of the world’s marine habitats. This workshop also recognized 2008 as the International Year of the Reef (IYOR), a worldwide campaign geared toward raising public awareness on the importance of coral reefs and the factors that threaten their sustainability. The Jamaica Environment Trust wishes to thank our sponsors and guests for their participation in this event and we continue to urge individuals to continue taking an active interest in preserving our environment.

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