The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is a new Executive Agency that became operational on April 1, 2001. It is an agency of the Ministry of Land and the Environment.

NEPA represents a merger between the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA), the Town Planning Department (TPD) and the Land Development and Utilisation Commission (LDUC). The Agency results from the work of the Government of Jamaica Public Sector Modernisation Programme (PSMP). The aim of the merger is to integrate environmental, planning, and sustainable development policies and programmes and to improve customer service.

Mission

To promote Sustainable Development by ensuring protection of the environment and orderly development in Jamaica through highly motivated staff performing at the highest standard.

Vision

Jamaica's Natural Resources are being used in a sustainable way and there is broad understanding of environment, planning and development issues, with extensive participation amongst citizens and a high level of compliance to relevant legislation.

Legislative Mandate

NEPA operates under the following Acts:

The Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act;

The Town and Country Planning Act;

The Land Development and Utilisation Act;

The Beach Control Act;

The Watershed Protection Act; and

The Wildlife Protection Act

Policies

The work of NEPA is guided by the following policies and plans:

Jamaica National Environmental Action Plan (JaNEAP) 1999-2002

National Physical Plan

Policy for Jamaica's System of Protected Areas - 1997

Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (Draft)

Watershed Management Policy (Draft)

Beach Policy for Jamaica (Draft)

Environmental Management Systems Policy and Strategy (Draft).