The Department of Geography and Geology at the University of the West Indies was awarded a grant from CARIBSAVE, to implement the project, “Climate Change and Inland flooding in Jamaica, risk and adaptation measures for vulnerable communities”. The project seeks to better understand the climate change effects and their possible impacts on vulnerable communities in the Blue Mountains and in Negril. The Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT) is a Non-Government Organisation which manages the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park and which is partnering with the Department of Geography and Geology and the University of the West Indies to implement the component of the project targeting communities in the upper Yallahs watershed, just beyond the boundary of the National Park.

In order to gain a better understanding of the community and later, to assess any changes in awareness regarding climate change issues, JCDT has conducted a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Survey in the three targeted communities of Poorman’s Corner, Grasspiece and Brook Lodge. In light of the small size of these communities and the time and resources available for the project, a convenience sample of 20 persons per community was administered with the questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed and administered by JCDT personnel. The survey was conducted following a Sensitisation Meeting in the communities, so that community leaders and members would be aware that there was a project being implemented and what it was about.

Picture: UNDP Jamaica