Kingston, Jamaica – 19 September 2024:
The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) will play a leading role towards creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for Jamaica. The Corporation will participate in the 2024 International Coastal Clean-Up, in collaboration with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). The clean-up effort will take place at the UDC-owned Hellshire Bay Beach on Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 7am to 11am, as part of a two-day nationwide initiative aimed at preserving Jamaica’s coastal resources. Hundreds of volunteers are expected to participate, with UDC providing key support and logistical assistance.
International Coastal Clean-Up is a global initiative held annually on the third Saturday of September, focusing on raising awareness about the damaging effects of solid waste mismanagement on oceans and coastlines. After a brief hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the UDC is excited to return to this impactful environmental outreach activity, which has long been a favourite among staff and local communities. Lori-Ann Harris, a lead coordinator from UDC’s Natural Resources Management and Environmental Planning (NRMEP) Department, emphasized the Corporation’s enthusiasm, stating, “the UDC is delighted to once again join in this important global effort. We understand the importance of efforts such as these, as part of climate action, and by helping to host this clean-up, we are reaffirming our commitment to environmental sustainability and the protection of our coastal areas.”
The Corporation’s involvement provides an opportunity to educate participants and the wider public on the adverse impact of improper waste disposal, particularly plastics, on marine ecosystems. Volunteers will also assist in collecting and cataloguing data on the waste collected, which will be submitted to the international organizers, Ocean Conservancy.
The 2024 clean-up not only allows UDC to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship but also presents an opportunity to re-engage the Hellshire community and affirm its role as a key stakeholder in the preservation of Jamaica’s natural resources.
The UDC is one of the Government of Jamaica’s largest landholders and has a vested interest in sustainable development and environmental conservation. The Corporation remains committed to educating the public and supporting initiatives that foster a healthy relationship between Jamaicans and their natural environment.