WRI will launch the results of Coastal Capital: Jamaica, an economic valuation of coral reefs, at events in Kingston on June 7 and 9, 2011.

World Resources Institute’s (WRI) Coastal Capital project launched in 2005 and aims to provide decision-makers in the Caribbean with information and tools that link the health of coastal ecosystems with the attainment of economic and social goals.

WRI and its local partners have conducted economic valuation studies of coral reefs and mangroves at national and subnational levels in five countries: Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, Belize, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. We are using the results to identify and build support for policies that help to ensure healthy coastal ecosystems and sustainable economies. More details on the two events are below:

  • Tuesday, June 7: We will give a “public lecture” at the Jamaica Institute for Environmental Professionals (JIEP) Biennial Conference. The conference’s theme is “Balancing National Development and Environmental Protection.” Our event will run from 6:00-7:30 PM, and we will showcase the results of our economic valuation and lead a discussion.

  • Thursday, June 9: We will lead a half-day (morning) seminar on economic valuation of Jamaica’s coral reefs at the Mona Guest House at the University of the West Indies. This seminar will be aimed at exploring each of the valuation components (beach tourism, fisheries and shoreline protection) more deeply.