198-4 Geoconservation in Jamaica: Challenges and Opportunities

Session: Geoheritage Without Borders: International Perspectives on the Conservation and Celebration of Geodiversity, Part II

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The complex geological history of Jamaica is marked by tectonic uplift, volcanism, and carbonate platform development. This has produced a geodiversity that forms its landscapes, supports its ecosystems, and underpins its cultural heritage. Despite this, the unique geoheritage of the island remains largely underrepresented in national conservation frameworks and policy discussions. This paper explores the current state of geoconservation in Jamaica, identifying both the challenges and emerging opportunities for safeguarding geodiversity and by extension, geoheritage. Key challenges include limited public awareness, institutional fragmentation, developmental pressures, and the absence of dedicated geoconservation-specific legislation. At the same time, opportunities are emerging through integrative frameworks such as the UNESCO Global Geopark initiative, growing academic and civil society interest, the potential for geotourism as well as educational outreach to support sustainable development goals. The paper proposes a path forward that bridges science, policy, and community engagement, advocating for a more inclusive and resilient approach to conservation that fully incorporates the geological assets. Geoheritage and geodiversity is central to all heritage management mechanisms, hence, better integration will positively impact disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation and national development planning.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-9605

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