Government Responds to APAMO’s Concerns Over Protected Areas Legislation Amendments

Only a day after the Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations (APAMO) raised concerns about amendments to legislation affecting protected areas, the government responded. Yesterday, APAMO spoke out against what it says was the exclusion of co-managers of protected areas in meaningful consultation regarding the amendments to the National Protected Areas System Act and the Protected Areas Conservation Trust Act amendment. The group argued that it was being left in the dark and felt jilted by the lack of inclusion. Today, Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Development and Climate Change Dr. Kenrick Williams responded to the organization and noted that concerns did not fall on deaf ears.

Williams conceded that the government’s approach may have been flawed and spoke about how his ministry is working with stakeholders to craft legislation to ensure the country’s protected areas and natural resources remain well managed.

Williams stated that the government will be reaching out to APAMO soon.