PM Briceno Meets APAMO to Address Concerns Over Protected Areas Legislation

Just over a month ago, the Association of Protected Areas Management Organization (APAMO) raised concerns that two pieces of legislation affecting protected areas were being amended but the process was flawed. These were the National Protected Areas Systems Act and the Protected Areas Conservation Trust Act APAMO called on Prime Minister John Briceno to intervene and ensure that relevant stakeholders were included in the amendment process. This week the Prime Minister responded by holding a meeting with APAMO and charting a way forward. Amanda Acosta, Chairperson of APAMO said that one of the major developments coming out of the meeting was the formation of a task force that will make recommendations on amendments to the legislation.

Acosta says that reviewing two pieces of legislation is a tall order and the task force only has a few months to get it done. But she feels that if everyone involved remains committed, the job will get done.

Acosta says that the task force is expected to receive a schedule for meetings from Dr. Kenrick Williams CEO in the Ministry of Sustainable Development in short order.