Escazú and Environmental Defenders​

Advancing Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice to Empower Communities.

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What is the
Escazú Agreement?

The Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean (the Escazú Agreement) was signed in Escazú, Costa Rica. The Escazú Agreement is a landmark treaty for the region prioritizing the right to a healthy environment and explicitly safeguarding Environmental Rights Defenders (Environmental Defenders). This agreement ensures access to information, public participation, and justice. It is also the first treaty to provide explicit protections for environmental defenders with special attention to vulnerable groups.

Recognizing the importance of the Escazú Agreement, the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) has launched this initiative to raise awareness among environmental defenders, the media, and the public. Through education and advocacy, JET aims to build momentum for Jamaica’s ratification of the agreement, ensuring stronger protections for those who defend the environment.

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Jamaica signed the Escazú Agreement on September 26, 2019, signalling its commitment to these principles. The country, however, has yet to accede/ratify the agreement, meaning its provisions are not legally binding domestically.

By acceding/ratifying the agreement, Jamaica would take a major step in strengthening the constitutional right to a healthy environment, ensuring that communities and environmental defenders have stronger legal protections when advocating for cleaner air, water, and land.

The United Nations defines environmental human rights defenders as “individuals and groups who, in their personal or professional capacity and in a peaceful manner, strive to protect and promote human rights relating to the environment, including water, air, land, flora and fauna”. 

Environmental defenders take peaceful action to protect the environment and advocate for the sustainable use of natural resources. Working at the intersection of human rights and environmental protection, they often face risks in their efforts to uphold these rights.

You may know an environmental defender—or perhaps you are one yourself.

This agreement is vital for environmental defenders by providing legal recognition and protection for their work, ensuring governments uphold transparency and accountability, and offering mechanisms to prevent and respond to threats against them. In a region where environmental defenders often face intimidation, violence, and even death, the Escazú Agreement represents a critical step in securing their safety and strengthening their ability to advocate for environmental and human rights.

The Pillars of the Escazú Agreement

The Escazú Agreement is built on four fundamental commitments that promote environmental democracy and human rights:

🟢 Everyone has the right to know about decisions that affect their environment.

  • Governments shall provide timely, clear, and accessible information on environmental matters. This includes data on pollution levels, development projects, and environmental risks.
  • Authorities shall proactively share information, not just respond to requests.

💡 What this means:

  • Communities can demand transparency in environmental projects.
  • The public should be informed about environmental hazards and policies before decisions are made. Early access to information enables meaningful participation and informed decision-making.

📢 How YOU can take action:

  • Encourage proactive dissemination of environmental reports from government agencies.
  • Use the Access to Information Act to obtain data on pollution incidents, development projects, etc.
  • Participate in online and offline platforms that share and discuss environmental information.
  • Educate your community about their rights to access environmental information and the importance of staying informed.

🔵 People have the right to be involved in environmental decisions that impact them.

  • Governments shall guarantee mechanisms for public input on environmental policies and projects.
  • Participation should be meaningful, informed, and non-discriminatory.
  • Indigenous peoples, local communities, and vulnerable groups must be heard.

     

💡 What this means:

  • Citizens should be consulted before major developments like mining, hotel or industrial projects are approved.
  • Public meetings should be accessible, with clear communication in local languages.
  • Environmental impact assessments should be shared with the public for feedback.
  • Authorities should provide regular updates on the progress and status of development projects.
  • Feedback from the public should be taken into consideration and incorporated into decision-making processes.

     

📢 How YOU can take action:

  • Attend public consultations and voice concerns about environmental issues.
  • Organize community discussions to raise awareness of environmental rights.
  • Stay informed about environmental policies and developments.
  • Get involved with NGOs or local environmental groups. 
  • Write to local representatives and government officials to advocate for stronger environmental protections and policies.
  • Use media platforms to highlight environmental issues and solutions.

🔴 People must have the ability to challenge environmental violations and seek justice.

  • Governments shall provide effective legal channels to address environmental harm.
  • Legal mechanisms should be available for all, enabling communities to seek redress and hold violators accountable.

💡 What this means:

  • Citizens should be aware of the different ways they can take action or get help.
  • Legal support should be available for communities affected by environmental damage.

📢 How YOU can take action:

  • Report environmental violations to the relevant authorities.
  • Support organizations advocating for environmental justice.
  • Inform your community about their rights and legal avenues available for addressing environmental issues.
  • Attend workshops and training sessions to better understand environmental laws and how to use them effectively.
  • Advocate for stronger environmental protection laws and better implementation of existing regulations.

🛡️ Those who stand up for the environment should not face threats or violence.

  • Governments must take appropriate, effective and timely measures to prevent, investigate and punish attacks, threats or intimidation that environmental defenders may face.
  • The agreement recognizes the crucial role of activists, journalists, and communities in protecting nature.

     

💡 What this means:

  • Defenders should be protected from threats and harassment.
  • The government should recognize, protect and promote all the rights of defenders in environmental matters eg. right to freedom of opinion and expression, among other rights, to ensure their safety.
  • Environmental defenders should have access to justice if their rights are violated.

     

📢 How YOU can take action:

  • Raise awareness about the risks environmental defenders face.
  • Support local and regional efforts to protect activists.

Right to a Healthy Environment

A clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is a fundamental human right. In Jamaica, this right is recognized under Section 13(3)(l) of the Constitution, which guarantees all Jamaicans the right to ‘enjoy a healthy and productive environment free from the threat of injury or damage from environmental abuse and degradation of the ecological heritage’.

Despite this constitutional protection, many communities face environmental threats such as air, noise and water pollution, deforestation, and unsustainable development among others.
The Escazú Agreement strengthens this right by ensuring that people have the tools to defend their environment through:


  • Access to environmental information – so communities can make informed decisions.
  • Public participation – so people can have a say in projects/ developments that affect them.
  • Access to justice – so individuals and communities can hold violators accountable.

Defenders in Action

Environmental defenders work tirelessly to address issues such as deforestation, air and water pollution, deep sea mining, nuclear energy, coral bleaching, poaching, and the protection of biodiversity.

The Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement (JaBBEM) is a budding grassroot organization with a mission to advocate for and secure environmental, social, and economic justice concerning the protection and sustainable management of beaches, rivers, and wetlands of Jamaica.

With a focus on beach rights and access to beaches, JaBBEM engages in social justice and legal initiatives aimed at securing beach access rights and collaborating with at-risk communities to ensure they have equitable access to local beaches. Their efforts are also focused on the protection and restoration of mangrove ecosystems and by promoting the development of cooperative communities to foster sustainable practices and resilience. Specific campaigns can be viewed HERE.

Contact details

info.jabbem@gmail.com
jabbemjabbem
www.jabbem.org
www.youtube.com/@jabbem

The Hanover Bee Farmers’ Co-operative Society Ltd envisions a thriving and sustainable beekeeping industry that empowers its members, supports healthy bee populations, and promotes environmental stewardship. Committed to enhancing the economic and social well-being of its members, the co-operative leverages collective resources to improve the production, processing, and marketing of high-quality, sustainably sourced honey and bee products. Through eco-friendly practices, it safeguards bee populations while ensuring efficient and economical services. Dedicated to delivering pure, unprocessed honey and innovative value-added products, the co-operative fosters fair partnerships with local beekeepers. Through education and advocacy, it raises awareness of honey’s health benefits and the essential role of bees in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Driven by sustainability, quality, and community, the Hanover Bee Farmers’ Co-operative Society Ltd strives to set new industry standards and create a lasting positive impact on both people and the planet.

The Hanover Bee Farmers’ Co-operative Society Ltd engages in various projects to support sustainable beekeeping and environmental conservation. The organization operates a bottling plant and sells high-quality honey while providing training and consultation to bee farmers, including youth and newcomers to the industry. It also promotes reforestation efforts by distributing seedlings and saplings, such as Plum, Apple, Cida, and lumber materials, to help combat deforestation and water shortages. Through these initiatives, the co-operative strengthens local beekeeping, restores the environment, and fosters community engagement.

Contact details

hanover_bf_coop

Sea the Change Foundation‘s portfolio is centered around their ‘Mangrove Forever Initiative’, which seeks to establish mangroves as a sustainable platform for nature-based activities and initiatives for generations to come.

They utilize three programs to support this initiative, the Three P’s, i.e. Protection and Preservation of Mangrove Spaces as well as Production within Mangrove Spaces. 

  •  Protection of Mangrove Spaces

Projects under this program include the Acquisition of Undeveloped Mangrove Lands for protection, Building Climate and Environmental Resilience in Falmouth through Community Engagement.

  • Preservation of Mangrove Spaces

Projects under this program include Bollard and Fence installation around generally accessible mangrove forest perimeter, Installation of No Dumping signs along accessible mangrove forest areas, Establishing Mangrove Scenic Routes, and Combatting Mangrove Invasive Species. 

  • Production within Mangrove Spaces

Projects under this program include the Development and Maintenance of Jobson Bay Eco Beach Park with Nature and Climate based Educational Material, Mangrove/Beach Botanical Garden Development, Enhancing Climate Resilience and Awareness through Mangrove Restoration, Education, Mangrove Honey Production and tours, Demonstration plots for sustainable food production systems and climate smart agriculture, apiculture and aquaculture, Beach and Mangrove Trail Access for eco-tours, and Promoting Sustainable Nature Based Activities in Eco-Tourism to support Protected Area Management. 

Contact details

seathechangefoundation@gmail.com 
@seathechangefoundation and @jobsonbay

The Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) is a non-profit organization created to develop programs and activities to address socio-economic and environmental issues in communities with a focal area on Climate change and Mitigation Activities.

They have partnered with various Non Governmental Organizations and Government agencies. These include partnership initiatives such as Mangrove Monitoring and Restoration with the National Environment and Planning Agency in Clarendon, Mangrove Monitoring and Restoration with the Urban Development Corporation in Hellshire, St. Catherine and  Eco-Walks/Hiking Trails in the hills and coastline with the All Hellshire Citizens Association. 

Their past projects include their involvement at the Environment & Climate Change Fair at the Portmore Lions Civic Centre in St. Catherine, participation in Tree Planting Initiatives such as at the Naggo Head Infant School in Portmore, St. Catherine and Beach Cleanups at the Old Forum and New Forum Fishing Village in Portmore, St. Catherine.

They plan to engage in future projects such as Backyard Farming Competition for youth clubs/organizations in Portmore, Hawksbill Turtle Hatchling Release Initiative at the Hellshire Beach, in Portmore, St. Catherine and a Short Film Documentary on the effects of climate change on the island.

Contact details

maccagents@gmail.com
maccorg
maccorganization

The Jamaica Climate Change Youth Council (JCCYC) is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to educating, engaging, and raising awareness among Jamaican youth about climate change and its impacts. They advocate for climate issues affecting young people, ensuring their voices are heard.

Projects undertaken by JCCYC includes, but is not limited to, the Albion Heights “Green Community” Project which is an initiative focused on building a sustainable rural Jamaican community through environmental education and sustainable practices, the Seaview Gardens Recycling Project which is to improve the solid waste management system in the community of Seaview Gardens by reducing greenhouse gases produced from the improper disposal of waste while creating income-generating opportunities for residents, Plastic Stations Established in Strategic Locations, Partnership with recycling Companies Established and participation in Coastal Clean Ups and Youth Climate Action Expos.

Contact details

admin@ourfootprintja.org, dahvia@ourfootprintja.org
ourfootprintja
ourfootprintja
ourfootprintja
https://ourfootprintja.org/
Podcast: Environmentally Speaking

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Get Involved

Jamaica has signed the Escazú Agreement but has yet to accede/ratify to it. Join us in raising awareness about the agreement and advocating for its adoption and implementation. Whether you choose to email your representative, attend an event, or take action in your community, your participation is crucial in promoting the Escazú Agreement.

Tweet to Demand Action
Sign a petition/letter

Dear Prime Minister Holness,

Subject: Urgent Call for the Ratification of the Escazú Agreement

I urge the Jamaican Government to ratify the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation, and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean (Escazú Agreement). Jamaica signed this agreement in September 2019, demonstrating a commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. It is the first environmental treaty that not only addresses environmental protection but also safeguards the rights of environmental defenders in the region. Ratification would strengthen public access to environmental information, enhance civic participation, and secure justice in environmental matters.

As a small island developing state, Jamaica is highly vulnerable to climate change and environmental disasters. Our natural resources and ecosystems are increasingly threatened by infrastructure expansion and development projects. The Escazú Agreement provides a vital framework to ensure environmental decisions are made transparently, equitably, and with public participation.

By ratifying this agreement, Jamaica would:

  • Empower Citizens – Improving access to environmental information and participation in decision-making.
  • Enhance Climate Resilience – Supporting adaptation and mitigation efforts.
  • Strengthen Governance – Promoting transparency and accountability.
  • Advance Environmental Justice – Ensuring fair legal protection for all.

This action would also affirm Jamaica’s commitment to fully implementing these rights with the support of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) as Technical Secretariat.

While I commend the Government of Jamaica for signing the agreement, its provisions remain unenforceable without ratification.  I urge you to prioritize this step to give effect to Jamaica’s commitment to sound environmental governance.

Yours faithfully,

Sign the letter!

Upcoming Events

Practicals for Public Participation

October 2025

Defending Our Rights Podcast launch
Faculty of Law UWI

July 23, 2025 | 5:30PM 

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Defending
Our Rights

A Podcast on Environmental Justice in Jamaica

This special podcast series explores what it means to stand up for the environment in Jamaica and why it matters to us all. Defending Our Rights breaks down the Escazú Agreement, a regional treaty designed to protect environmental defenders and ensure public access to environmental information and decision-making. Through real stories and expert insights, the series highlights the risks faced by those speaking out, the gaps in protection, and the power of community action. It aims to build awareness, spark conversations and encourage Jamaica to ratify the Escazú Agreement and makes clear why defending nature is also about defending our rights.

Overview

“Defending Our Rights: Environmental Justice in Jamaica” kicks off with Dr. Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie, CEO of the Jamaica Environment Trust, setting the stage for the series. She highlights the importance of raising awareness and building support for Jamaica’s ratification of the Escazú Agreement while emphasizing how everyday Jamaicans can contribute to protecting the environment. In this episode, Dr. Rodriguez- Moodie discusses the need for stronger protections for environmental defenders, the role of public participation in improving decision-making, and why environmental rights matter for everyone.

Listen to the full episodes on:

Overview

Attorney-at-Law Danielle Andrade-Goffe takes us beyond the basics of the Escazú Agreement to explore the legal and cultural realities shaping environmental justice in Jamaica. From the gaps in meaningful public consultation to the limited legal safeguards for environmental defenders, Danielle breaks down why implementation, not just ratification, matters among others.

Listen to the full episodes on:

Overview

Diana McCaulay, founder of the Jamaica Environment Trust, shares her journey from knowing little about environmental issues to leading one of Jamaica’s most respected advocacy groups for over 30 years. Drawing on her decades of experience, Diana reflects on the growing risks faced by environmental defenders in Jamaica, the critical importance of public participation in protecting natural resources, and the persistent barriers to accessing information and justice. This conversation also explores how the Escazú Agreement could transform support and protections for those on the frontlines of environmental justice.

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Overview

Media is critical for sharing information—especially on environmental issues. In this episode, award-winning journalist and attorney Dionne Jackson Miller explores the media’s role in raising awareness of environmental issues, driving accountability, and the challenges of accessing critical information. The conversation also examines how the Escazú Agreement could strengthen press freedom and provide meaningful protections for environmental defenders working to safeguard Jamaica’s natural resources. With insights on the limits of Jamaica’s Access to Information Act and the need for stronger environmental storytelling, this episode underscores the importance of a well-informed public in protecting our environment. With insights on the limits of Jamaica’s Access to Information Act and the need for stronger environmental storytelling, this episode spotlights the relevance of a well-informed public as key to protecting our natural resources.

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Overview

Environmental defenders in Jamaica face many challenges — from limited access to information and justice, to being excluded from decisions that directly impact their communities. In this episode, filmmaker and activist Dr. Esther Figueroa shares how storytelling can break through these barriers, inspiring action and raising awareness about environmental rights. The conversation explores the transformative potential of the Escazú Agreement — a regional treaty that guarantees public access to information, participation in decision-making, and greater protection for environmental defenders. Dr. Figueroa reflects on why meaningful community engagement is essential for lasting change, and how art can empower everyday people to join the fight for a healthier, more just future.

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Overview

Beaches in Jamaica are part of our childhoods, our family traditions, and our culture. But what happens when more and more of those beaches are being fenced off? The fight for public beach access is growing, and more Jamaicans are refusing to simply accept the status quo. In this episode, Dr. Devon Taylor of the Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement (JABBEM) explores the struggle for public beach access in Jamaica — and JABBEM’s advocacy for legislative reform to protect that right. He unpacks what it really means to defend public spaces, and why access to our beaches is about more than just recreation — it’s about culture, equality, and our connection to the places we love. Dr. Taylor also examines how outdated colonial laws, private development, and community displacement continue to fuel this fight — and how the Escazú Agreement could be a powerful tool to help Jamaicans reclaim their right to the coast.

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Overview

The need to preserve Jamaica’s natural environment for future generations has inspired young advocates to step forward—but are their voices truly being heard? Youth environmental advocate Eleanor Terrelonge shares her journey as an environmental defender, navigating limited access to information, tokenism, and the repercussions of speaking out. This conversation explores how the Escazú Agreement could provide stronger support and real decision-making power for young people determined to protect their future. Eleanor also reflects on the urgent need for more inclusive spaces, stronger policy backing, and greater visibility for youth-led advocacy. It’s a story of courage, climate action, and the hope for a more empowered generation.

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Overview

In the final episode of Defending Our Rights: Environmental Justice in Jamaica, Nicole Leotaud, Elected Representative of the Public to the Escazú Agreement, reflects on the road ahead for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. The conversation explores why ratifying the treaty is essential, the current gaps in public awareness, and how increased participation can reshape environmental decision-making. Nicole shares lessons from other countries, the critical role of civil society in holding governments accountable, and the collective effort needed to secure stronger protections for environmental defenders. This closing episode looks to the future — offering practical insights on how advocacy can turn momentum into meaningful, lasting change.

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Resources

Empower yourself with knowledge and tools to support environmental justice. Stay informed and engaged in the movement by exploring, learning and taking action today!

The Escazú Agreement
Fact Sheets
Case Studies
Brochure

Frequently Asked Questions

Need more information? Email us at environmentaldefenders.jet@gmail.com for more details.

Accession/ratification is the process of formally adopting an international agreement into a country’s legal system. In Jamaica, accession/ratification would require the Government of Jamaica to bring the provisions of the Agreement before Parliament and begin implementing the Agreement. It is not a requirement for all the provisions of the Agreement to be included in our national law.

After accession/ratification, additional steps include:

  • Designating a national authority to oversee implementation
  • Allocating resources to support implementation and enforcement
  • Establishing mechanisms for compliance, such as a national committee

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), known by its Spanish acronym CEPAL, serves as the secretariat for the Escazú Agreement.

Implementation includes building and strengthening national capacities according to local priorities. This can involve:

  • Training public officials on access rights
  • Improving environmental laws
  • Raising public awareness
  • Equipping institutions with the necessary tools and resources
  • Integrating environmental education into the school system
  • Enhancing systems to collect, manage, and analyze environmental data

Countries may also cooperate with each other by:

  • Sharing training and educational materials
  • Providing technical assistance
  • Forming stakeholder committees to guide implementation efforts
  • Exchanging information on environmental crimes and enforcement

You can visit the Observatory on Principle 10, managed by ECLAC. It’s an online platform that provides information on access rights in environmental matters across the region. Visit: https://observatoriop10.cepal.org

If domestic processes for justice are exhausted, affected individuals or groups may seek recourse under the mechanisms provided by the Agreement or international forums, depending on the nature of the issue and available channels for redress.

Follow the
Movement

Documentary – The Escazu Agreement (St. Lucia)

The Escazú Agreement: An unprecedented tool to tackle LAC’s environmental challenges

Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance and Breadfruit Collective

Escazú in the News

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