Executive Summary
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Jamaica has no prior experience with nature-based carbon credit projects in the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), including mangrove, peatland, forest, or agricultural projects. While the country's carbon credit framework acknowledges the importance of nature-based solutions for participating in international carbon trading, it does not establish specific requirements for projects operating in the VCM. The National Policy for the Trading of Carbon Credits outlines approval processes for projects under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) but does not extend these regulations to voluntary market initiatives. As
a result, project developers are not required to obtain government authorization, register projects in a national carbon registry, or implement benefit-sharing agreements. However, developers are encouraged to collaborate with relevant government agencies to align the project. Additionally, there are no legal mandates for Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) or other participatory processes involving Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. Similarly, nature-based carbon projects are not subject to specific Measuring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) requirements.
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Regarding land tenure and carbon rights, mangrove forests in Jamaica may be publicly, privately, or communally owned. However, customary family lands, often based on kinship ties, are not always legally recognized. Some mangrove areas face tenure gaps, creating uncertainty around ownership and management responsibilities. The Forest Regulations allow leasing state-owned mangroves for nature-based carbon credit projects without a specified time limit. Both private and community applicants must submit a pre-checked land plan, a development plan, and annual land-use reports after lease approval. The National Land Policy further supports community-based organizations, civic groups, and NGOs in managing conservation areas, beaches, and other preservation sites for public and
private purposes. Private and community ownership of mangroves does not restrict the development of carbon credit projects, although regulatory guidance for projects on customary lands remains unclear. Jamaica currently lacks an explicit legal definition of carbon rights in mangrove forests, and no formal mechanisms exist to secure, transfer, or revoke these rights.
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Overall, Jamaica has unfavorable conditions for blue carbon projects. While there are established land tenure regulations for ownership and access agreements, the lack of clarity regarding FPIC, MRV, carbon rights, and project authorization requirements can pose challenges for project developers. Developers should engage closely with government agencies and local stakeholders to navigate potential regulatory uncertainties and establish best practices for project implementation.

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