More than $20 million has been spent by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to support coastline clean-up activities since 2008, according to Senior Project Administrative Officer at TEF Michelle Clayton-Brown.

She noted that over the last six years TEF has been the major sponsor of the Coastal Clean-up Day activities, being co-ordinated by the Jamaica Environmental Trust (JET). The day will be observed on September 20.

“In terms of investment, we are looking at $20 million. This is something that we consider a very serious initiative,” Clayton-Brown said.

According to Clayton-Brown, the Tourism Master Plan and the Tourism Enhancement Act urge Jamaicans to be environmental stewards, as visitors to the island are now paying keen attention to environmental management.

“The environment is the backdrop of the tourism product. We want to ensure that the product is protected and one element of that is the environment. It may be a one-day initiative, but we are striking at the very core of Jamaicans and encouraging social behavioural change,” she said.

As part of International Coastal Clean-up Week in September each year, JET organises an annual clean-up day along the coastline.

Clayton-Brown said she is encouraging companies, groups and individuals to come out and participate in the day’s activities. She is also urging persons to register their activities and to record what is collected.

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com