The Act establishes the Natural Resources Conservation Authority and sets out its functions, which include the effective management of the physical environment and the promotion of public awareness of the ecological systems of Jamaica and their importance to the social and economic life of the...

The act intends to promote the conservation and maintenance of the environment in the interest of health, for proper sanitation in matters of food and drinks and generally, for the provision and control of services, activities and other matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. 

The Act makes provision for the orderly and progressive development of land in both urban and rural areas and to preserve and for the grant of permission to develop land in Barbados.

The Act makes provision for the orderly and progressive development of land, cities, towns and other areas whether urban or rural, to preserve and improve the amenities thereof in Jamaica.

This Act provides for nature conservation in Suriname, including the procedure for declaring natural reserves. The Nature Conservation Commission may provide advice on the management of natural reserves. Criminal provisions are also included.