The Second Session of the Plenary of IPBES

The second session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES-2) was held in Antalya, Turkey from the 9th to 14th December, 2013. 

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was represented by Dr. Floyd Homer, Biodiversity Specialist (Head of  Delegation); Multilateral Environmental Agreements Unit (MEAU) and  Ms. Anastasia Gordon, Environmental Policy Analyst, Environmental Policy and Planning Division,  both from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources. Dr. Homer also serves as a member of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP) to the IPBES.

Dr. Homer (left), hard at work at MEP table at the IPBES-2.

Ms. Gordon awaiting the start of Plenary at IPBES-2.

The purpose of IPBES-2 was mainly centred on finalising the organisational, financial, administrative, and institutional arrangements for the operationalisation of the Platform. Culminating from discussions, delegates were successful in adopting a set of decisions regarded as “the Antalya Consensus,” paying homage to the host country of the second session of the Plenary of IPBES. 

 The Antalya Consensus includes decisions on:

• fast track, thematic, regional and sub-regional assessments and activities for capacity building,
•  a conceptual framework
• rules and  procedures  for the Platform specifically the nomination of future Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP) members and procedures for the preparation of the Platform’s deliverables
• a collaborative partnership arrangement was made with four UN agencies; Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations  Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

By adopting the Antalya Consensus, member States were instrumental in ensuring that the Platform becomes fully  functional. The Consensus was also a testament of the collective ambition to tackle global biodiversity challenges.

 

 

The National Ozone Unit in Action!: Sept.- Nov. 2013

Train-the-Trainer Workshop on Alternatives for Ozone Depleting Substances - Hydrochlorofluorocarbons

 

Trainer Daniel Colborne  addressing participants

The National Ozone Unit hosted a train-the-trainer programme during the period September 26 - October 2, 2013 as part of the phase out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons. Participants were trained in using Hydrocarbon Refrigerants as an alternative in domestic and commercial refrigeration and in the air-conditioning industry. The trainees included representatives from the air conditioning and refrigeration industry and from technical schools.  

Joint Network Meeting of Latin American and Ozone Officers in Jamaica, September 30 -October 4, 2013

 

Participants of the Caribbean Network during a breakout session to discuss progress of the implementation of the HCFC phase out management plans.

Trinidad and Tobago attended the Joint Network Meeting of Latin American and Caribbean Ozone Officers in Jamaica from September 30th to October 4, 2013.  The meeting focused on the phase out of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons and the importance of considering climate benefits when choosing alternatives for each application.   

Cancer Awareness EduFest for Primary and Secondary Schools, October 8 - 9, 2013

 

Primary school students listening to the National Ozone Assistant , Ms. Neera Singh  (left) about tips on being sun safe.

 

The Cancer Society of Trinidad and Tobago hosted an event entitled  “Edufest” for the month of October for  Primary and Secondary Schools at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA).  Schools from all across the country attended the event.  Every year the National Ozone Unit participates in the Edufest to educate students on the destruction of the ozone layer through releasing ozone depleting chemicals into the atmosphere and its direct link to increased incidences of skin cancer.  

 

 

Protecting Caribbean Borders from Illegal Trade in Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS)

 

L-R: Trinidad Participants , Kerry Ann   Alexander, Urvyn Boochoon and Louise Tavarez Jacksonat the workshop

Participants from the Customs and Excise Division, Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment) and the Customs Brokers Association participated in a Regional Workshop on combating illegal trade in Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). The three day workshop which occurred from November 27 –29, 2013 focused on identifying illegal trade and measures to curb the practice and gave enforcement personnel hands on training in protecting Caribbean borders.