On November 16th, 2015 the Environmental Management
Authority (EMA) hosted a Research Symposium on Environmentally Sensitive
Species (ESSs) and Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) entitled, “Managing
Our Protected Areas and Species: Linking Science to Policy and Decision-making”
at the Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre.
Delivering the feature address on behalf of the
Honourable Minister of Planning and Development was Dr. David Persaud,
Environmental Manager of the Environmental Policy and Planning Division (EPPD)
of the Ministry. Dr. Persaud emphasised that the protection of the environment
is an integral aspect of Government’s new national development pathway for
Trinidad and Tobago in keeping with, the UN Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). Of particular relevance is SDG #15 which highlights the need to
protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems,
sustainably manage forests, combat desertification and halt and reverse land
degradation and biodiversity loss.
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Dr. Persaud delivering the feature
address on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Planning and Development at
the start of the Symposium.
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He emphasised the need for timely and
efficient statistical data (such as those presented during the Symposium) as
being a key deliverable to inform the decision making processes and innovative approaches
in the management and conservation of ecological resources. This will involve
engaging all stakeholders and working together towards finding solutions to
protect sensitive areas and species.
Participants had the opportunity to learn about the
latest research local scientists are engaged in with respect to protected areas
and species in Trinidad and Tobago; whilst also improving their understanding
of the major challenges and possible solutions for management of ESAs and ESSs.
They also discussed the linkage between science, policy and decision-making.
Expert panels led by renowned local scientists such as Professor Agard of UWI
and Dr. Carol James, as well as Ms. Neila Bobb-Prescott from the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), stimulated the discussion
in an attempt to flesh out the symposium objectives.
Ms. Candace Amoroso, Biodiversity Specialist
of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements Unit, was the EPPD’s
representative on Panel 3, where she discussed Linking Science to Policy and
Decision-Making , the Major Challenges and Possible Solutions. She
emphasised that the scientific community can be most effective at shaping
policy with focused, realistic, science-based recommendations that are targeted
to and using the language that policy-makers understand as well as presenting
research that reflects a broad level of input from stakeholders. In addition,
she suggested that communication and access to data can be enhanced between the
groups of stakeholders with the use of science-led expert groups and web forums
to provide advice to decision makers.
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Ms. Amoroso on the Panel discussing
the linkage of science to policy.
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