The Ministry of Planning and Development
through the Environmental Policy and Planning Division (EPPD) has been
partnering with The University School in the implementation of a school project
under the Learning
about Forests (LEAF)
Programme aimed at increasing knowledge about
the key role forests play in sustaining life on our planet through outdoor and
classroom learning. Under the LEAF Programme the University School is
specifically focusing on Biodiversity and Climate Change. In this regards, the
Ministry has convened lecturers and provided educational materials to the
school on issues relating to climate change and biodiversity.
As part of the
activities under this project the School had approached the Ministry for
assistance with their concept for replanting mangroves at a degraded area
within the Caroni Swamp. The EPPD sought the advice of the Institute
of Marine Affairs (IMA) on identifying possible degraded areas in the Caroni
Swamp that would be accessible and not pose a challenge for replanting of
mangroves by children between the ages of 5 to 11. In this regard, the IMA
identified the mangrove area to the South of the Access Road to the Caroni
Swamp for the collection of red mangroves seedlings and an area along the No. 9
Drain for replanting.
On the May 22, 2018 in commemoration of
International Day of Biodiversity staff of the EPPD, Communications Department
of the Ministry, the IMA, Fondes Amandes Community
Reforestation Project (FACRP) and the Caribbean Youth Environment Network
Trinidad and Tobago assisted primary school students from the University School
with their project in replanting red mangrove seedlings along a degraded area
of the No. 9 Drain of Caroni Swamp.
Over 60 students participated in the
replanting activity that resulted in approximately, 114 red mangroves seedling
being planted in the degraded area which will not only contribute to improving
the ecology of the area but will also provide much need stabilization to the
river bank and minimize erosion to the nearby rural access road.
The
EPPD greatly appreciates the interest and the efforts of the parents, teachers
and students of the University School in the protection of the ecologically
important Caroni Swamp which is recognized by the international community of
its importance being listed under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of
international importance.
The
EPPD also thanks all its partners and stakeholders that contributed to making
this activity of the University School a success in particular the IMA, Forest
Division, the Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation
Project (FACRP) and the Caribbean Youth Environment Network Trinidad and
Tobago.
As we
continue efforts to manage precious national treasures like the Caroni Swamp,
please always remember that “Environmental Pride is National Pride”.
Photos
of School Talks on Mangroves: Marissa Gowrie, Deputy Environmental Manager,
EPPD teaching students about the importance of Caroni Swamp and the types of
mangroves found at the swamp.
Photos of EPPD Staff, Dr Juman and Students of the University School collecting red mangrove seedlings.
Photo of Sterling Chadee, Acting Permanent
Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Development assisting with the collection
of red mangroves seedlings.
Photo of degraded area before mangrove replanting
Photos of EPPD, NGOs and IMA assisting students with the replanting of mangroves
Photo of area after replanting with red-mangroves
Video:
Students of the University School honouring International Day of Biodiversity.
https://www.tv6tnt.com/news/7pmnews/students-replant-mangrove-at-caroni/article_31a9a08c-5e1e-11e8-aca3-4f34a88d90a1.html
