International Coastal Clean-Up Day 2018

On September 15^th, 2018, the Ministry of Planning and Development took part in the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) at the Foreshore, in collaboration with the Institute of Marine Affairs. The ICC has as a primary objective, removal of trash and marine debris from beaches and waterways in an effort to help restore the integrity of the marine environment.

Approximately 200 volunteers gave generously of their time during a four (4) hour period to participate in this global data collection exercise. As a result of their efforts, 4, 289.2 lbs of garbage and marine debris were removed from the coastline, and the beach reverted to its untarnished natural appearance. The most popular items found were plastic bottles (680), while an alarming 100 tyres were removed by a very able-bodied and zealous team.  The list of most unusual items was quite extensive this year and included a television casing, floppy disc, carpet, suitcase, fan, couch cushion, video game, car headlight and radio.

Special thanks to all volunteers who through their hard-work bore testament to the Ministry’s tagline ‘Environmental Pride is National Pride’.

 Tyres litter the Foreshore

 A volunteer at ICC, 2018

 Volunteers are provided with instructions for data collection

 EPPD Team at ICC 2018

"My Caroni" session focuses on the Scarlet Ibis and Enforcement matters

The second session in the "My Caroni" information/research sharing series took place on Friday 28th September 2018. An initiative of the Caroni Swamp Pilot Protected Area Subcommittee (Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago project), these sessions assist managers in understanding the complexity of issues which face the protected area, and offer opportunities to discuss, brainstorm ideas and network to find practical solutions and/or approaches to improved management.  

At the second session which was hosted at the Head Office of the Environmental Management Authority, attendees gained insight on the process followed for designation of the most recent Environmentally Sensitive Species, the Scarlet Ibis.  

Additionally, the current challenges facing managers for enforcement within the Caroni Swamp (and other protected areas) and the novel ways in which some of these are being addressed, were shared.  

Learn more about the information shared and the discussions which ensued at this link.  The next session of the series will be held in late October.