On Tuesday December 10th, 2019
the Central Statistical Office (CSO) in conjunction with the Food and
Agriculture Organisation Food of the United Nations (FAO/UN) held a launch of
the major highlights of the Socio-Economic Survey of the communities near to
the six (6) pilot protected areas (PPAs) under the project. These PPAs are the
Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago, the proposed North-East Tobago Marine
Protected Area, Matura Forest and coastal zone, Trinity Hills and eastern
extension, Nariva Swamp and coastal zone and Caroni Swamp.
The socio-economic assessment is
part of the FAO-GEF Project “Improving Forest and Protected Areas Management
in Trinidad and Tobago” and sought to examine the interactions between the
PPAs and the members of communities who live in and around six pilot
PPAs. The study conducted in September and October 2019, by the CSO,
assessed the overall awareness of persons living within close proximity to
these pilot protected areas regarding their designation, and measured the
impact of these areas on the livelihoods and well-being on nearby residents and
the wider community. Aspects examined included socio-economic attributes,
reliance on protected areas for various needs, and opportunities for sustaining
and enhancing income opportunities through ecosystem services provided by these
areas. Earlier in the project, an Information Needs Assessment
was conducted to identify available information to contribute to the conduct of
the socioeconomic assessment, to propose a methodology for data gathering and
evaluation and prepare a detailed work plan for the implementation of the
assessment.
The event featured addresses by the
Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Development, Ms.
Melanie Noel; FAO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname Mr Reuben
Robertson, Director of the CSO Mr Sean O'Brien and Mrs. Rebecaa
Gookool-Bosland, Senior Economist, of the Technical Backstopping Team.
Members of the Head Table (L-R) Mr. Reuben Robertson, Mr. Sean O’Brian, Ms. Melanie Noel and Mrs. Rebecaa Gookool-Bosland
Mr. Sean O’Brian, Director, Trinidad and
Tobago Central Statistical Office
Mrs. Rebecaa Gookool-Bosland, Senior Economist, Technical Backstopping Team
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