EPPD's Environmental Webinar Series 

The EPPD has capitalized on the use of virtual information sharing platforms by initiating the EPPD’s Webinar Series. Webinars are based on various environmental topics of local, regional and international importance. Webinars are geared toward educating the general public and feature specialists in the respective environmental field.

The online platform serves as a far-reaching medium allowing for much interaction between the experts and the public. This level of engagement with reduced limitations aims to encourage awareness and pro-activity. These webinars intend to increase the awareness of the general public of environmental issues and to promote environmental sustainability through education and information. 

Utilizing Zoom and our social media platforms, the EPPD has hosted several webinars thus far, namely: 

Pollinator Biodiversity- https://www.facebook.com/eppdtt/videos/939195023197771

The Importance of Bats in Trinidad and Tobago- https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=601770823767595&extid=wz6hdDjP7aumboz

Iced Aged Biodiversity in the Tropics- Comparative Island Biogeography- https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=291863365275070&extid=qeyexurpytFSODkO

HVAC Technologies in the Fight Against Covid19- https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=915093032305602&extid=8btFJ2951b1mYbUa

Household Chemical Safety- https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2394718127492160&extid=XOFnZsj5YfSYal7j

Something's Fishy in Trinbago- Ichthyofaunal Diversity in Trinidad and Tobago- https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=274745433630641&extid=dL5tzdbfF1ywWDPS

Biodiversity of North East Tobago- from Ridge to Reef- https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=280687702997416&extid=TdGftI2nkM6ILJ0f

Youth and Environmental Stewardship- https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=290702601998027&extid=rPKe21nHKr8qMVwk

Invasive Alien Species- The Lionfish- https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1426064060932122&extid=0Nb394mfymzgc3fK

Unlocking the Green Fund- https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=631038960872717&extid=Jn4SmWLAepdWiO69

Turtles in Trinidad and Tobago- https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=759845934583468&extid=htflsxoxJ3IJOJuK

Making Polluters Pay- https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=338531807594553&extid=3BCqT1muhTzCLQVV

Marine Plastic Litter and Microplastics- https://www.facebook.com/eppdtt/videos/769657263601417/?vh=e

Renewable Energy in Trinidad and Tobago- https://www.facebook.com/eppdtt/videos/401036884236726/?vh=e

Launch of the Trinidad and Tobago Biodiversity Information System (TTBIS)

 Launch of the Trinidad and Tobago Biodiversity Information System (TTBIS)

On Wednesday 5th August 2020, the Ministry of Planning and Development (MPD), Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) publicly launched the Trinidad and Tobago Biodiversity Information System (TTBIS). 

An outcome of the Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago (IFPAMTT) (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) project, the TTBIS has been designed as a central access point for all available information related to biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago. Its overall intent is to gather and manage biodiversity data and information in order to share it efficiently with all stakeholders; so as to ensure better and more informed decision making. The systems provides for linkages with all of the national institutions that use or collect biodiversity information.

Mrs. Joanne Deoraj Permanent Secretary, Ministry 
of Planning and Development

The launch, which took place virtually via Zoom and EPPD’s Facebook page (live). featured remarks from MPD’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Joanne Deoraj, who emphasized the need for a centralized data collection and management system. Mrs. Deoraj explained that this system (TTBIS) will contain both georeferenced and non-georeferenced data and serve as a permanent digital record of the country’s biodiversity data and information. Mrs. Deoraj concluded her address by thanking all the stakeholders involved in the successful development and launch of the TTBIS. 

Next on the agenda, Mr. Reuben Robertson (Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname) delivered his address to virtual participants. Mr. Robertson reminded everyone of the IFPAMTT objectives and was pleased that they were all achieved despite several challenges. 

Mr. Reuben Robertson, FAO

Mr. Robertson expressed that this system provides a key platform that enhances the MPD’s ability to accurately report on aspects of the country’s biodiversity, by collating information from both state and non-state sectors. This system will provide important information that will advise on required management actions to sustain these natural environments as well as deliver evidence based information for well-informed policy-decision making. Mr. Robertson expressed his sincere gratitude to the project team, steering committee members and all relevant stakeholders and reaffirmed the FAO’s commitment to working with the GoRTT in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Third on the agenda was Dr. Bhesham Ramlal (University of the West Indies (UWI)) who focused on the operational and user end aspects of the TTBIS, which he emphasizes will contribute to the protection of forests and protected areas. Dr. Ramlal highlighted that users do not required specialized software or equipment to access the TTBIS. He further describes the system as being scalable, whereby users have access to several facets of data and information. 

From the TTBIS landing page, users have access to the DocuPortal which contains several databases relating to protected areas, fish landing sites, forest reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Further, the GeoPortal provides access to EGIS Online and a suite of GIS programmes such as ArcGIS Pro and QGIS all of which can be used to build TTBIS’s geodatabase. As indicated by Dr. Ramlal, relevant stakeholders which include both state and non-state agencies have a responsibility to upload data to the TTBIS. An in-depth demonstration was performed by UWI’s technical staff which explored the general layout of the web portal, user sign in process, access to databases, etc. Dr. Ramlal concluded his presentation by thanking all stakeholders involved in the development of the TTBIS and reinstated the importance of having accurate data to make well informed policy and management decisions. 

Dr. Bheshem Ramlal. UWI

The final agenda item featured a spirited question and answer session. Participants used this forum to pose questions which were fielded mainly by Dr. Ramlal and Dr. Persaud (Environmental Manager, EPPD). There was a general sense of interest from participants as many of them used this opportunity to express their overall satisfaction and eagerness to use and interact with the TTBIS. 

Dr. David Persaud, EPPD

Watch the launch of the TTBIS here- https://www.facebook.com/eppdtt/videos/2519743654978150/?vh=e

Access the TTBIS here- https://ttbis.planning.gov.tt/ttbis/

The TTBIS is currently being managed by the staff of the EPPD.

Capacity Development for the Improved Management of 

Multilateral Environment Agreements for 

Global Environmental Benefits

Training of Trainers Workshop

Date: 21st - 23rd July, 2020

Location: Radisson Hotel, Trinidad 

The Capacity Development for Improved Management of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) for Global Environmental Benefits project aims to strengthen the ability of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) to create, leverage and maintain synergies for the national implementation of MEAs and strengthen integrated approaches to environmental management, including meeting MEAs’ guidance and national reporting requirements to increase national and global environmental benefits.

Prior to this training of trainers workshop, the training of key groups on national obligations under the various MEAs including roles and responsibilities to implement and monitor MEAs was carried out in online sessions (due to Covid-19 restrictions) during the period 5th May to 24th June, 2020. Participants included Government Agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs), the Green Fund Executing Unit (GFEU) and private sector.

Subsequent to this training, representatives from each institution were selected to take part in the training of trainers workshop. This training session took place in person at the Radisson Hotel from 21st to 23rd July, 2020 with some persons who were not able to be there in person joining via the Zoom online platform. The training was facilitated by the consultant hired by the Ministry of Planning and Development, Dr. Floyd Homer and his colleague Mr. Kishore Lall.

This training sought to equip participants with the tools necessary to impart the knowledge garnered at the previous MEA obligations workshop to other persons within their institutions and networks, thus helping to increase integration of MEAs considerations within day to day operations. This session exposed participants to the components of learning, learning modes, personality and learning style, factors which encourage successful learning and strategies for teaching and training. 

In the end, most participants felt that they had learnt many new things about themselves, including their personality and learning style and how the learning process is more complex than they first thought. The majority expressed their satisfaction with the delivery, content and process of self-discovery, and felt that the session sufficiently equipped them with the tools to successfully share their knowledge on MEAs with their peers.

 The Green Days by the EPPD Activity Series

The EPPD has been developing a series of educational booklets that target both primary and secondary school students entitled “The Green Days by the EPPD Activity Series” 

This initiative is aimed at providing supplementary material for use by teachers, students and parents of both primary and secondary school schools, on various thematic areas relevant to the EPPD’s operations. 

It is intended that the lessons and activities in this series provide a pathway to better understand environmental issues that impact us all. It aims to increase the awareness and inform students, parents and teachers of local environmental issues and promote environmental sustainability through education and information sharing. 

To date, the EPPD has published three (3) issues of this activity series for both primary and secondary schools. To access these documents click on the link below: 

Activity Series PRIMARY SCHOOL Edition

Activity Series SECONDARY SCHOOL Edition

Green Leaf Awards- Call for Nominations (Extended deadline 30 September 2020)

Nomination submission deadline EXTENDED!

2020 Desertification and Drought Day

2020 Desertification and Drought Day

Project Resources build understanding of local Protected Areas

As the GEF-funded "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project draws to a close, several resources produced in the latter part of the project are being shared, to build local awareness of our forest and protected areas (PAs).

In the second half of 2019, a socio-economic study related to PAs was undertaken with the assistance of the Central Statistical Office of the Ministry of Planning and Development.  Preliminary findings were shared at a media event, and the final report is now being shared at this link.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices surveys, which were undertaken in the early phases of the project (2016-2017) to inform the project's communication activities, were repeated in late 2019.  A summary comparative report is provided, which offers recommendations for areas of continued public education.

Additionally, five video features were produced to highlight the assets, people and challenges associated with management of PAs.  The features had a local debut on the International Day for Biodiversity on 22 May 2020, and are all available for viewing on this You Tube link.

The National Forest and Protected Areas website was launched in 2017 and continues to be a repository of information about activities and for resources developed during the project, and the public is encouraged to enjoy visiting and accessing the information which is shared.

Consultancy Notice- Regional Information System and Database for POPs

Consultancy Notice for the design, development and implementation of a Caribbean Regional Information System for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

Deadline- June 5 2020, 11:59pm (GMT -4).

For futher details visit the website of the BCRC-Caribbean at  www.bcrc-caribbean.org.

This consultancy forms part of the GEF #5558 Regional Project, "Development and Implementation of a Sustainable Management Mechanism for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the Caribbean".

World Oceans Day 2020

The world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life – drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea. Throughout history, oceans and seas have been vital conduits for trade and transportation.

Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future. However, at the current time, there is a continuous deterioration of coastal waters owing to pollution and ocean acidification, which has an adversarial effect on the functioning of ecosystems and biodiversity. This is also negatively impacting small scale fisheries.

For all these reasons, it was necessary to create awareness through an Observance. That is why, on the 5th December 2008, the UN General Assembly designated 8 June as World Oceans Day.

The theme of UN World Oceans Day 2020 is “Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean.” Innovation—relating to the introduction of new methods, ideas, or products—is a dynamic term, and one that is fundamentally filled with hope. The purpose of the Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world's oceans. In the end, it is a day to celebrate together the beauty, the wealth and the promise of the ocean.

Oceans edition!

Oceans are:

1. The lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe.  
2. A major source of food and medicine and a critical part of the biosphere. 
3. The world’s largest source of protein, with more than 3 billion people depending on the oceans as their primary source of protein. 
4. A source of livelihood for over three billion people that depend on marine and coastal biodiversity. 
5. Absorbers of about 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans thus buffering the impacts of global warming.
6. About 70% of the earths surface. 
7. Largely unexplored; only about 5% of oceans have been explored by humans. 
8. Home to more historic artefacts than all the museums in the world! 

Take our World Oceans Day 2020 Quiz! Click on the link below:

https://www.quiz-maker.com/QU7839XR

World Environment Day 2020

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2020

#TimeForNature

World Environment Day is the most renowned day for environmental action. Since 1974, it has been celebrated every year on 5 June; engaging governments, businesses, celebrities and citizens to focus their efforts on a pressing environmental issue. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) annually organizes events for World Environment Day, which encourages worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment. 

The theme for World Environment Day 2020 is, 'Time for Nature', with a focus on its role in providing the essential infrastructure that supports life on Earth and human development. This focus is expected to provide an opportunity for driving the momentum and public awareness of nature as a key aspect in the lead up to the 15th meeting of the Parties (COP 15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). COP 15 was expected to take place in October 2020, but will be rescheduled for 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

World Environment Day 2020 calls for urgent action to protect biodiversity. 

Biodiversity describes the variety of life on Earth. It encompasses the 8 million species on the planet–from plants and animals to fungi and bacteria; the ecosystems that house them; and the genetic diversity among them.

Biodiversity may be seen as an intricate web, in which each part is interdependent. When one component is changed–or removed–the entire system is affected, and this can produce positive–or negative–consequences.

NATURE’S SERVICE

Nature responds to some of the most pressing challenges faced by humans today. It provides us with oxygen, purifies the water we drink, ensures fertile soil, and produces the variety of foods we require to stay healthy and resist disease. It enables medical researchers to understand human physiology; and offers substance for developing medicines. It is the foundation of most industries and livelihoods. It even helps mitigate the impact of climate change by storing carbon and regulating local rainfall. Life on earth would not be possible without nature’s services. It is our greatest common good.

HUMAN DEMANDS

With our increasing demands, humans have pushed nature beyond its limit. In the last 50 years, the human population has doubled; the global economy has almost quadrupled and global trade has increased by about ten times. It would take 1.6 Earths to meet the demands that humans make of nature each year. 

The emergence of COVID-19 has underscored the fact that, when we destroy biodiversity, we destroy the system that supports human life. By upsetting the delicate balance of nature, we have created ideal conditions for pathogens–including coronaviruses–to spread. 

We are intimately interconnected with nature. If we don’t take care of nature, we can’t take care of ourselves.

IT’S TIME FOR NATURE

Following the decisions taken by UN Member States in the Convention on Biological Biodiversity, UNEP and its partners are launching the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), a global initiative to restore the relationship between humans and nature. UNEP is also working with world leaders to develop a new and ambitious Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework to realize a 2050 Vision of Living in Harmony with Nature.

Living in harmony with nature can only be achieved if we reverse negative impact of biodiversity loss and pursue full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. World Environment Day celebrations will help build momentum and unite the global community in actions for positive change.

Take our WED 2020 QUIZ! Click the link below.

https://quiz-maker.com/QJR4X5VN





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International Day for Biological Diversity 2020

The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. Globally, around 25% of all animal and plant species are threatened with extinction. The theme of this year is "Our solutions are in nature" which emphasises hope, solidarity and the importance of working together at all levels to build a future of life in harmony with nature.

As the global community is called to re-examine its relationship to the natural world, one thing is certain: despite all our technological advances we are completely dependent on healthy and vibrant ecosystems for our water, food, medicines, clothes, fuel, shelter and energy, just to name a few. 

2020 is a year of reflection, opportunity and solutions. It is expected, from each of us, that we will “Build Back Better” by using this time to increase the resilience of nations and communities as we recover from this pandemic. 2020 is the year when, more than ever, the world can signal a strong will for a global framework that will “bend the curve” on biodiversity loss for the benefit of humans and all life on Earth. 

Although the review of taxa in Trinidad and Tobago is far from complete, it is well evidenced that due to its small size, location, and geological relationship shared with the South American continent, the country has a high species diversity to surface area ratio. 

The range of terrestrial ecosystems include evergreen seasonal

• semi-evergreen seasonal
• deciduous seasonal
• littoral woodlands
• lower montane rainforests
• seasonal montane forests
• montane rainforests
• elfin woodlands
• swamp forests (including mangrove woodlands)
• palm swamps
• marshes 
• savannahs

These support approximately

• 2160 species of flowering plants - 110 of which are endemic
• 433 species of birds (411 Trinidad and 210 Tobago)
• 100 mammals
• 37 amphibians 
• 93 reptiles including 47 snakes (44 Trinidad and 21 Tobago)

Marine systems include

• the water masses
• mud bottoms
• coral reefs and communities
• sandy bottoms 
• rocky shores
• sea grass beds 
• mud flats

These support a range of macro and microbiota including a large array of commercially important fish species and 36 species of reef building corals.

Some threats to biodiversity include

• Habitat loss
• Unsustainable hunting practices 
• Deforestation 
• Invasive species 
• Climate change

To protect Biodiversity we must encourage Government legislation that promotes the:

1. Protection of flora and fauna 
2. Create Nature preserves
3. Reducing invasive species
4. Habitat restoration
5. Captive breeding and seed banks
6. Research
7. Reduce climate change
8. Purchase sustainable products
9. Sustainable living
10. Education/Awarness 

Together we can protect that which we all need for survival.

Take our short #Biodiversity quiz, chick the link below:

http://www.quiz-maker.com/Q914NDOC

The photographs featured in this articles were submitted to the EPPD via our social media platforms as part of our #BackyardBiodiversity activity to commemorate International Day for Biological Diversity. 

World Bee Day 2020

WORLD BEE DAY 2020

The main purpose of World Bee Day events is to spread awareness of the significance of bees and other pollinators for our survival. World Bee Day is an excellent opportunity to put bees at the centre of the national conversation for a day and encourage actions that create more bee-friendly landscapes.

We all depend on the survival of bees. Bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats and hummingbirds, are increasingly under threat from human activities.

Do you know the other pollinators? Discover them here https://www.un.org/en/observances/bee-day/background

Pollination is, however, a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems. Nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend, entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world’s food crops and 35% of global agricultural land. Not only do pollinators contribute directly to food security, but they are key to conserving biodiversity

Slovenia proposed that the United Nations (UN) proclaim 20 May as World Bee Day. On 20 December 2017, following three years of efforts at the international level, the UN Member States unanimously approved Slovenia’s proposal, thus proclaiming 20 May as World Bee Day.

Bees are under threat. Present species extinction rates are 100 to 1,000 times higher than normal due to human impacts. Close to 35 percent of invertebrate pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, and about 17 percent of vertebrate pollinators, such as bats, face extinction globally.

If this trend continues, nutritious crops, such as fruits, nuts and many vegetable crops will be substituted increasingly by staple crops like rice, corn and potatoes, eventually resulting in an imbalanced diet.

Intensive farming practices, land-use change, mono-cropping, pesticides and higher temperatures associated with climate change all pose problems for bee populations and, by extension, the quality of food we grow.

How can we do more? Individually by: 

• planting a diverse set of native plants, which flower at different times of the year;
• buying raw honey from local farmers;
• buying products from sustainable agricultural practices;
• avoiding pesticides, fungicides or herbicides in our gardens;
• protecting wild bee colonies when possible;
• sponsoring a hive;
• making a bee water fountain by leaving a water bowl outside;
• helping sustaining forest ecosystems;
• raising awareness around us by sharing this information within our communities and networks; 

The decline of bees affects us all!

CLICK the link below to take our World Bee Day 2020 quiz! Be sure to share your results with us on Facebook and Instagram (@eppdtt)

http://www.quiz-maker.com/QWHRJZG6

Earth Day 2020

Earth Day is April 22 of every year and on April 22, 2020 we will mark 50 years of Earth Day

The theme for Earth Day 2020 is climate action. The enormous challenge — but also the vast opportunities — of action on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary. Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.

The first Earth Day in 1970 is credited with launching the modern environmental movement, and is now recognized as the planet’s largest civic event.Earth Day continues to hold major international significance: In 2016, the United Nations chose Earth Day as the day when the historic Paris Agreement on climate change was signed into force. Climate change and global warming, species extinction and biodiversity loss, poor waste management leading to pollution of the air, land and water are some of the issues affecting every living creature on planet Earth. 

Earth day is the day designated to remembering the beauty and majesty of this planet, but it is also a call to arms. Everyday we are faced with choices that affect the world beyond our view with repercussions that extend far beyond our life spans. This earth day and everyday after help work towards a healthier planet Earth in small and big ways. Recycle, reuse and reduce because our waste stays here with us, consume less energy and don't waste water. Say goodbye to one use plastics and find the alternatives that work for you, because it is out there. 

Take our #EarthDay quiz using the link below and share your results with us via INSTAGRAM (@eppdtt)

http://www.quiz-maker.com/QFY3FWP

What can I do for Earth Day?

For more information on what you can do to have save our planet visit https://www.earthday.org

United Nations Industrial Development Organisation 

Request for Proposal
EXTENDED

The UNIDO-United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, is requesting proposals for the provision of services captioned in the image.

NEW Deadline date is May 26 2020, 4:00pm Vienna CET.

For further details visit the website of the BCRC-Caribbean at www.bcrc-caribbean.org. 

This forms part of the GEF #5558 Regional Project, "Development and Inplementation of a Sustainable Management Mechanism for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the Caribbean".

Persistent Organic Pollutants Communications Toolkit

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are a group of highly mobile and toxic chemicals, but their universal nature and harmful health effects are generally unknown to the wider public. To this end, a Communications Strategy is being developed to raise awareness on these deleterious chemicals. This forms part of an eight (8) country regional project entitled, "Development and Implementation of a Sustainable Management Mechanism for POPs in the Caribbean".

Group photograph of key stakeholders and representatives from POP's affiliated sectors

Trinidad and Tobago as one of the project countries held a consultation on October 31, 2019 at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business to gain preliminary feedback on some of the communications materials developed from key stakeholders in POPs affiliated sectors. Based on the useful input provided, this, along with the feedback from the other seven (7) project countries is being used to refine the resources to ensure they meet the objectives.

As part of the implementation process the Trinidad and Tobago National Project Working Committee (PWC), which is chaired by the Ministry of Planning and Development, decided to conduct a national Household Chemicals and Waste Survey. This survey was aimed at gauging the general level of awareness about POPs, and was used as a baseline for comparisons post strategy implementation. There were a total of 1,172 respondents nationwide during the survey period January 7, 2020 to February 21, 2020. The statistics are being used to formulate the best strategy for dissemination of the suite of communications products, as the PWC seeks to ensure the public is well informed on how to 'Stop the POPs'!

Photograph of participants during a consultation meeting. 

Group photograph of attendees, including senior officials on the Ministry of Planning and Development

Inception Workshop for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Project entitled “Improving the monitoring system for climate change impacts on the agriculture sector in Trinidad and Tobago”

The Ministry of Planning and Development and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries in collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) hosted an Inception workshop for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) project entitled “Improving the monitoring system for climate change impacts on the agriculture sector in Trinidad and Tobago”, on the 6^th February, 2020 , at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.  This project is one of Trinidad and Tobago’s two (2) Readiness GCF projects that were approved by the GCF Secretariat. This project is for the duration of 18 months for the sum of $USD260,000.00 and will focus on building climate change resilience in the agricultural sector through: 

1. Developing a framework for collection and analysis of agricultural and associated activity data that includes food import dependency, and hydrological and meteorological data that allows for visualization, and assessment of greenhouse gas emissions as well as to allow for reporting of gender sensitive climate impacts on agriculture and food systems; and
2. Building the capacity of key stakeholders to use agricultural, hydrological and meteorological data to improve resilience to climate change, including through the development of mobile phone applications. 

The project will therefore build a solid framework through the collection and analysis of agricultural and associated activity data that can then form the basis of more robust and comprehensive project proposals for funding under the GCF targeting the agriculture sector. 

The Inception workshop brought together a range of stakeholders in the agriculture sector to launch the project, share information on the proposed workplan and to raise awareness on the GCF and some of its processes. Going forward it is proposed to involve as many agriculture groups and stakeholder that can benefit from this project to further builds the country’s resilience to climate change. 

(L-R): Ms. Neila Bobb-Prescott (FAO), Ms. Beena Ramkissoon (Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries), Ms. Candace Leung Woo-Gabriel (Ministry of Planning and Development), and Ms. Martina Duncan (FAO).

Cross section of participants

Group photograph of participants of the first Training Course on Integrated Solid Waste Management

The University of the West Indies (UWI) hosts first Training Course on Integrated Solid Waste Management

Waste has been recognised as a cross-cutting global issue, the mis-management of which has direct implications for public health, environment, industry and the economy. For Small Island Developing States (SIDS), of which the Caribbean countries are categorised, there is a disproportionately higher impact from improper waste management. Practitioners must therefore be well equipped to understand the existing and latent threats, and deploy appropriate measures to address these challenges.

It is in this regard that the University of the West Indies, Saint Augustine Campus hosted a Sustainable Integrated Solid Waste Management themed half-day symposium on March 2, 2020 and short course from March 2 to 6, 2020 for persons engaged in solid waste management across the Caribbean.  The focus was on providing participants with the requisite tools for assessing the level of sustainability of solid waste management systems and making recommendations for their improvement, with particular emphasis on the Caribbean landscape. This was achieved through a mix of lectures, interactive sessions, a field trip to Carib Glassworks Limited; a local glass recycling facility, and group presentations. 

Ms. Joanne Deoraj, Permanent Secretary, MPD,
delivering the feature address. 

The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Joanne Deoraj delivered the Feature Address at the Opening Ceremony of the Symposium, while at the training course, the Ministry of Planning and Development (MPD) was represented by Ms. Keima Gardiner, Waste Management Specialist and Ms. Tushara Maharaj, Environmental Engineering Specialist, both of the Environmental Policy and Planning Division. 

(L-R) Ms. T. Maharaj and Ms. K Gardiner showing off their certificate of participation
 represented the MPD

All workshop participants (Photo Courtesy BCRC-Caribbean)

Regional Training Workshop on the Article 15 reporting requirements under the Stockholm Convention (SC)

A 3-day regional workshop was hosted by the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for the Caribbean (BCRC-Caribbean) targeting training on the Article 15 reporting requirements under the Stockholm Convention (SC). The BCRC-Caribbean is the Executing Agency for the GEF 5558 project entitled “Development and Implementation of a Sustainable Management Mechanism for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the Caribbean” which aims at building capacity in the region to manage POPs and UPOPs in the eight (8) participating countries. Activity 1.2.4 of the project includes the conduction of a training needs assessment and provision of the requisite training to these participating countries on a regional basis. It as through this Activity that training on the Article 15 reporting requirements under the SC was identified as a priority area, thereby prompting the advent of this workshop, sufficiently ahead of the Fifth Reporting Cycle in 2022. 

Held on January 28 – 30, 2020 at the Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago ,the workshop was facilitated by Mrs. Carla Valle-Klann (Programme Officer - the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat) and Mrs. Mihaela Paun International Consultant (United Nations Environment Programme, Chemicals and Health Branch). In attendance were the Official Contact Point (OCP) and/or National Focal Point (NFP) representatives per participating country (or their alternates) which included all fourteen (14) of the countries served under the BCRC-Caribbean, as well as staff of the BCRC-Caribbean.

This workshop was aimed at improving the understanding on the reporting obligations and the Electronic Reporting System (ERS) under the SC and increasing understanding on the inter-linkages between National Implementation Plan (NIP) generated information/data and reporting obligations. The 3 days featured presentations by the BRS Secretariat, UNEP and even a few of the participating countries. The workshop also provided a platform for interactive discussions where countries shared success stories and challenges on reporting. 

Moreover, a practical exercise on information/data compilation and completion of the latest version of the Article 15 reporting format was conducted via an online ERS demo. This exercise triggered troubleshooting queries and suggested improvements to the online interface, as well as highlighted a need for a more coordinated approach between the NIP update and reporting. 

Some of the outcomes of the workshop highlighted the need to implement procedures for quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) to verify the validity of data collected whilst also, allowing for synergy among reporting teams of other Multilateral Environmental Agreements which cover similar emission sources to share data and best practices. 

Upcoming:

The UNEP representative gave an overview of a GEF funded project - Integrated SC Toolkit (triggered by COP 8&9 decisions) which is in the development stage and expected to be finalized by BRS COP in 2021.  It aims at  improving transmission, access and use of data contained in the NIP and the National Reports using a highly integrated 4 Module System (NIP Module, ERS Module, Data Inventory Module, Guidance Module). 

Trinidad & Tobago representatives (L-R) Jiselle Joseph- EMA, Tushara Maharaj-MPD and Trisha Beejai - EMA.