Green Days by the EPPD: Launch of the Trinidad and Tobago Biodiversity Information System (TTBIS)

Wednesday, 28 October 2020

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.