GEF Forest and PAs Project

Background

 The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is an independent, international financial organisation that supports developing country projects, which benefit the global environment and contribute to sustainable development. The GEF funds projects in specific environmental thematic areas:


Through the 5th replenishment of the GEF, Trinidad and Tobago can apply for access to grant funds of US$2.14 million for biodiversity related projects and US$1.09 million for land degradation related projects. The then Ministry of Housing and the Environment (now the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources) proposed to utilise these funds allocated to the country to facilitate implementation of the National Forest and Protected Areas Policies.

To access these funds, the Ministry is required to partner with a GEF Implementation Agency. The Ministry selected the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) because of the long history of collaboration between Trinidad and Tobago's Forestry Division and the FAO's Department of Forestry. 

Development of the GEF Project Implementation Framework

The FAO, having the necessary expertise to assist Trinidad and Tobago with the development of the required project documents for the country's application to the GEF, indicated its willingness to support the project through design, mentoring and implementation.
Honourable Minister Dr. Roodlal Moonilal greeting Dr. Adrian Whiteman (FAO)
On October 2-10, 2011 FAO undertook a mission to Trinidad and Tobago to meet with key stakeholders and finalise a GEF Project Implementation Framework (PIF) document. During the mission, FAO representative, Dr. Adrian Whiteman met with officials of the former Ministry of Housing and the Environment including the Honourable Minister and the Permanent Secretary; the Forestry Division; the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and the former members of the Technical Committee that guided the formulation of the National Forest and Protected Areas Policies. 
Based on information gathered during this mission, a PIF was developed which was approved by the GEF Secretariat on April 16, 2012. Consequently, Trinidad and Tobago can now proceed to the next stage of the application process for access to $2,790,000 in GEF funding for a 4 year project to improve forest and protected areas in Trinidad and Tobago.

Development of the GEF Project Implementation Framework

Some of the major outputs of this project will include:
  • Development of national legislation for wildlife conservation, national parks and other protected areas 
  • Development of a national protected areas system plan 
  • Designation of five (5) areas in the new protected areas system 
  • One hundred (100) members of staff of the new National Forest and Protected Areas Management Authority (NFPAMA)
  • The NFPAMA trained in current best practices in protected areas management and biodiversity conservation 
  • Development of an ecological research and monitoring programme to guide protected areas management 
  • Implementation of a public education and awareness programme 
  • Development of Management Plans for the five (5) pilot protected areas site 
  • Visitor facilities upgraded and maintained 
  • Upgrade of equipment for protected activities 
  • Identification and rehabilitation of degradation in the five (5) pilot protected areas 
  • Establishment and development of operational modalities for the National Forest and Protected Areas Fund
  • Seventy (70) members of staff of the new NFPAMA trained in the operation of the new financial system
  • Twenty-five (25) senior staff and protected areas managers trained in budget planning, tourism revenue management and innovative financing techniques 
  • Development of a strategic plan for sustainable financing of the system of protected areas 
  • Development of a system of user fees which is to be piloted and operated in two (2) protected areas 
>> Details of these outputs are provided in the PIF.


Project Document Preparation 

In order to access the $US$2,790,000 in GEF grant funding, a detailed project document must be developed within the next eighteen (18) months and submitted by the FAO to the GEF Secretariat for approval. A sum of $US119,000 was made available to Trinidad and Tobago to prepare the project proposal, in the form of a Project Preparation Grant (PPG). The activities to be undertaken in preparing the project are outlined in the PPG document.

 The implementation of the PPG is being undertaken by the following team of Consultants (project preparation team):
  • Biodiversity Specialist (Team Leader)
  • Expert in Legal and Institutional Reform 
  • Environmental Economist
  • Socio-Economics Specialist
  • Expert in Monitoring and Evaluation of PAs 
  • Protected Area Specialist 
  • Forest Economist 
  • Eco-tourism Specialist 

Inception Workshop

The FAO project preparation team is leading the development of the project document in collaboration with relevant departments in Trinidad and Tobago and in consultation with diverse stakeholders. This document is to be completed by August 2013, for submission to GEF for endorsement.
In light of this, during October 31 to November 01, 2012 the project's Inception Workshop was held at Rudranath Capildeo Learning Resource Centre in Couva, and was the first step in a series of consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The workshop was geared at creating awareness among national stakeholders about the project, and getting their feedback on the design of the project. Senator, the Honourable Mr. Ganga Singh, Minister of the Environment and Water Resources delivered the keynote speech at the event, welcoming stakeholders and inviting their valuable input in the event's proceedings. 

Approximately 125 participants were informed through presentations on various technical aspects of the project at this workshop and also actively participated in several group discussions, focusing on the project components and project preparation activities.  The presentations and the report of the outcomes of the Inception workshop can be found below:

Mid-Term Project Mission


In order to advance the preparation of the full project document and as a follow up to the Inception Workshop, the FAO undertook a Mid-Term Mission to Trinidad and Tobago from April 15 to May 4, 2013 to re-engage key stakeholders with a view to finalising the full project document.
During this period, the FAO project preparation team made site visits to several protected areas (PAs) in Trinidad and Tobago including Matura, Caroni Swamp, Nariva Swamp, Trinity Hills, Speyside and Main Ridge, Tobago. In addition, the team engaged with several key stakeholders through various meetings on technical and operational components of the project including co-financing mechanisms, sustainable financing and eco-tourism, biodiversity, conservation and management. 
Stakeholder meetings during the Mid-Term mission included:
  • Meeting at FAO Trinidad office
  • Meeting with National Steering Committee
  • Joint meetings with EPPD and Forestry
  • Meeting with Green Fund Executing Unit
  • Meetings Forestry Division staff from 6 PAs (field & office)
  • Meetings with hoteliers and tour operators
  • Meeting Tobago House of Assembly (THA)
  • Stakeholder workshop in Tobago
  • Midterm Stakeholder Workshop in Trinidad 
  • Discussions with the Water and Sewage Authority (WASA), Central Statistical Office (CSO), Tourism Development Company (TDC), Environmental Management Authority (EMA), University of the West Indies Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (UWI Salises)
  • Meetings with NGOs including Nature Seekers;
  • Meeting with the European Union;
  • Meeting with energy companies (Petrotrin, Repsol, BP, BG, BHP Billiton);
  • Drafting of project document, edorsement documents, and Biodiversity tracking tool with EPPD and Forestry Division.
Major comments and key findings of the Midterm are summarised in a presentation given to the Honourable Minister of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Ganga Singh on Friday 3rd May, 2013: 






Midterm Stakeholder Workshop

As the FAO team moves towards the completion of the full project document, the team took the opportunity during the midterm mission of April 15 to May 4, 2013 to re-engage with stakeholders at a Mid-Term Stakeholder Workshop.

 The workshop was  held on Wednesday 24 April, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rudranath Capildeo Learning Resource Centre in Couva. Stakeholders were updated on the progress made since the Inception Workshop, met the consultants drafting various components of the project, gave inputs on the development of these project components and the associated results framework and discussed the next steps.


Presentations and the Report from the Midterm Stakeholder Workshop can be found below:

 >>Midterm Stakeholder Workshop - Presentations
>>Midterm Stakeholder Workshop Report 

Status on the Final Project Document


The following consultancy reports have been completed by members of the the FAO Project Team.  These include:
Presently, the final project document, and the reports of the Biodiversity, and the Socio-Economic consultants are being technically reviewed. When completed, the project design and final project document will be discussed with the relevant stakeholders, validated and endorsed at the Terminal Stakeholder Workshop.

The following are more draft workshop documents prepared by the FAO Project Team to be reviewed and discussed:

Terminal Stakeholder Workshop

On September 27, 2013 at the Environmental Management Authority’s (EMA’s) Large Conference Room, in St. Clair, Port-of-Spain a Terminal Stakeholder Workshop was held. 





The Workshop was held with the  objective of re-engaging key stakeholders to discuss opportunities for their involvement in the implementation of the project, whilst also obtaining their validation and endorsement on the final document produced by the consultants, particularly on the activities needed under the four components of the project:
  • Improvements to the legal and institutional arrangements for protected area (PA) management.
  • Improvements to infrastructure for biodiversity conservation and forest restoration.
  • Development and testing of sustainable financing system 
  • Monitoring and evaluation and information dissemination 

Project Approval

As of April 2014, the final project document was endorsed by the GEF CEO and has recently been approved by Cabinet. The approved project document and endorsement letter can be found below:

Project Implementation

Work has begun on the Improving Forest and Protected Area Management (IFPAM) Project. For an overview of the Project, its components and expected outputs, click on the link below:
At present,  key technical staff/ consultants are being secured to facilitate the implementation of the Project. Ms. Neila Bobb-Prescott has come on board as the Chief Technical Advisor and is responsible for project coordination as well as technical and stakeholder management, among other duties. 

FAO  is currently seeking consultants to develop a methodology to monitor the status of selected wildlife species as identified in the Project Document. Interested candidates can access further details and instructions of the application process from the link below: 
Deadline for submission of applications is:  4:00pm on August 31, 2015

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 Stakeholder Engagement - THA 

On Monday 27th July, 2015, a meeting was arranged to formally introduce the Project Coordinating Unit to representatives of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) as well as to share the final approved project and to devise plans for implementing the project in Tobago. 

Ms. Neila Bobb-Prescott (Chief Technical Advisor, IFPAM Project) handing over the IFPAM Project Brief  to representatives of the THA after the meeting

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is key institutional partner. The THA is empowered to formulate and implement policy, propose and adopt Bills, and lead on developing the skills needed for the sustainable management of natural resources on the island.   

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First Pilot Protected Area Sub-Committee Meeting
 
A key strategy in the Forest and Protected Area Policy (2011) is participatory management.  One of the mechanisms being employed under the Improving Forest and Protected Area Management (IFPAM) Project is the use of Subcommittees for each site.  The Subcommittees are made up of key stakeholders for each pilot site.  They will advise the Project Steering Committee (PCU) on actions specific to matters pertaining to their respective pilot protected area (PA) site and advise the Project Coordinating Unit on general management directions and on technical matters related to their respective pilot PA site.
 
The first meeting of the Trinity Hills and eastern extension pilot PA Subcommittee was convened on 24th August, 2015 at the Forestry Division’s Rio Claro office. Organisations serving on this Subcommittee include Forestry Division, The Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago (Petrotrin), Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists’ Club, the Environmental Management Authority and the South Eastern Hunters Association.

At the first meeting, it was evident that this mechanism of using Subcommittees would contribute to improving coordination of management actions and sharing of information. For this Subcommittee, its first meeting resulted in the formulation of objectives and initiated discussions to select actions to implement for the next year in the pilot PA. 
 
 Subcommittee members listening as the PCU facilitates a session detailing the context for management in the PA
Dr. David Persaud, Environmental Manager - EPPD, shares the rationale for the boundaries of the PA with Subcommittee members.

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Over 30 organizations engaged in planning to improve PA management
To date, three (3) additional Subcommittees under the Improving Forest and Protected Area Management (IFPAM) Project have been launched subsequent to the launch of the Trinity Hills and eastern extension Subcommittee which occurred on August 24, 2015. 

Subcommittees have been launched for the pilot areas of Caroni Swamp, Nariva Swamp and coastal zone and the Matura Forest and coastal zone.  To date over thirty (30) governmental and civil society organisations are engaging in formulating plans to improve protected area (PA) management in the pilot PA sites.   The Subcommittees are hard at work defining the management objectives for each pilot PA within the scope of the IFPAM project and identifying actions to contribute to improving management.
The first meeting of the Matura Forest and coastal zone Subcommittee on 3rd September members highlighted the importance of the inclusion of actions to contribute to the sustainable development of livelihoods in the plans for the PA.  


  Through facilitated sessions by the Project Coordinating Unit, at Subcommittee meetings, individual work plans for each PA will be formulated using the actions identified by the Subcommittee. The work plans for the first year of the Subcommittees of the six pilot PAs will be merged along with other actions and presented as the project work plan for the first year at national inception workshops later in this year. 





Members of the Nariva Subcommittee listening to a discussion of threats to the PA at their first meeting on 2nd September at Forestry Division’s Kernahan Field Station

At the first meeting of the Caroni Swamp Subcommittee on 27th August, 10 organizations were represented
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Nature Seekers, Co-Chair of the Matura Forest and coastal zone pilot protected area subcommittee, has been awarded the Tourism Service Business Excellence Award from the Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association for 2015. 
 

The organisation won this prestigious award last year.  The award is given to recognise and celebrate outstanding performance in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry in Trinidad and Tobago. The Improving Forest and Protected Area Management (IFPAM) Project will build on experiences and lessons learned from key stakeholders like Nature Seekers to improve livelihoods of stakeholders who earn their living from forest and protected areas.  Congratulations to Nature Seekers!!! 

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IMPROVING FOREST AND PROTECTED AREAS MANAGEMENT - VACANCIES!


The Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago Project  (GCP/TRI/003/GFF)  is seeking to recruit a Technical Officer and a Project Officer.  Please see the details below:
                  -   Deadline for applications is Friday 27th November, 2015


                 -    Deadline for applications is Friday 4th December, 2015

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INCEPTION WORKSHOP IN TRINIDAD

On November 24th 2015, the Ministry of Planning and Development in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO/UN) hosted an Inception Workshop for the Global Environmental Facility Project entitled "Improving Forest and and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" at the Petrotrin Point-a-Pierre staff Club.

Dr. David Persaud, Environmental Manager, Environmental Policy and Planning Division delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister of Planning and Development.

Participants present at the Inception Workshop for the Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago Project,  November 24, 2015.
The Inception Workshop served as an opportunity for representatives of the Pilot Protect Area Subcommittees to present on the draft work plans for each pilot protected areas and to solicit feedback and validation from stakeholders present on the proposed actions and mechanisms to achieving the project's objectives.

Presentations from Inception Workshop including the presentations from the Pilot Protected Areas Subcommittees can be found below:
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INCEPTION WORKSHOP IN TOBAGO

 On Thursday 3rd December 2015, the Ministry of Planning and Development and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO/UN) hosted the second Inception Workshop for the Global Environment Facility funded project entitled "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" at the Works Lecture Room in Shaw Park, Tobago.

Assemblyman Godwin Adams, the Secretary of Agriculture, Marine Affairs, Marketing and the Environment delivered the feature address on behalf of the Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).  In his remarks he described how the project compliments the THA’s actions in forest and protected area management and revealed plans for a large scale reforestation project on the island.  Participants at the workshop included representatives from Divisions of the THA and other key stakeholders in forest and protected area management on the island.
Ms. Nevlin Renwick,

Administrator, Agriculture,Marine Affairs, Marketing and the Environment delivering opening remarks.


Seated at centre is Assemblyman Godwin Adams, Secretary, Agriculture,Marine Affairs, Marketing and the Environment.  To his left is Mr. William Trim and Mr. Selwyn Davis from the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, THA


As with the first Inception workshop in Trinidad, this workshop afforded participants the opportunity to review the draft work plans for each pilot protected area and to input into proposed actions and mechanisms to achieving the project's objectives.  Work plans for all the six pilot protected areas were presented with a more detailed focus on the pilot sites in Tobago, namely the Main Ridge Forest Reserve and the proposed North East Tobago marine protected area.

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INCEPTION WORKSHOP REPORT NOW AVAILABLE!

 The Inception workshops held in Trinidad on November 24, 2015 and in Tobago on December 3, 2015 provided a forum to validate proposed actions and mechanisms and provided useful additional mechanisms to contribute to achieving the project results. 


 Stakeholders  identified a few gaps in the work plan which could be addressed under project activities or via complimentary projects. Additionally, stakeholders demonstrated and shared a sense of ownership for the project.  The project activities and results were promoted on several local media. 

While there is significant progress with regard to the establishment of the Pilot Protected Areas (PAs) Sub Committees and towards the development of work plans for these six Pilot Protected Areas other key areas of the project require an in-depth project revision.  These are:

  • Project Component 1, Output 1.1.1 which addresses the drafting of a national legislation for forest, wildlife and PAs management; and
  • Capacity building and training of staff of the proposed Forest and Protected Areas Management Authority.

The Inception Workshop Report provides further details on the Workshops.

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LOOKING AT NARIVA SWAMP THROUGH NEW SPECTACLES! : NARIVA PILOT PROTECTED AREA COMMITTEE'S FIRST SITE VISIT TO NARIVA SWAMP


“The hill was steep but all of us made it to the top of Brigand Hill.  The panoramic view on the tower quickly removed any regret over the arduous trek to the top of the tower.  Laid out before us was the beauty of the Nariva Swamp.  Laid out before us were scenes from history. Block A – Leased out for agriculture; Block B – once under rice cultivation and now covered in wetland marsh grasses.  The green of hardwood species and the Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary peaking in the distance. The coast line in the distance beckoning memories of the large flood event and destruction of infrastructure in 2014.”

These could be the memories of any of the 13 member team of the Nariva Pilot Protected Area Subcommittee on 4th March, 2015. The Subcommittee commenced work on their work plan with a visit to the pilot protected area site to gather information on land use, hydrology, ecology and threats to improve their contextual understanding of issues related to the management of the site.The Subcommittee intends to use the information from this site visit to make recommendations on the boundaries and level of protection required for this pilot protected area.

Snapshots of the Nariva Pilot Protected Area Sub-Committee's site visit:







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Nariva Swamp and Coastal Zone Pilot Protected Area Sub-Committee's Second Site Visit

On Friday 10thJune 2016, the Nariva Swamp and Coastal Zone Pilot Protected Area (PPA) Sub-Committee, made a second site visit  to the PPA.  At the conclusion of the site visit, the Sub-Committee reflected on the value of the supporting contributions of key stakeholders and the first hand sight of  the existing management issues in the pilot protected area. With this information in hand, the Sub-Committee looks forward to continued progress in developing a management plan appropriate for this unique site. 

Click here for the full report from this site visit. 


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New P3DM begins in Cumana

All were hands on deck for the development of a participatory 3-Dimensional model (P3DM) of the Matura National Park Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This was led by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), this project got underway at The AgroTourism Centre, Cumana Village, Toco in early July.   

Students begin tracing contours under guidance of the EMA officers


Students enjoying the model-building
The activity is in support of the Authority’s Education and Outreach Programme in the ESA, and is the third component of a project geared towards promoting the use of public participation in the management of sensitive areas, building public knowledge and understanding of the value of the ESA, documenting existing threats to the site and to gather information that will advise on the best way forward on addressing environmental concerns and inform a communication strategy for the ESA.

The model layers are kept in position by glue and metal poles and are reinforced by nails during construction


River valleys and coastal zone areas appear on the model
Additionally, the modelling also fits well into the into the current national project, “Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago” currently being coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO) on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. The Project Coordination Unit of the FAO therefore provided support to the project in assisting with the training of facilitators for the activity and actual facilitation throughout the model-building process.

Click here to read the full report. 


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Week two of P3DM - Cumana, Trinidad 

 Week two of the Participatory 3-Dimensional Model (p3dm) building exercise at the Cumana Agro-Tourism Centre featured the "smoothing" process, painting  of the model and information "population" occurred during the period Monday July 11 - Saturday July 16, 2016. The co-ordinating team at the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) was once again joined by the mixed group of facilitators, including members of the "Improving Forest and Protected Areas Management in Trinidad and Tobago" Project Coordination Unit of the Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO).

Click here to access the full report.


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Week Three at P3DM – Populating and Polishing


Week 3 at the P3DM exercise at Cumana Village focused on gathering information from stakeholders (“populating” the model) and later, painting of the model (“polishing”) to reflect the various assets and threats at the site.  


The first activity featured lively interaction with representatives of Government agencies and local
non-governmental groups including community groups and religious groups. 

The staff of the Project Coordination Unit of the “Improving Forest and Protected Areas in Trinidad and Tobago” participated in both activities and provided a brief report. 




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Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Survey underway in Tobago

What does the average person know about forests and protected areas?  What value if any is attached to them?  Do people play a part in protecting and managing these natural resources?  In an effort to investigate the answers to these and other questions that are relevant to the six pilot protected areas, a “Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices” survey was initiated in Tobago at the end of July 2016. 

This activity was kicked off by a training session held with staff and interns of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) and the Fisheries Division. 
The survey will capture views of people living in the general area of the two pilot protected areas in Tobago and will advise a communication strategy for the project. 



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Roundtable Discussion centres on Oil and Gas Operations in Protected Areas

The presence of oil and gas operations in the Victoria-Mayaro Forest Reserve as well as areas of the Trinity Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is a key discussion point of the Trinity Hills and Eastern Extension Subcommittee for the pilot protected area (PPA). 
In order to recommend the boundaries of the proposed PPA, and arrive at an informed position that would consider implications for future management, the Subcommittee hosted a Roundtable Discussion on August 5th 2016. 
The activity took place at the Forestry Division Visitor Centre, San Fernando Hill, San Fernando.

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Coastal zone field trip provides insight to Subcommittee

The Subcommittee for the Matura Forest and Coastal Zone Pilot Protected Area recently undertook its first field trip to examine current issues pertaining to management of the area. 


A key aspect for consideration was the feasibility of a physical linkage between the Matura Forest and this satellite coastal zone. 


The field trip took place on August 12th 2016 with stops at Fishing Pond Village, Vega de Oropouche and Matura Village.

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Newspaper Article on P3DM in Matura

The Environmental Management Authority published an article in the Sunday Guardian on 28th August, 2016. The article features an interview with Ms. Evana Douglas, a representative from Sky-Eco Organization. She shares her thoughts on the creation of a Participatory 3-Dimensional Model of the Matura Environmentally Sensitive Area. The purpose of the model is to guide improved communication of the Authority with resource users and other managers.



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Communication Workshop to improve reporting on forest and protected areas

Where do people get their information about Forest and Protected Areas?  What are the best means of communicating with people that impact on and are impacted by these natural sites?  These questions were part of the key focus of participants in a communication workshop that was jointly hosted by the Project Coordination Unit for the IFPAM project and Nature Seekers a leading
environmental NGO. 


The main aim of the workshop was to improve reporting on forest and protected areas, to influence more positive public attitudes and behaviours towards these resources. 


Attendees gained useful tips on working with the media, using social media and adopting interactive methods in communicating with key target audiences, and also gained insight into the work of an active and successful NGO at this event. 




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Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago Publications

The Project Coordination Unit for the project entitled "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago"  is happy to share with you the first issue of the project newsletter - ProtectEd. (Click here to view ProtectEd Newsletter)

We also take this opportunity to share with you our findings on farming in protected areas and the national protected areas classification system in the linked information leafs below.



We encourage you to read, share with others in your network and share with us your feedback on this first issue of ProtectEd.
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Improving Forest and Protected Area Management Project
- Consultancy Available for Livelihood Assessment Activity
Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is a full scale project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Government of Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of Planning and Development, the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).  The project’s overarching objective is to improve the sustainability of protected areas systems in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago Project (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is advertising a consultancy to undertake a Livelihoods Assessment study in the Matura Forest and Coastal Zone Pilot Protected Area.
Please click the link below to see further details of the consultancy:
Applications should be submitted to Neila Bobb-Prescott, Chief Technical Advisor at Neila.BobbPrescott@fao.org.
Deadline for submission of applications is: Monday 14th November 2016.



Baseline Survey - Video Feature

The Department of Life Sciences of the University of the West Indies is undertaking a biological baseline survey in each of the project’s six pilot protected areas.   This survey is focused on six groups namely: arthropods, birds, freshwater fauna, herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles), mammals and vegetation; in Tobago the marine fauna will also be sampled in the project’s lone marine pilot protected area.  Recently the team compiled a short film on their work on coral reef assessment in the proposed North East Tobago Marine Pilot Protected Area. 

Do enjoy viewing the video at this link:






Promoting Forest and Protected Area Management



Over the past month, the Project Coordination Unit for the “Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago” project took part in recent environmental events to raise visibility of protected areas in Trinidad and Tobago.  Here is a brief outline of these activities:
  •  An observance of the “birthday” of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), marked on World Food Day, was one avenue used to promote the link of protected areas to managing the impacts of climate change”.  The PCU contributed to activities at the popular San Antonio Green Market in Santa Cruz valley and in Tobago, where World Food Day activities took place at the Dwight Yorke Stadium Parade Grounds in Bacolet.  An information brochure was distributed at both events which gave the ordinary person some ideas on how to reduce his/her carbon footprint while practicing agriculture.  Additionally, an Information Leaf which presented information on the issue of farms in protected areas was also distributed.
His Excellency, President Carmona at the Bioblitz event
  •  The University of the West Indies Department of Life Science together with the Field Naturalist Club hosted the annual Bioblitz at the Botanical Gardens in Port of Spain.  The PCU developed a PowerPoint presentation which introduced visitors to the six pilot protected areas in which the project is currently underway.  A set of quiz questions on protected areas was also used for communicating with the public.  The PCU was heartened to see the interest demonstrated in the Bioblitz activity by His Excellency, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, who both visited the event.
  • Nature Seekers held an environmental exhibition titled “Eco Blend” in the community of Matura at which the group also unveiled its new logo.  The PCU shared updates on the project – in which Nature Seekers is an active stakeholder – and placed a focus on the Matura Forest and Coastal Zone pilot protected area.  Visitors were able to write or draw what the Matura Forest and Coastal Zone mean to them on a supersized drawing of the map of the area.  School children took part in a game to learn about the importance of halting pollution of our coastal areas.
Senator the Hon. Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (third from right) and Susan Lakhan, Nature Seekers (far right) pose with members of the Project Coordination Unit at the EcoBlend Exhibition



The PCU welcomes these opportunities for sharing information on protected area management and learning more about people’s views on forest and protected areas.  


On the Trails

November 30th and December 1st marked the first two days of training in trail design and maintenance for 21 government and community-based stakeholders from the six pilot protected areas.  The overall objective of the training is to build capacity of stakeholders to design more attractive ecotourism products.

The first day was based at the Pax Guest House and the second day was based at the Asa Wright Nature Centre.  Topics covered included the historical context of these two ecotourism destinations, the products offered to tourists and the typology (characteristics) of the tourists.

The most exciting part of the days’ activities was walking along trails in the vicinity of the two sites and taking in the interesting sights and sounds.  Considerations for trail design were discussed.  These included who are the targeted users of the trails, the use of established historical trails, the use of ridges, gradient, drainage and the type of materials used to construct the trails.

Pax.jpgPax 2.jpg
On the Alben Ride trail from Pax Guest House (at left); view from the trail (at right) .


Asa Wright 2.jpgAsa Wright.jpg

Down the Discovery Trail towards the call of the Bearded Bellbird (at left)
Listening to the Asa Wright Nature Centre tour guide (at right)


Drone called into service for vegetation survey

Last October, members of the Project Coordination Unit witnessed the test flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is being used to undertake the vegetation survey in pilot protected areas for the project "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago".  

Learn about their experience in this link.





Improving Forest and Protected Area Management Project
- Call for Proposals: Livelihoods Assessment Study
Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is a full scale project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Government of Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of Planning and Development, the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).  The project’s overarching objective is to improve the sustainability of protected areas systems in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago Project (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is issuing a Call for Proposals to undertake a Livelihoods Assessment study in the Matura Forest and Coastal Zone Pilot Protected Area.
Please click the link below to see further details of this call:

Applications should be submitted to:
Mrs. Neila Bobb-Prescott, Chief Technical Advisor at Neila.BobbPrescott@fao.org.

Deadline for submission of applications is: Friday 20th January 2017.



Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago Project Newsletter




The Project Coordination Unit for the project entitled "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago"  (GCP/TRI/003/GFF IFPAMTT) welcomes you back to 
the second issue of the project newsletter - ProtectEd​.

This second issue shares the perspective of a few of the stakeholders that are involved in various Pilot Protected Area Subcommittees and other project updates. We encourage you to read, share with others in your network and share with us your feedback.





Public Consultations
Revision of the 2006 National Environmental Policy

Protected Area Stakeholders learn value of Monitoring and Evaluation

Over the three day period February 6th – 8th 2017, a team of 17 stakeholders participating in the “Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago” project took part in a workshop entitled “An Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation”.

The workshop was deemed to be a very enlightening experience by participants.  

Learn more about the workshop at this link.


A Focus on the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve

Dr. Aidan Farrell, Plant Biologist of the Department of Life Sciences, UWI St. Augustine, recently wrote an article for the Newsday newspaper about the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve.  

This site is one of the pilot protected areas under the “Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago” project.  

Dr. Farrell is a member of the Tobago Pilot Protected Area Subcommittee and his article, also uploaded to the Wild Tobago blog, can be viewed at this link.
Natural Resource Management Project for implementation
in North-East Tobago
The Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville (ERIC), a member of the Tobago Subcommittee for the “Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago” project, recently secured grant funding for an 18-month project in North-East Tobago from the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) Trinidad and Tobago.

Learn more about this project at this link.

Trails through History



The second module of training in trail design and maintenance - one of the training components offered to stakeholders in the “Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago” project - took place on January 31st and February 1st 2017. In this module, participants were given the opportunity to experience the rich history of the trails of Chaguaramas and two of its offshore islands.  Learn more about their experiences at this link.




Call for Proposals: Graphic Design Services


Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is a full scale project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Government of Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of Planning and Development, the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).  The project’s overarching objective is to improve the sustainability of protected areas systems in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago Project (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is issuing a Call for Proposals to undertake Graphic Design Services.

Please click the link below to see further details of this call:
Terms of Reference: Call for Proposals for Graphic Design Services

Applications should be submitted to:
Mrs. Neila Bobb-Prescott, Chief Technical Advisor at Neila.BobbPrescott@fao.org.

Deadline for submission of applications is: Monday 3rd April 2017.


Public Consultations for the revised

Draft National Environmental Policy


Public Consultations for the revised Draft National Environmental Policy have begun.     The document draft can be accessed at the following link:

http://www.ema.co.tt/new/images/public_comments/NEP_Draft.pdfhttp://www.ema.co.tt/new/images/public_comments/NEP_Draft.pdf


Please consult the schedule below to find a session near you.






Celebrating the International Day of Forests


In observance of the International Day of Forests, celebrated on 21 March every year since 2013, the "Improving Forests and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project published an article in the Newsday newspaper.

The article is focused on the diverse team of stakeholders who have "energized" this project since its inception.

Enjoy reading the article at this link.







Call for Expressions of Interest to Conduct a Socioeconomic assessment 
in and around six pilot protected areas

Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is a full scale project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Government of Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of Planning and Development, the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).  The project’s overarching objective is to improve the sustainability of protected areas systems in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago Project (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is issuing this Call for Expressions of Interest to Conduct a Socioeconomic assessment in and around six pilot protected areas in Trinidad and Tobago.

Please click the link below to see further details of this call:

Terms of Reference: Call for expressions of interest to conduct a Socioeconomic Assessment in and around six pilot protected areas

 Applications should be submitted to:

Mrs. Neila Bobb-Prescott, Chief Technical Advisor at Neila.BobbPrescott@fao.org.

Deadline for submission of applications is: Monday 8th May 2017.




Rich stakeholder sharing at 

"Lessons Learned Workshop"
On February 16th 2017, stakeholders involved on five Subcommittees of the “Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago” project assembled at the PETROTRIN Staff Club in Pointe a Pierre to participate in a Lessons Learned Workshop, a few months shy of the project’s mid-term.  This all-day exercise served to facilitate the exchange of experiences and viewpoints among stakeholders in the process of project implementation and progress made towards the development of recommendations for the management of six pilot protected areas of focus in this project.

Over forty persons attended the Workshop and contributed to discussions that reviewed: the composition of the Subcommittees; the governance of Subcommittees; how priority and emerging issues were managed; decision-making on boundaries and levels of protection; and drafting of conservation objectives for protected areas.

In a post-workshop evaluation exercise, Subcommittee members shared that the exercise was useful in understanding that there were some common challenges facing each team and the potential existed for “cross pollination” among teams to assist in the way forward in the project. 


The complete report from the Lessons Learned Workshop is provided at this link.




Results of Survey on Protected Areas in Tobago


A knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) survey was undertaken in communities surrounding two pilot protected area sites in Tobago in August 2016.  The survey polled residents on the protected status of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve and the proposed North East Tobago Marine pilot protected area (the latter site located around the north eastern tip of the island from the northern village of Castara to the village of Roxborough on the southern side of the island).

The survey revealed that most persons are aware of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve and its value as a watershed in replenishing the island’s supply of freshwater. While the North East Tobago Marine area is a proposed site, residents attached an important economic as well as environmental value to the site.  The survey also revealed that people in general are not aware of the boundaries of these sites, nor the flora and fauna found there; some are also uncertain of who are the managers of these sites.

The results of the survey contribute important information about people’s general knowledge about these two sites and will assist in the development of a targeted communication strategy that can address knowledge gaps and curb negative practices that impact on the management of these protected areas.  


The report on the knowledge, attitudes and practices survey can be found at this link.

Cameras deployed in Main Ridge Forest Reserve to estimate abundance of mammal species!
For the first time in history 20 cameras were deployed in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago to capture imagery to inform an estimation of local abundance of mammals and model activity patterns of species.  The deployment took place from the 6-10 April 2017.

Read more on the training events at this link.



Trails in Paradise


The third module of the Interpretive Trail Design and Maintenance Course (for the "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project) was held in Tobago over the period March 28th - 29th 2017.

Follow the experiences of the intrepid group at this link.








Workshop report: 

Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation



Last February, the "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project coordinated the hosting of the three-day workshop "An Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation" with the assistance of the National Transformation Unit of the Ministry of Planning and Development.

We are happy to share the report on the workshop at  this link.



Call for Proposals: 

Concept for design of a Management Information System


Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is a full scale project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Government of Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of Planning and Development, the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).  The project’s overarching objective is to improve the sustainability of protected areas systems in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago Project (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is issuing this Call for the preparation of a concept for the design of a management information system for forest and protected areas in Trinidad and Tobago.

Please click the link below to see further details of this call:

Terms of Reference: Call for Proposals - Concept for Design of a Management Information System

Applications should be submitted to:

Mrs. Neila Bobb-Prescott, Chief Technical Advisor at Neila.BobbPrescott@fao.org.

Deadline for submission of applications is: Tuesday 4th July 2017.



Results of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Survey:

Caroni Swamp


Following the conduct of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices surveys in communities surrounding pilot protected areas in Matura and Tobago, a similar exercise was carried out in communities surrounding the
Caroni Swamp.  This activity was undertaken in the "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT).

Scarlet Ibis at the Caroni Swamp
Photograph courtesy: Tourism Development Authority
These surveys provide some insight on how the local people value these sites and their views on the protected area designation that is applied to the sites.  Additionally, the survey is able to uncover knowledge gaps and gain information on what is known about the area by those who live in close proximity to the sites.

Summarized information from the survey undertaken around the Caroni Swamp shows that people are knowledgeable about the Swamp and the threats that impact on its viability.  Many understand its ecological importance and others its economic value, and others shared views on how its management can be improved.

Read more about these findings at this link.


Developing a 

National Protected Area System Plan

A Protected Area System Plan is an attempt to express a country’s vision of how (and how much of) its natural heritage is used for both conservation and sustainable use. 

Such a plan should cover the range of ecosystems present, link the key players (including civil society) responsible for developing and managing protected areas, include processes for defining management options, setting priorities and integrating with other land use.  

Work has recently begun to develop a National Protected Area System Plan in Trinidad and Tobago, under the “Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago” project.  

Learn more about the context for and benefits of developing the Plan at this link.


New issue of ProtectEd now available!


Welcome back to ProtectEd, the newsletter produced by stakeholders involved in the project "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago".

In this issue you can learn about developing a new Protected Areas System Plan and steps underway in approving a National Ecotourism Policy.  Find out also about how the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices surveys have progressed at the six pilot protected areas.

Enjoy reading and please be sure to share with your networks, from this link.





BRUV surveys yield information on Sharks and Rays


Typically under-represented by scuba-led surveys, sharks and rays are a conservation priority given their simultaneous ecological and economic value as a living resource. During October 2016 the Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville (www.eric-tobago.org) conducted a series of baited remote underwater video surveys in northeast Tobago to gather data on species and relative abundance of sharks and rays.


Above: Caribbean reef shark recorded on a BRUV (c) ERIC

This data is intended to complement the data gathered by scuba-led underwater visual census of coral reef communities conducted by the University of the West Indies, in order to provide a holistic assessment of the coral reef resources of northeast Tobago and inform emerging conservation management measures under the national IFPAM project.


The Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville has collaborated with Global FinPrint (www.globalfinprint.org) since early 2016 to conduct BRUV surveys of shark and ray populations throughout Tobago, and to contribute to improved conservation management of these keystone species on local, regional and international scales. In order to maximise the awareness and outreach of this project in Tobago, surveys have at various times engaged as participants and observers, members of the ERIC community based field technician team as well as a number of Fisheries Officers.

Read more about the survey at this link.


Creating a road map to develop protected area management plans


Management plans are critical to ensure effective management of protected areas. They help to define the overall vision and goals and identify the roles of different stakeholders and the resources needed for management.  

The Caribbean Natural Resource Institute (CANARI) has begun work to create a road map outlining a participatory process for the development of protected area management plans and to build the capacity of stakeholders to engage in this process. This work will support the development of management plans for six pilot protected areas under the Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago project.

Learn more about the objectives and benefits of the road map as described on CANARI’s website: http://www.canari.org/fao-tt-pa-roadmap

National Website for Forest and Protected Areas


Trinidad and Tobago now has a national website for forest and protected areas: www.protectedareastt.org.tt.  

The website was formally launched at a brief ceremony on August 4th 2017, at the Conference Room of the Environmental Management Authority in St. Clair.  

 Senator the Hon. Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries delivered brief remarks at the launch. 

Read more about the new website at this link


Livelihoods assessment kicks off in protected area


A livelihoods assessment for communities surrounding the Matura Forest and Coastal Zone pilot protected area has started in the north-east communities of Matura, Salybia, Toco, Montevideo, Grande Riviere and Fishing Pond.  

This activity is being undertaken for the current “Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago” project.  


Over the next two months, the study will document how local livelihoods are based on the natural resource richness of the Matura National Park and the nearby protected beaches, and identify which livelihoods opportunities can be feasibly developed in these communities, based on the sustainable use of natural resources.

For more information about the activity and a schedule of community discussions, read more at this link.


Managing Rivers, Sustaining Life

Over a six-week period of the school vacation (July/August), the Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago project hosted a young intern of the Forestry Division, Mr. Bryce Orr.

While assisting the project team on various activities of the project, Bryce undertook a research activity on the topic of clearing of rivers, particularly after floods.  The project team is happy to post a short article prepared by Bryce on this key issue.  Enjoy reading the article at this link.

(Photographs in Bryce's article were contributed by Raynaldo Phillips of the Forestry Division)


On a Trail of Prepositions

The Interpretive Trail Design and Maintenance Workshop is a training exercise which has taken place in six modules over the past eight months in the "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project.

Raynaldo Phillip, Forestry Officer assigned to the Forest and Protected Area Management team provides a reflection on one of the modules in a short blog.

Enjoy reading at this link.



vacancy announcement: 

Socioeconomic Assessment


Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is a full scale project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Government of Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of Planning and Development, the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The project’s overarching objective is to improve the sustainability of protected areas systems in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago Project (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) has issued this Call to conduct an Information Needs Assessment, Propose Survey Methodology and Develop a Work Plan for a Socioeconomic Assessment in and around six pilot protected areas in Trinidad and Tobago.

Please click the link below to see further details of this call:

Terms of Reference: Vacancy Announcement for Socioeconomic Assessment

Applications should be submitted to:

Mrs. Neila Bobb-Prescott, Chief Technical Advisor at Neila.BobbPrescott@fao.org.

Deadline for submission of applications is: Friday 29th September 2017.


Developing a National Protected Area System Plan


A meeting of key government and civil society stakeholders was held on Friday 9th September 2017 in the form of a one-day national consultation on a Draft Protected Areas System Plan.  

The meeting sought to engage stakeholders in discussion of preliminary recommendations for harmonizing existing protected area sites with proposed sites, in order to develop the most feasible network of sites based on the criteria of representation, redundancy, resilience and realism.  The Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Hon. Clarence Rambharat addressed the consultation, which was held at the PETROTRIN Staff Club, Pointe-à-Pierre.


Dr. Howard Nelson, consultant
The development of the draft Plan was undertaken by       Dr. Howard Nelson, a consultant to the “Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago” project.  This project is currently being undertaken by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO/UN) on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT) over the period 2015-2019.


Learn more about the discussions which took place at the consultation at this link.



Interpretive Trail Design and 

Maintenance Course ends


The fifth and last module of the Interpretive Trail Design and Maintenance course took place earlier this month, with activities coming to a close in west Trinidad.

Some twenty-five participants put their earlier learning on the course to use, designing a series of trails at the Botanical Gardens, Port of Spain.

Learn more about their experiences in the last module at this link.



Hunting with tomorrow in mind


A sustainable hunting campaign targeting the current open hunting season was initiated in Tobago, through a two-day workshop for Game Wardens, Honorary Game Wardens and Forest Officers on the island.

This workshop was an initiative of the “Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago” project, which is being administered by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO/UN) on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT).

Read more about the workshop activity at this link.


ERIC receives National Energy Globe Award


The Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville (ERIC) recently was recognised for its contributions to climate change awareness and action with a National Energy Globe Award for Trinidad and Tobago.

ERIC, an active participant on the Climate Change Champions network is also represented on both the Steering Committee and the Tobago Subcommittee for the project "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago".  Read more about this special achievement and the presentation of the award at this link.


Farming for Food, Health and Environmental Security


With the observance of World Food Day 2017 just around the corner, the "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project initiated a timely step, in hosting a farmers' workshop in Plum Mitan, Trinidad.  

This workshop, entitled "Farming for Food, Health and Environmental Security" assisted farmers in examining some of their farming practices to reduce the use of harmful chemicals on their farms.  

Located within the northern portion of the Nariva Swamp Environmentally Sensitive Area, this particular group of farmers was identified as a key audience for sharing information and new techniques in pest control to help improve the management of the protected area.  

Learn more about the workshop at this link.




Vacancy Announcements: 

Consultancy to conduct a sustainable financing study


(1) Senior Financing Consultant 

(2) Junior Financing Consultant

Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is a full scale project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Government of Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of Planning and Development, the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).  The project’s overarching objective is to improve the sustainability of protected areas systems in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago Project (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is issuing this Call for consultants to conduct a sustainable financing study for protected areas in Trinidad and Tobago.

Please click the links below to see further details of these vacancies:

(1) Senior Financing Consultant

(2) Junior Financing Consultant

Applications should be submitted to:

Mrs. Neila Bobb-Prescott, Chief Technical Advisor at Neila.BobbPrescott@fao.org.

Deadline for submission of applications is: Monday 6th November 2017.


EMA hosts Media Management Workshop for 

Rural Community Organisations


The National Restoration, Carbon Sequestration, Wildlife and Livelihoods Project managed by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) recently hosted a "Media Management Workshop for Rural Organisations" at its Head Office in St. Clair, Port of Spain.  Some twenty-two participants, members of community based organisations and local community environmental activists, improved their communication skills while learning new techniques to communicate with a variety of audiences.  Learn more about the workshop at this link.



Subcommittee undertakes Grande Riviere field trip

The Matura Forest and Coastal Zone Pilot Protected Area Subcommittee, which is spearheading the development of recommendations for a management plan for this site, recently undertook a field trip to the area's northern boundary at Grande Riviere village.

Read more about this activity of the "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project in this informative blog written by
Raynaldo Phillips of the Forestry Division at  this link.


Farmers explore self-check options for pesticide use



 The second session of a special workshop for farmers in the Plum Mitan area took place on 31st October 2017.  This activity was an undertaking of the "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project.  It was developed to assist in addressing threats to the Nariva Swamp Environmentally Sensitive Area, presented by the use of harmful chemicals including extremely toxic pesticides.  

In this session of the two-day workshop, the farmers learned about some options for conducting self-checks for their personal, produce and consumer health.  Learn more about the workshop at this link.

Charlotteville Escapade


After a long winding drive, and a few sleepy head nods later, we finally arrived at Charlotteville around 1440 hours.  The sun was out and there were a few persons hanging around on the shore of the bay, near the village center.


The team that participated in the Charlotteville walkabout

The team made its way to the conference room of the Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville, where we briefly went over the evening’s proceedings and how we should approach the villagers on the walkabout sensitization session. 


Work of local NGO featured on Blue Planet series

Learn more about the excellent work being undertaken by the Grande Riviere Nature Tour Guide Association in turtle conservation on the "Blue Planet" at this link: https://youtu.be/vDVOPAoN88w
The Grande Riviere Nature Tour Guide Association is actively contributing to the "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project as a stakeholder on the Matura Forest and Coastal Zone Pilot Protected Area Subcommittee.


Exploring gender issues in protected area management

Representatives of  various stakeholder organisations that are engaged in the "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project recently participated in a one-day workshop which explored gender issues in protected area management.

The participants learned how to conduct a gender analysis in their organisations' environmental projects and in the protected areas to which they are connected through project Subcommittees.

A call-back session planned for early 2018 will examine how their new learning has assisted in review and in the application of a 'gender lens' to their work.

Learn more about the workshop at this link.


Forest officers take part in GPS-GIS Workshop

The "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project together with the Institute of Marine Affairs and the Environmental Management Authority recently assisted in facilitating a GPS-GIS Workshop for officers of the Forestry Division.

Learn more about this activity at  this link.




New issue of ProtectEd newsletter (December 2017)


The Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago project has released the latest issue of ProtectEd, the project newsletter which reports on project activities and activities of forest and protected area stakeholders.


Enjoy reading a copy of the latest edition at this link and please share with your networks.






Livelihood Study completed for Matura National Park


Over the period July - August 2017, a Livelihood Assessment Study was undertaken in communities surrounding the Matura Forest and Coastal Zone Pilot Protected Area (PPA).  The study was an activity requested by the Subcommittee for this PPA under the "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project and sought to determine how people who live in these communities are currently engaging with the protected area in livelihood activities, as well as what are feasible, sustainable livelihoods that can be developed for this region that can also assist in management of the site.

In a two-part blog, principal researcher Dr. Veerle van den Eynden shares some of the main findings of the study. 

The first part of the blog gives a snapshot of existing livelihood links to the PPA and can be found at this link. 

Part two of the blog provides information on the recommendations for sustainable livelihood development after review of key assets associated with the site and the surrounding communities and can be found at this link.



Views and Reviews at 2018 Lessons Learned Workshop


Two weeks ago, the second annual “Lessons Learned Workshop” was hosted by the Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago project.  

The workshop was attended by a wide range of stakeholders who are involved in the project.  They reviewed approaches being undertaken towards the project’s goal and discussed mechanisms for taking the main gains of this initiative forward in their respective day-to-day operations.  


Learn more about the two day event at this link.


Celebrating the International Day of Forests 2018

March 21st marks the global annual observance of the International Day of Forests.  This year, the theme of the observance is: Forests and Sustainable Cities.

Locally, attention has been paid to the value of forest cover for the role it plays in maintaining our watersheds, reducing erosion, filtering the air, producing oxygen, creating habitats for our wildlife and in general... sustaining life!

Forest management and propagation come into focus in these two blog articles, prepared by Ms Khadija Bourne of the Forestry Division.  Enjoy reading Championship Trees and Tree Hazard Ratings and remember to keep loving our forests and our TT trees!

#iloveTTtrees 


Vacancy Announcements - Drafting of PA Management Plans

IMPROVING FOREST AND PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PROJECT

- Vacancy Announcements: 

(1) Lead Protected Area Management Specialist to draft management plans for 6 pilot protected areas 

(2) Junior Protected Area Management Specialist to draft management plans for 6 pilot protected areas 

Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is a full scale project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Government of Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of Planning and Development, the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).  The project’s overarching objective is to improve the sustainability of protected areas systems in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago Project (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is issuing this Call for consultants to apply for a short-term consultancy to work with a team to develop feasible and practical plans for the management of the protected areas.

Please click the links below to see further details of these vacancies:

(1) Lead Protected Area Management Specialist

(2) Junior Protected Area Management Specialist

Applications should be submitted to:

Mrs. Neila Bobb-Prescott, Chief Technical Advisor at Neila.BobbPrescott@fao.org.

Deadline for submission of applications is: Friday 13th April 2018.



EASTER OUTREACH BUILDS AWARENESS

Over this year's Easter weekend, teams engaged in fire patrols from the Forestry Division and local community-based organizations took the opportunity to meet with persons who were visiting the coastal region and Jagruma River for rest and relaxation.  The teams shared information on the value of the Swamp and partnered with the ICare programme to distribute garbage bags for proper collection and disposal of plastics.  

This activity was an public outreach activity developed under the Improving Forest and Protected Area Management project by the Nariva Swamp Subcommittee.

Read brief reports on the activity from the Forestry Division and Biche Environmental Action Group.



ROAMING ART EXHIBITION GETS UNDERWAY

On Monday 11th June 2018, an environmental art exhibition entitled “Treasures Among Us” was launched at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Port of Spain.  Under the patronage of Senator the Hon. Camille Robinson-Regis, Minister of Planning and Development, this exhibition highlights the talents of local artists in thirty mounted pieces in varied media.


The art exhibition was conceptualized as a communication vehicle under the four-year project “Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago” which is being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Read more about this initiative at this link.
#EnvironmentalPrideisNationalPride



LATEST ISSUE OF PROTECT-ED AVAILABLE

The June 2018 issue of the newsletter ProtecEd is now available.  Read about the recent and upcoming activities and reports from the "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project this link.


ROAMING ART EXHIBITION VISITS TRINCITY MALL

Following the launch of the roaming environmental art exhibit “Treasures Among Us” on June 11th, and its first week of showing at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Port of Spain, it was time to hit the road and head east.  The exhibit journeyed to the central atrium of the popular Trincity Mall.  

The exhibit is an initiative of the "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project and is part of the Environment Month celebrations of the Ministry of Planning and Development "Environmental Pride is National Pride" which promotes our local biodiversity.

Read more about the Mall experience at this link.






Second Marine Extractive Users Workshop takes place

Following positive feedback from attendees at the first marine extractive users workshop in March, the "Improving Forest and Protected Areas Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project hosted a second workshop for fisherfolk from the eastern end of Tobago.  Read about the activity at this link.


"My Caroni" Research/Information Sharing Series begins


"My Caroni" is the theme of a research/information sharing series which was conceptualised by the Caroni Swamp Pilot Protected Area Subcommittee of the "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project. 

The series is intended to provide updates to managers and other stakeholders on the assets, challenges and issues facing the ecosystem of the Caroni Swamp, to improve its management. 


The first session of the series got underway on Friday 25th August 2018 at the Caroni Swamp Visitor Centre.  Read more about the session at this link.


"My Caroni" pilot series comes to a close

The third and final session of the "My Caroni" research/information sharing series came to a close on Friday 26th October 2018.  The series, which was conceptualised to update managers and key stakeholders on pertinent and current issues relevant to management was held on a monthly basis, from August 2018.  Read about this final session, which covered two surveys conducted in selected communities which border the Caroni Swamp at this link.








Primary Teachers Workshop "localises" Science Curriculum

A workshop which targeted key topics on the Primary School Science Curriculum was offered to teachers in Tobago in late October.  The workshop was built around a toolkit of activities which introduced the science topics using the vehicle of storytelling.  The activities were well-received by thirty-one teachers who attended the workshop and set the pace for future networking among the teachers and local resource personnel who are involved in protected area management on the island.  Learn more about the workshop at this link. 


DECEMBER ISSUE OF PROTECT-ED IS HERE
The latest issue of the Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago project newsletter, ProtectEd is here!  This latest issue reports on project activities that took place over the last six-month period.  Enjoy catching up with news on the development of protected area management plans, the project's observance of World Food Day 2018 in October, a wide range of communication activities undertaken in Tobago and much, much more.  Read the latest issue of ProtectEd at this link.

ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS'WORKSHOP 

Over the period June - August 2018, three one-day workshops were undertaken as a joint initiative of the Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago project and the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) which were geared towards building knowledge of the legal framework for environmental management among senior enforcement officers.  The workshops were attended by 114 persons, including representatives of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, Game Wardens of the Wildlife Division, Forestry Officers, Environmental Police Unit, Police of Regional Corporations and the Customs and Excise Division (Tobago).
Key presentations were delivered on the Environmental Management Act 2000 Chapter 35:05 and rules, the Conservation of Wildlife Act Chapter 67:01, the Forest Act Chapter 66:01, the State Lands Act Chapter 57:01 an the Town and Country Planning Act Chapter 35:01.  A report on the workshops is provided at this link.

IMPROVING FOREST AND PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PROJECT

Vacancy Announcements 


(1) Video Production Service(2) Animation Video Production Service

Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is a full scale project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Government of Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of Planning and Development, the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The project’s overarching objective is to improve the sustainability of protected areas systems in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago Project (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is issuing this Vacancy Announcement for individuals to apply for a short-term contract to develop video products for public communication on the management of six protected areas in Trinidad and Tobago.

Please click the links below to see further details of these vacancies:(1) Video Production Service(2) Animation Video Production Service

Applications should be submitted to:Mrs. Neila Bobb-Prescott, Chief Technical Advisor at Neila.BobbPrescott@fao.org.Deadline for submission of applications is: Friday 8th February 2019.



impROVING FOREST AND PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PROJECTVacancy Announcement: Animation Video Production Service 


Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is a full scale project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Government of Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of Planning and Development, the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).  The project’s overarching objective is to improve the sustainability of protected areas systems in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago Project (GCP/TRI/003/GFF) is issuing this Vacancy Announcement for individuals to apply for a short-term contract to develop a video product for public communication on the management of a protected area in Trinidad and Tobago.

Please click the link below to see further details of this vacancy:

(1) Animation Video Production Service

PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS AN EXTENSION TO THE VACANCY CALL PREVIOUSLY ISSUED ON 14 JANUARY 2019.

 Applications should be submitted to:

Mrs. Neila Bobb-Prescott, Chief Technical Advisor at Neila.BobbPrescott@fao.org.

Deadline for submission of applications is: Friday 8th March 2019.

































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