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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National Inception Workshops - BIOREACH Project

BIOREACH: Biodiversity Conservation and Agroecological Land Restoration in Productive Landscapes of Trinidad and Tobago

Project Preparation Grant (PPG) Inception Meetings

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nation’s (FAO/UN) project preparation team is leading the development of a Project Document (for the BIOREACH: Biodiversity Conservation and Agroecological Land Restoration in Productive Landscapes of Trinidad and Tobago project) in collaboration and consultation with relevant Agencies and stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago. The outcome document is to be completed by March 2020, for submission to Global Environment Facility (GEF) for their endorsement.

In light of this, on October 8^th and 10^th 2019 the BIOREACH Project Inception Workshops were held at the Cara Suites in Claxton Bay, Trinidad, and at the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort in Tobago.

The workshops were geared at creating awareness among national stakeholders about the Project, and getting their feedback on the design of the Project.

Participants were informed through presentations on different components of the Project (which seeks to address threats to our local biodiversity and productive landscapes from human encroachment, forest fires and unsustainable practices); and also participated in several group discussions, with the aim of assisting in the development of a Project proposal that when completed will result in a well-drafted proposal with the potential to achieve sustainable and effective results.

The presentations delivered during the Inception Workshops can be found below:

1. Project Components
2. Project Outline and Objectives
3. Socio-Environmental Analysis

Attendees at the Trinidad Workshop Listen to a Presentation Delivered by Mr. Asif Khan, PPG National Coordinator

Group Presentation during the Trinidad Leg of the PPG Inception Workshop

Dr. Claus Eckelmann, Lead Technical Officer - FAO/ UN Addressng Tobago Invitees

Group Discussions at the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort in Tobago

International Day for Biological Diversity - 22 May

The United Nations has proclaimed May 22, The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.

This year’s celebrations focus on biodiversity as the foundation for our food and health and a key catalyst to transforming food systems and improving human health.

The theme of 2019 ‘Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health’ aims to leverage knowledge and spread awareness of the dependency of our food systems, nutrition, and health on biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. The theme also celebrates the diversity provided by our natural systems for human existence and well-being on Earth, while contributing to other Sustainable Development Goals, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, ecosystems restoration, cleaner water and zero hunger, among others.

For further information on IDB 2019, please visit: https://www.cbd.int/idb/2019/

2018 UN Biodiversity Conference: Investing in Biodiversity for People and Planet

The United Nations’ 14^th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was held from 13-29 November, 2018, in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, under the theme “Investing in biodiversity for people and planet”.

The Government of Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was represented at the CBD COP-14 by, Ms. Candace Amoroso, Biodiversity Specialist of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements Unit, Environmental Policy and Planning Division of the Ministry of Planning and Development. Ms. Amoroso formed part of the largest Caribbean contingent at any CBD COP this year, with eleven (11) countries being represented.

The conference concluded with broad international agreement on reversing the global destruction of nature and biodiversity loss, threatening all forms of life on Earth. To combat this crisis, Governments agreed to accelerate action to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, agreed in 2010, from now until 2020. Work to achieve these targets will take place at the global, regional, national and sub-national levels. The meeting also agreed on a comprehensive and participatory process for developing the post-2020 global biodiversity framework anticipated to be agreed upon at the next Conference of Parties (COP 15) in Beijing in 2020. The framework aims to safeguard nature and biodiversity for decades to come.

Ms. Candace Amoroso - Biodiversity Specialist

Mr. David Cooper, CBD Deputy Executive Secretary (first row, fourth from right) 

with delegates from the Caribbean

Update on the "Advancing the Nagoya Protocol in Countries of the Caribbean Region" Project

Since the first National Workshop on Advancing the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits arising from their Utilization (ABS), at the Hilton, Port of Spain in April, 2016, we have kicked the Regional UNEP-GEF project into high gear. 

Some of the highlights of 2017 include:

1.      Attendance at two (2) Regional Meetings to advance the Protocol:

 - Inception Workshop on Advancing the Nagoya Protocol in Countries of the Caribbean Region and Regional Workshop on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABSCH) Clearing House, July 2016

                      -  Regional Workshop on the ABSCH, and Contract Template Development, November 2017

2.      Participation in a National Inventory of Genetic Material: Perspectives and Prospects

3.    Assessment of current national legislation to determine if a separate ABS legislation is needed, or if the ABS protocol can be enacted with current legislation.

4.    A national workshop on ABS legislation to generate recommendations on the way forward, September 2017

5.     A review of current administration systems for accessing genetic resources in Trinidad and Tobago

6.      Participation in a regional exercise to draft Cabinet Notes for accession to the Protocol

In 2018, the Project aims to:

1.     Complete the national genetic inventory report

2.     Host a national workshop with Indigenous Local Communities on awareness raising of the Protocol

3.  Engage in public awareness elements e.g. signage, newspaper articles, blog, roving caravan, television spots, regional ABS webpage

Image showing Attendees at the Workshop on “Advancing the Nagoya Protocol in Countries of the Caribbean Region-Legal Perspectives”, September 11^th, 2017; EPPD, MPD.

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.

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:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=799eIbTJkYc&feature=youtu.be

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. 

Click here to learn more about this workshop activity.

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.

Click here to read more about this activity.

 

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 5^th 2016. 

The activity took place at the Forestry Division Visitor Centre, San Fernando Hill, San Fernando.

Click here to learn more about the discussion

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. 

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

Week Two at P3DM – Cumana Village, 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 of 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.

Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago Project – Consultancy Available!

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 lead on the preparation of a National Protected Areas Systems Plan.  

Please click the link below to see further details of the consultancy:

 

Terms of Reference – Consultancy

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

Deadline for submission of applications is: Monday  11^th July, 2016.