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/

Global Workshop on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Delivering Climate Action and Sustainable Development

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Low Emission Capacity Building (LECB) Programme hosted the Global Workshop on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Delivering Climate Action and Sustainable Development which was held in Brussels, Belgium during the period 13-14 June, 2016. 

Trinidad and Tobago was represented at the Global Workshop  by Mrs. Beverly Khan, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Development and Mr. Javed Lakhan, Environmental Policy Analyst, Environmental Policy and Planning Division of the Ministry of Planning and Development.

DPS Khan at the head table (second from the left) participating as a panelist on one of the discussions at the Workshop

The two (2) day Workshop focused on collaborating with participants to: 

• formulate a framework for comprehensive NDC implementation;
• sharing of experiences between countries with  respect to planning and implementing          activities to achieve goals set out under NDCs; 
• discussing technical and institutional issues related to implementation and how to address them and; 
• elaborate on the ways NDCs could not only deliver on countries’ commitments to the Paris      Agreement but also be a driving factor toward meeting the global Sustainable Development       Goals (SDGs).

The meeting proved very fruitful, facilitated the conceptualisation of some concrete first steps to drive achievement of NDC goals in Trinidad and Tobago. Some of the first steps identified included increasing public awareness and seeking to create high level political champions within various ministries to ensure that climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emission components are considered at all levels of country planning.

EMA Research Symposium on Managing Protected Areas and Species

On November 16th, 2015 the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) hosted a Research Symposium on Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESSs) and Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) entitled, “Managing Our Protected Areas and Species: Linking Science to Policy and Decision-making” at the Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre.

Delivering the feature address on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Planning and Development was Dr. David Persaud, Environmental Manager of the Environmental Policy and Planning Division (EPPD) of the Ministry. Dr. Persaud emphasised that the protection of the environment is an integral aspect of Government’s new national development pathway for Trinidad and Tobago in keeping with, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Of particular relevance is SDG #15 which highlights the need to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification and halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss. 

Dr. Persaud delivering the feature address on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Planning and Development at the start of the Symposium.

He emphasised the need for timely and efficient statistical data (such as those presented during the Symposium) as being a key deliverable to inform the decision making processes and innovative approaches in the management and conservation of ecological resources. This will involve engaging all stakeholders and working together towards finding solutions to protect sensitive areas and species. 

Participants had the opportunity to learn about the latest research local scientists are engaged in with respect to protected areas and species in Trinidad and Tobago; whilst also improving their understanding of the major challenges and possible solutions for management of ESAs and ESSs. They also discussed the linkage between science, policy and decision-making. Expert panels led by renowned local scientists such as Professor Agard of UWI and Dr. Carol James, as well as Ms. Neila Bobb-Prescott from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), stimulated the discussion in an attempt to flesh out the symposium objectives.

 Ms. Candace Amoroso, Biodiversity Specialist of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements Unit, was the EPPD’s representative on Panel 3, where she discussed Linking Science to Policy and Decision-Making , the Major Challenges and Possible Solutions.   She emphasised that the scientific community can be most effective at shaping policy with focused, realistic, science-based recommendations that are targeted to and using the language that policy-makers understand as well as presenting research that reflects a broad level of input from stakeholders. In addition, she suggested that communication and access to data can be enhanced between the groups of stakeholders with the use of science-led expert groups and web forums to provide advice to decision makers.

Ms. Amoroso on the Panel discussing the linkage of science to policy.