EPPD's Environmental Webinar Series 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. Reuben Robertson, FAO

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

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

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

Dr. Bheshem Ramlal. UWI

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

Dr. David Persaud, EPPD

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

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

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

Capacity Development for the Improved Management of 

Multilateral Environment Agreements for 

Global Environmental Benefits

Training of Trainers Workshop

Date: 21st - 23rd July, 2020

Location: Radisson Hotel, Trinidad 

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

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

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

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

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