Report on World Wetlands Day 2020 activities

The "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project, through its Caroni Swamp Subcommittee hosted two activities at the Visitor Centre of the well-known wetland in recognition of this year's World Wetlands Day observance. 

These activities, which encouraged the participation of primary school students and teachers, as well as a group of artists and photographers, also piloted novel on-site environmental education approaches.

A report on these activities is available at this link.

Official Handover of Enforcement Officer Resources

On Wednesday December 11^th, 2019 the Food and Agriculture Organisation Food of the United Nations (FAO/UN) held the official handover of Enforcement Officer Resources stemming from the Improving Forests and Protected Areas Management (IFPAM) Project. 

The handover represents the results of the ongoing efforts of the IFPAM project, in particular three (3) workshops held under the auspices of the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) in collaboration with the FAO/UN between June and August of 2018 at Port-of-Spain, San Fernando and Tobago.  The theme of those workshops was “Boosting our frontline: Improving enforcement of laws for environmental management.”

The objectives of the workshops, were to:

• Improve knowledge of the impacts of deleterious actions on the health of ecosystems and livelihoods
• Build and strengthen networks to enable improved collaboration among governmental organisations.
• Improve knowledge of the Environmental Management Act 2000 Ch. 35:05 and rules; the Forest Act Ch. 66:01; the Conservation of Wildlife Act Ch. 67:01 and other relevant laws, in particular the State Lands Act Ch.57:01 and The Town and Country Planning Act Ch.35:01.

As part of this initiative, three (3) tangible outputs were created;  

1. An enforcement officer’s guidebook, which lists some of the most applicable legislation, additionally, the guide explains at a basic level the methodology for coordinating among the various enforcement agencies and the fundamentals for laying charges under current legislation.
2. Standard Operating Procedures have been developed which include photographs of all the species to afford easy identification as well as a list of contacts of the relevant regulatory authorities.
3. Along with a wallet sized, weatherproofed guide which outlines the ten basic steps for carrying out an investigation. 

Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Development, Ms. Melanie Noel addressing the audience

Mr. Steve Lalbeharry, Regional Coordinator, Emergency Response & Investigations, EMA Describing the Enforcement Materials

Representatives of Different Agencies with Copies of their Enforcement Materials

Major Highlights of the Socio-Economic Survey of Communities Near Protected Areas in Trinidad and Tobago

On Tuesday December 10^th, 2019 the Central Statistical Office (CSO) in conjunction with the Food and Agriculture Organisation Food of the United Nations (FAO/UN) held a launch of the major highlights of the Socio-Economic Survey of the communities near to the six (6) pilot protected areas (PPAs) under the project. These PPAs are the Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago, the proposed North-East Tobago Marine Protected Area, Matura Forest and coastal zone, Trinity Hills and eastern extension, Nariva Swamp and coastal zone and Caroni Swamp.

The socio-economic assessment is part of the FAO-GEF Project “Improving Forest and Protected Areas Management in Trinidad and Tobago” and sought to examine the interactions between the PPAs and the members of communities who live in and around six pilot PPAs.  The study conducted in September and October 2019, by the CSO, assessed the overall awareness of persons living within close proximity to these pilot protected areas regarding their designation, and measured the impact of these areas on the livelihoods and well-being on nearby residents and the wider community. Aspects examined included socio-economic attributes, reliance on protected areas for various needs, and opportunities for sustaining and enhancing income opportunities through ecosystem services provided by these areas. Earlier in the project, an Information Needs Assessment was conducted to identify available information to contribute to the conduct of the socioeconomic assessment, to propose a methodology for data gathering and evaluation and prepare a detailed work plan for the implementation of the assessment.

The event featured addresses by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Development, Ms. Melanie Noel; FAO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname Mr Reuben Robertson, Director of the CSO Mr Sean O'Brien and Mrs. Rebecaa Gookool-Bosland, Senior Economist,  of the Technical Backstopping Team.

Members of the Head Table (L-R) Mr. Reuben Robertson, Mr. Sean O’Brian,  Ms. Melanie Noel and Mrs. Rebecaa Gookool-Bosland

Mr. Sean O’Brian, Director, Trinidad and Tobago Central Statistical Office

Mrs. Rebecaa Gookool-Bosland, Senior Economist, Technical Backstopping Team

Inaugural Meeting of the BIOREACH Steering Committee

Trinidad and Tobago has received approval for a Global Environment Facility (GEF) project entitled “BIOREACH: Biodiversity Conservation and Agroecological Land Restoration in Productive Landscapes of Trinidad and Tobago”. Under this project Trinidad and Tobago would have access to US$4.27 million grant funding from the GEF to implement the project over four (4) years. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is the GEF Implementation Agency that has been selected to assist Trinidad and Tobago with the Project.

In order to access this funding, a detailed project document will have to be developed within the next eighteen months and submitted by the FAO to the GEF Secretariat for approval. The deadline for submission of this detailed project document is December 2020. The preparation of the project document is being guided by a multi-stakeholder steering committee consisting of representatives from the Environmental Management Authority, Ministry of Planning and Development (Environmental Policy and Planning Division; Town and Country Planning Division), Tobago House of Assembly (Division of Food Production, Forestry and Fisheries; Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment), Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries (Forestry Division; Agriculture Planning Division), Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago, Cocoa Development Co. of Trinidad and Tobago, Green Market Santa Cruz, Environment Tobago and FAO.

The inaugural meeting of the Committee was held on July 24, 2019 at the Ministry of Planning and Development. 

Further details on the project can be found in the Project Identification Form (PIF) document that is available for download here.

Discussions during the Inaugural Steering Committee of the BIOREACH Project

Vacancy Call: Animation Video and Video Production Services

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.

"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.

Roaming Art Exhibition visits Trincity Mall

Following the launch of the roaming environmental art exhibit “Treasures Among Us” on June 11^th, 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.

Latest issue of ProtectEd Newsletter now 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.

Easter Weekend 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.

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.

New Issue of ProtectEd (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.

Farmers explore self-check options for pesticide use

A farmer conducts a rapid test for pesticide residue

The second session of a special workshop for farmers in the Plum Mitan area took place on 31^st 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.

Ground truthing field trip to Grande Riviere

Subcommittee members in discussion at the coast in Grande Riviere

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.

Vacancy Announcement: Consultancy to conduct a sustainable financing study

IMPROVING FOREST AND PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PROJECT

- Vacancy Announcements: 

(1)Senior Financing Consultant to conduct a sustainable financing study for protected areas in Trinidad and Tobago 

(2) Junior Financing Consultant to conduct a sustainable financing study for protected areas in Trinidad and Tobago 

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.

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.

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.

Vacancy Announcement: Socioeconomic Assessment exercise

IMPROVING FOREST AND PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PROJECT

- Vacancy Announcement: Conduct an Information Needs Assessment, Propose Survey Methodology and Develop a Work Plan for a 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) is issuing 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.

On a trail of prepositions

Dwelling house at Wa Sakami Ecosystems project

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.

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)

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.