World Wetlands Day - "Celebrating My Caroni"

Under the theme "Celebrating My Caroni", the Caroni Swamp Subcommittee of the Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago project shared the observance of this year's World Wetlands Day.  The actual date of the observance being 2nd February annually, the Subcommittee staged two major activities with target audiences of artists/photographers and Primary  School students, which were all held at the Caroni Swamp, one of our more well-known wetland sites.

On Sunday 2nd February 2020 - 02.02.2020 - some thirteen artists and photographers accepted the invitation to embark on a guided tour of the Caroni Swamp, assisted by Ravi Kalpoo of Kalpoo tours, and local naturalists.  After a short briefing at the Visitor Centre, the group explored the various channels of the swamp with instructions to capture "what stands out and inspires", including the "awesomeness", "the good, the bad, the ugly" and "the value and challenges" of the Swamp. 

On Thursday 6th February 2020, it was the turn of seventy-one (71) Standard Three students of four schools from communities which surround the Caroni Swamp to explore "The World of Wetlands".  In four rotations, students undertook: (i) an interpretive walk of the wetland at the Visitor Centre; (ii) a virtual tour of the Caroni Swamp's flora, fauna and associated livelihoods via a PowerPoint presentation; (iii) a hands-on activity on food chains and food webs of the Caroni Swamp; and (iv) an exploration of biodiversity of swamps and introduction to plants found at the Caroni Swamp.

It was then the turn of artists and photographers again on Friday 7th February 2020, to regroup at the swamp for "an evening corn soup lime" to close the celebration of "My Caroni" by reviewing all the pieces captured through the lens of the photographer and the brushstokes and hands of the artists.  With brief comments delivered by the Project  Coordination Unit, a representative of the National Parks Section of the Forestry Division, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, the oohs and aahs echoed through the cool evening breeze of the Caroni Visitor Centre, as the beautiful pieces were revealed.

Both audiences were greatly appreciative of the activities and recommended that these be repeated regularly to build awareness and appreciation for protected areas, while sharing accurate information about the sites.  It is hoped that these recommendations meet fertile ground, as the mantra often repeated at the event was "another occasion, a different location", to enhance local knowledge of these sites.

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

New signage installed at protected areas

Main Sign located at Salybia-Matura Trace, Salybia Village

November 13th 2019 marked a significant day in the "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project, with the unveiling of new signage at a protected area.  The Matura National Park Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) was the first of five pilot protected areas of focus in the project to be bestowed with these simple yet significant features, which are intended to aid in building awareness and valuing of protected areas.

Educational sign located at Orosco Road, Matura Village

The ceremony to unveil these signs took place at a main entryway to the ESA, at the corner of the Salybia-Matura Trace and Toco Main Road in the village of Salybia.  Senator the Hon. Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries and Mr. Reuben Robertson, Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname took part in the unveiling ceremony after addressing a small gathering of about 60 persons; several members of the surrounding community were present at the ceremony.

Boundary sign located at Salybia

A total of 30 signs will be mounted around the ESA, with some of these located within the communities that surround the site.  In 2016, a survey of persons living in these communities revealed that persons who lived outside the village of Matura had little or no connection with the Park that has "Matura" in its name.  As a result of this, stakeholders on the Project Subcommittee associated with the site decided that apart from boundary-demarcating signs, information signs that highlight key assets of the Park should be mounted in neighbouring communities, headlined with the words "In Your Neighbourhood" to stimulate a closer connection with the protected area.

Similar signage exercises are expected to take place around four more protected areas in the coming months with the intent of building interest, knowledge and appreciation of the value of these sites.

KAP surveys soon to get underway

In 2016-2017, the Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago project undertook a series of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices surveys in communities surrounding six protected areas of the project's focus.  The data gathered in these surveys, supplied information about people's knowledge and interaction or lack therefore with these protected areas, and advised communication plans for the six sites.

Now, towards the end of this four-year project, these surveys are being repeated, to determine whether areas of positive feedback are sustained and if areas of lack of awareness or knowledge have improved.  The surveys are preceded by training/re-training of enumerators in a series of training workshops, the first of which took place in the village of Plum Mitan today. 

Surveys will begin in communities surrounding the Nariva Swamp, Trinity Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and Tobago's NE marine area and Main Ridge Forest Reserve next week.

Surveys in communities surrounding Caroni Swamp and Matura National Park will begin on 25 November 2019.

Two-day Flood Modelling Workshop

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO/UN) is coordinating a two-day training exercise in flood modelling on Tuesday 30^th – Wednesday 31^st October, 2019.  The workshop is a component of the four-year project “Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago” which the FAO is implementing on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

This workshop activity will enable participants – including staff of the Drainage Division, Ministry of Works and Transport and the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and Environment, THA – to become familiar with aspects of the hydrology of catchments and their influence on receiving floodplains.  The focus of the workshop will be on the development of design storms and the application of techniques for generating streamflow hydrographs emanating from catchments.

This workshop sets the stage for a follow-up session in early November in which participants can understand how the streamflow hydrographs flowing onto a floodplain may cause flooding.  It will explore the capabilities and limitations of a popular two-dimensional hydrodynamic model and how it can be used for performing hydraulic analyses for evaluating the suitability of flood control measures.  The model’s capability for producing flood hazard maps will also be covered.

The workshop is linked to a current feasibility study being undertaken in the project to identify possible options for improving freshwater input into the mangrove swamp forest of the Caroni Swamp.  If a feasible option is identified, improved freshwater flow to the Swamp may also provide an associated solution to reduce or mitigate flood challenges in surrounding areas.

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

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

Main Ridge Forest Reserve 243rd anniversary celebrations

In recognition of the 243rd anniversary of the declaration of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the Department of Natural Resources and Forestry and Environment Tobago jointly undertook two activities. 

The first activity took the form of a "Main Ridge Forest Fitness Challenge" in which the public was invited to take part in a run/walk/cycle challenge across the main road which runs through the Main Ridge Forest Reserve.  Participants either chose to undertake a 14 km full challenge or a 7 km half challenge, which ended at the Bloody Bay Visitor Facility.  All finishers were rewarded with medals and the fastest finisher in various age and gender categories received prizes. 

The second event was a "Kids' Jamboree" hosted for pre-school students from the surrounding area.  The youngsters enjoyed sing-alongs, stories and skits on environmental themes, as well as a petting zoo. 

The keen interest and participation from the public in these events has encouraged the organizers to consider hosting these as as annual undertaking.  A brief report on the anniversary celebrations is available at this link.

Report on survey for ESS in Tobago

The White-tailed Sabrewing Hummingbird is listed locally as an Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS) and is globally near threatened.  The bird has been recorded at two locations in Venezuela and also in the Mian Ridge Forest Reserve, Tobago.  Over the three month period December 2018 - February 2019, a survey on the presence and distribution of the bird was done in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve with the assistance of data loggers and tour guides.  The information gathered makes a key contribution to the development of  a management plan for the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, a key deliverable of the "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project.  The report is available at this link.

Enforcement Officers Workshop report available online

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.

Communicating with IFPAMTT

Recently, a two-day communication workshop was held among stakeholders involved in the "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" project.  This workshop sought to review the journey in communication adopted by the project while building understanding of the processes involved in development of key communication products.  Read more about the activity at this link.

Vacancy Call: Animation Video Production Service

IMPROVING FOREST AND PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PROJECT

- Vacancy 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.

Enforcement Officers Workshop (2018)

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.

December issue of ProtectEd 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.

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.

"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.

"My Caroni" session focuses on the Scarlet Ibis and Enforcement matters

The second session in the "My Caroni" information/research sharing series took place on Friday 28th September 2018. An initiative of the Caroni Swamp Pilot Protected Area Subcommittee (Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago project), these sessions assist managers in understanding the complexity of issues which face the protected area, and offer opportunities to discuss, brainstorm ideas and network to find practical solutions and/or approaches to improved management.  

At the second session which was hosted at the Head Office of the Environmental Management Authority, attendees gained insight on the process followed for designation of the most recent Environmentally Sensitive Species, the Scarlet Ibis.  

Additionally, the current challenges facing managers for enforcement within the Caroni Swamp (and other protected areas) and the novel ways in which some of these are being addressed, were shared.  

Learn more about the information shared and the discussions which ensued at this link.  The next session of the series will be held in late October.

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.

Roaming Art Exhibition gets underway

On Monday 11^th 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

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.