In June 2012, the Global Environment Facility
(GEF) approved the development of a project on ‘Improving Forest and
Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago’ worth US$2.79 million,
to cover this biodiversity focal area. A project preparation grant of
US$119,000 was subsequently approved in September 2012. The Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) has been given the lead to develop the project document by August
2013, in collaboration with relevant departments in Trinidad and Tobago and in
consultation with diverse stakeholders, for submitting to GEF for endorsement.
The project’s
Inception Workshop was held during October 31 to November 01, 2012 at Rudranath
Capildeo Learning Resource Centre in Couva, and was the first step in a series of
consultations with relevant stakeholders. The workshop was geared at creating
awareness among national stakeholders about the project, and soliciting their feedback to
assist in designing the project.
Senator the Honourable
Mr Ganga Singh, Minister of Environment and Water Resources delivered the keynote
speech at the event, welcoming stakeholders and inviting their valuable input
in the event’s proceedings. Approximately 125 participants were informed
through presentations on various technical aspects of the project at this
workshop. Stakeholders also actively participated in several group discussions,
focusing on the project components and project preparation activities. The comments
and contributions at these groups were then recorded and will be useful for
planning various project activities and collecting the baseline data needed for
preparing the project document.
 |
| Senator the Honourable Mr Ganga Singh delivering his keynote speech at the Inception Workshop |
Relevant
outcomes of the deliberations are summarised in the Inception Workshop Report below. The presentations delivered at the Workshop have also been condensed into the 'Presentation slides.'
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. 
