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/

International Day for Biological Diversity 2015!

 

Today May 22nd, 2015 we join the rest of the world in observing International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB). The United Nations General Assembly declared 22 May as IDB, to commemorate the adoption of the Convention of Biological Diversity and to promote and increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.

This year's IDB theme “Biodiversity for Sustainable Development” reflects the importance of efforts made at all levels to establish a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the United Nations Post-2015 Development Agenda and the relevance of biodiversity to the achievement of sustainable development.  

Trinidad and Tobago comprises of a myriad of ecosystems and as such we possess one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the Caribbean. This country’s biological resources are of paramount importance to all sectors of society. Nowhere is this more relevant, than in our rural communities where fishing, hunting, craft, tour guiding and other nature-based activities contribute significantly to local economies.

In light of the importance of our biodiversity towards the sustainable development of our nation, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources is currently pursuing various activities to ensure the conservation of biodiversity. 

These include, among others, the drafting of Legislation such as the Forest, Protected Areas and Wildlife Conservation Bill necessary for the implementation of the three (3) recently approved National Policies (Forest, Protected Areas and Wildlife Policies) and the initiation of the "Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago" Project which will ensure the sustainable management of our forests and protected areas.

 

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago will continue to do its part to conserve the country's biological resources in its pursuit of sustainable development!

 

IDB Beach Clean-up

On Friday 24 May. 2013 the staff members of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Country Office and the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) partnered together on the IDB's Day of Volunteerism to clean-up the Grand Riviere Beach, one of the nesting sites for leatherback turtles on Trinidad's North coast.

Source: http://www.turtlevillagetrust.org/turtle-watching.htm

The MEWR was represented by members of the EPPD, Green Fund Executing Unit, Drainage Division, Forestry Division as well as its agencies the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and the Water and Sewage Authority (WASA). Students from the Grand  Riviere A.C. Primary School were also present to participate in this important exercise that reinforced the non-governmental and governmental co-management approach to improving the state of the environment.

The day’s activity proved to be very fulfilling to all who participated. Though we were in one of the country’s most pristine and beautiful areas, we were all cognisant in knowing that we assisted in maintaining the accessibility of the leatherback turtle to the beach to lay their eggs.  In addition, we helped a community that generates a large portion of their livelihoods from the turtles presence on the beach.

 

Coming soon! - Climate Change Stakeholder Consultation

STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

Discussion on the Objectives of the Climate Change Policy and Recommendations Made for Amendments to Existing Legislation

During the week of Monday 5th November 2012, various stakeholder consultations will be held in both Trinidad  and Tobago.

These consultations are being held as a part of the implementation of a project spearheaded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. These partners have developed and are executing the project geared at mainstreaming climate change into national development and capacity building for participation in carbon markets.

The project seeks to support the development of the regulatory, institutional and policy framework required to reduce emissions, protect against climate impacts and incentivise investments in low-carbon technologies.

With this in mind, a consortium of Narinesingh, Ramlogan and Co. and Climate Focus will be holding discussions with stakeholders on the objectives of the Climate Change Policy and the recommended amendments to existing legislation to mainstream and integrate climate change across all sectors.

For further information about the project and the stakeholder consultation, kindly review the following documents:

• Stakeholder Brief

• Policies and Regulations by Sector 

• Overview of National Legislation and Programmes