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.

Coastal zone field trip provides insight to Subcommittee

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. 

A key aspect for consideration was the feasibility of a physical linkage between the Matura Forest and this satellite coastal zone. 

The field trip took place on August 12th 2016 with stops at Fishing Pond Village, Vega de Oropouche and Matura Village.

Click here to read more about this activity.

 

Pilot Protected Area Member wins Tourism Service Business Excellence Award!

Nature Seekers, Co-Chair of the Matura Forest and coastal zone pilot protected area subcommittee, has been awarded the Tourism Service Business Excellence Award from the Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association for 2015.  

The organisation won this prestigious award last year.  The award is given to recognise and celebrate outstanding performance in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry in Trinidad and Tobago. The Improving Forest and Protected Area Management (IFPAM) Project will build on experiences and lessons learned from key stakeholders like Nature Seekers to improve livelihoods of stakeholders who earn their living from forest and protected areas.  Congratulations to Nature Seekers!!!