4th National Report CBD 2010 Changes Inc

b
FOURTH NATIONAL REPORT OF

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO TO THE
[
CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL
DIVERSITY
The Cropper Foundation

1
August 2010
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Introduction
The Fourth National Report of Trinidad and Tobago to the Convention on Biological Diversity, provides
an update on the status of implementation of the Convention in T&T, and assesses the progress of the
country in meeting the 2010 Biodiversity Target. In keeping with the guidelines provided by the CBD for
preparation of this Report, the process for compiling the document ensured the incorporation of
stakeholder perspectives and inputs. The Report is presented in four chapters as follows:
Chapter 1: An assessment of the status of, trends in and threats to biodiversity in T&T
Chapter 2: An update on the implementation of T&Ts National Biodiversity Strategy and Action
Plan (NBSAP)
Chapter 3: An overview of efforts to mainstream biodiversity into national policies, programmes
and projects
Chapter 4: An overall assessment of T&Ts implementation of the Convention, and progress
towards meeting the 2010 Biodiversity Target
Trinidad and Tobago are the two main islands of an archipelagic state situated between 10 11o North
Latitude and 60-61o West Longitude at the southern end of the chain of Caribbean islands known as the
Windward Islands. Trinidad is the larger of the two islands, with an area of approximately 4,827 km2
while Tobago has an area of 303 km2. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the country covers an area
of seventy-five thousand square kilometres (75,000 km2) almost fifteen times as large as the land area
of the islands combined.
Trinidad and Tobagos Biodiversity: Status, Trends and Threats
Trinidad and Tobago boasts a very rich biota relative to the size of the islands. This heightened
biodiversity is most directly attributable (though not exclusively so) to the history and location of the
islands in relation to the South American continent. The past and fairly recent land bridge to the South
American continent, and proximity to the Orinoco River Delta and outflow, have allowed for the
relatively easy penetration of mainland species into Trinidad and Tobagos biotic region. But the
connection and proximity to the mainland have not been the only determining factors. Topographical
features and associated microclimate variability (rainfall and temperature), as well as other factors such as
varying soil types, and human activities all have an influence on vegetation. The transitional changes in
vegetation account for a concomitant change in species diversity, type and abundance.
There are a number of natural ecosystems found in the country, including forested ecosystems (of which
there are many types); inland freshwater systems (rivers and streams); coastal and marine ecosystems
(such as coral reefs, mangrove swamps, seagrass beds and open ocean); savannas; karst landforms
(including caves); and man-made/induced systems (such as secondary forests, agricultural lands and
freshwater dams). For the purpose of this report, three main biomes are considered in the assessment of
status, trends and threats. They are (1) Forested ecosystems, (2) Inland Freshwater ecosystems and (3)
Marine and Coastal ecosystems.
While data and information on regulating services - such as carbon sequestration - and supporting
services - such as nutrient cycling and biodiversity support - remain relatively scarce (in some cases
totally absent), their importance does not go unnoticed.
Yet despite the importance of biodiversity at the national and sub-national levels, unsustainable
development and inefficiencies in management practices have been led to a decline in biodiversity.
There is a causal and integrated relationship in the ways in which both direct and indirect driving forces
are affecting biodiversity and consequently human well-being. The major cause-effect thread is as
follows:
Rapid economic growth on account of the oil and gas industry in Trinidad and Tobago has driven
changes in land use/land cover especially (though not exclusively) in western Trinidad and in
southwestern Tobago. These have been exacerbated by lack of effective governance and
enforcement of laws/policies, as well as by other stressors such as overharvesting, climate change
and alien invasive species
On account of these changes, there have been significant modifications especially in the countrys
forests and coastal systems
There has also been pollution of inland freshwater systems and coastal regions on account of land
based activities (principally housing/urbanisation, agriculture, industrialization and quarrying)
As a result of the foregoing, loss of ecosystem integrity has had some very direct and severe
consequences, the most pressing including:
Greater severity of flooding in recent years in areas most modified by human activities. These
also coincide with areas of highest urban and residential development
Lower quantities of potable water sources from inland water sources for human consumption
Loss of healthy habitats for wildlife, resulting in reductions in the abundance and distribution of
species on both islands, as well as a higher vulnerability of certain species to extirpation
Economic losses in tourism and fisheries in Tobago associated with extensive coral reef
degradation
Higher fish prices due to depleted marine stocks
The table overleaf provides a qualitative summary of the status of, trends in and threats to biodiversity in
Trinidad and Tobago, and what it indicates is that much more effort is required to ensure that current
negative trends are reversed.
SUMMARY OF STATUS OF, TRENDS IN AND THREATS TO MAJOR BIOMES/ECOSYSTEMS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Driving Forces
Quarrying
Chemical
Solid Waste
Rapidly
Declining
Declining
High
High
Med
High
Low
Low
Med
High
Med
Stable
Fair
Fair
Stable
Declining
Declining
Med
High
High
High
High
High
Med
High
Med
Coastal
SystemsWetlands
Fair
Fair
Fair
Declining
Declining
Declining
High
High
High
Med
High
Med
Med
High
High
Coastal
SystemsCoral Reefs
Poor
Poor
Fair
Declining
Declining
Declining
High
High
Low
Low
High
High
Med
Med
N/A
Good
Fair
N/A
Declining
slowly
Declining
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Med
Low
High
Inland
Freshwater
Systems
Marine
(Open ocean)
Industrial
Urban
including
Housing
Declining
Agriculture
Associated
Species
abundance
Fair
Associated
Species
abundance
Fair
Forests
Integrity of
Ecosystem
Services
Fair
Extent of
biome
Integrity of
Ecosystem
Services
Pollution
Extent of
biome
Land Use/Land Cover Change
Climate Change
& variability
Trends
Overharvesting
Status
Alien Invasive
species
Main
biomes
High
Notes to table:
For driving forces, three categories of the extent of impact are used High, Medium and Low.
N/A Not applicable; ? Data not sufficient to make an assessment
The color of the boxes indicates the degree of certainty/confidence assigned to each factor - given as follows:
High
Medium
Low
Implementation of Trinidad and Tobagos National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
In 1998, the Environmental Management Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, together with a number of
partners, initiated a process to develop a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for
Trinidad and Tobago. Passed by Cabinet in 2001 and involving extensive stakeholder engagement and
consultation in its preparation, this report identified a number of strategies and actions for improved
biodiversity conservation in the following broad categories, under each of which several specific activities
were outlined:
Education and Awareness
Legislation and Enforcement
Institution and Capacity
Information and Research
Policy and Commitment
To date, the NBSAP has not been fully implemented, nor has it been subjected to revision or updating.
However specific activities outlined within the NBSAP have advanced to varying degrees. There has been
more significant advancement in the areas of Education and Awareness and Information and Research
than in the areas of Legislation and Enforcement, Institutional Capacity, and Policy and Commitment.
The main challenges to NBSAP implementation have been political priority, lack of coordination of
efforts, capacity and financing, with political priority being the most important. Since the NBSAP was
approved by Cabinet in 2001 and only until recently, national priorities (translated into laws, policies,
programmes and financing arrangements) were principally oriented toward economic and infrastructural
development. Government policies were therefore largely facilitative of these, often to the exclusion or
minimization of environmental considerations. As such, many of the activities which have required
government leadership and support (either through development and implementation/enforcement of
laws/ policies, or through the establishment of national institutional structures, or through the
identification of financing arrangements) have only advanced marginally. Efforts are underway to address
these deficiencies and apply corrective measures.
Discussions have already been initiated between the Ministry responsible for the Environment and the
Environmental Management Authority regarding the revision of the NBSAP. Consideration is
currently being given to the financial and capacity requirements for undertaking the work. It is anticipated
that revision of the NBSAP will begin in 2011 and completed within 9 to 12 months of initiation. In the
meantime, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the Environmental Management Authority will
continue (based on the first NBSAP) to implement measures in as many areas as possible to more
effectively manage biodiversity, and begin correcting some of the negative trends which are becoming
increasingly apparent.
Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago
In Trinidad and Tobago, there are over 50 laws, polices, plans, strategies and programmes which seek to
address biodiversity issues whether directly or indirectly. There are also many players in biodiversity
management. There appears to be a growing understanding that the biodiversity of the country is
declining, and that the economic (and other) costs of such a decline can no longer be overlooked.
Worsening trends in biodiversity throughout the country indicate that efforts to date have not achieved a
more sustainable approach to the management of biological resources. The question is why, and much of
the answer lies in the limited extent to which biodiversity considerations have been mainstreamed in
T&T.
5
Although there have been a few success stories in biodiversity mainstreaming, several challenges exist.
They are no different from those which apply to the implementation of the NBSAP - political priority,
lack of coordination of efforts, capacity, and financing.
It is recognized that mainstreaming biodiversity in a manner that is meaningful and makes the best use of
resources will not be an easy task. There are a few key steps which must be addressed urgently in order to
make T&Ts efforts to manage biodiversity are more effective. This can only be achieved through
thinking strategically but acting specifically with the following considerations in mind:
Defining roles and responsibilities: It is important to address the need for better coordination and
collaboration amongst stakeholders involved in biodiversity management, including the definition of roles
and responsibilities for achieving a joint work programme. It is unlikely that more effective management
will be achieved if this enabling mechanism is not established. What might be most useful to achieving
better coordination is the development of a Programme of Work which is operationalised through the
establishment of Working Groups based on stakeholder clusters e.g. Public Agencies; NGOs and CBOs;
Research Institutions; Private Sector; and other interest groups. Working Groups, whose scope of work is
defined in specific Terms of Reference (TORs), could then meet occasionally and exchange through
electronic means (e.g. an intranet) so as to avoid stakeholder consultation fatigue. In addition to these
Working Groups, there could also be the formation of specialist groups to address specific issues which
may arise from time to time. This will ensure greater coherence in efforts.
But such a set up requires commitment, and Government will need to establish means (including
incentives) to ensure on
going participation. Within the public sector, such involvement should be institutionalized so that
involvement is not seen as an add on. For other stakeholders, incentives both financial (to cover time
and support project activities) and otherwise could be offered.
Setting priorities: It will not be feasible to address all biodiversity-related problems at once. What is
therefore required is the establishment of a set of priorities which are in keeping with the guiding
principles of the Draft National Environmental Policy and which address the current problems being
faced by the country- in some order of priority. Some recommendations include:
Deal with the most pressing problems such as flooding first
Identification of problems with a common cause and common solution to better facilitate a
multiplier effect
Existing environmental legislation and policies (even those which exist in draft) should be
revisited to determine a plan of action for updating and implementing the legislative and policy
frameworks. In this regard, emphasis should be placed on ensuring that there is coherence and
agreement among the various instruments, and again, these should be guided by a set of defined
priorities for management
Research should also be done within a comprehensive, policy-relevant framework to promote a
focus on critical data and information gaps. In this regard, the development of a national agenda
for environmental research is being recommended in which biodiversity needs are clearly
articulated
Despite the long-established role of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in development
planning activities, Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) have not taken root in Trinidad
and Tobago. Emphasis should therefore be placed on contextualizing EIAs within an SEA
framework so that data and information could be more effectively used by Government in
planning processes
Priorities should not be (solely) determined by those which are defined at the regional and
international levels. But it is necessary that Trinidad and Tobago consider how best guidelines and
6
frameworks provided by International Laws, Agreements and Treaties might best be used to guide
national decision-making.
Allocating resources: The allocation of resources (human, financial and physical) should be guided by
the process of priority setting. As a small island developing state, Trinidad and Tobago will continue to
face problems of capacity. Emphasis should therefore be placed to the fullest extent possible on the best
orientation and use of existing entities and resources to achieve optimal output and not on the
establishment of separate and new entities to address different environmental issues.
Overall Assessment of Progress in Implementing the Convention and Meeting the 2010 Target
On the basis of all data and information assessed in this report, it was found that there has been limited
progress in meeting the 2010 Biodiversity Target. This is reflected in the table which follows.
ASSESSMENT OF T&TS PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING THE 2010 TARGET
INDICATOR
Status and Trends of the

Components of Biological Diversity
(Trends in) extent of selected
biomes, ecosystems and
habitats
(Trends in) abundance and
distribution of selected species
(Changes in) status of
threatened species
(Trends in) genetic diversity of
domesticated animals,
cultivated plants and fish
species of major importance
Coverage of Protected Areas
Ecosystem Integrity and Ecosystem
Goods and Services
Marine Trophic Index
Connectivity-fragmentation of
ecosystems
Water quality of aquatic
ecosystems
Threats to Biodiversity
Nitrogen deposition
(Trends in) invasive alien
species
Sustainable Use
Area of forest, agricultural and
aquaculture ecosystem under
STATUS
TREND
DEGREE OF
CERTAINTY
T&Ts
Progress in
Addressing
Issues
Fair
Negative changes
**
Fair
Negative changes
**
Fair
Negative changes
**
Fair
Positive and
negative changes
**
Poor
Positive (but slow)

changes
**
Poor
Fair
Negative changes
Negative changes
**
**
2
2
Fair
Negative changes
**
Fair
Fair
Negative changes
Negative changes
**
*
2
2
Poor
Positive (but slow)

changes
**
INDICATOR
sustainable management
Ecological footprint and related
concepts
Status of Traditional Knowledge,
Innovations and Practices
(Status and trends of) linguistic
diversity and numbers of
speakers of indigenous
languages
Status of Access and Benefit
Sharing
Indicator of access and benefitsharing (to be developed)
Status of Resource Transfers
Official development
assistance (ODA) provided in
support of the Convention
STATUS
TREND
DEGREE OF
CERTAINTY
T&Ts
Progress in
Addressing
Issues
Fair
Negative changes
**
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Key: Status (Poor, Fair, Good); Trends (Negative changes, Positive changes);
Degree of Certainty (*Low, **Medium, ***High); T&Ts Progress in Addressing Issue (1 = Very Poor, 2 = Poor, 3
= Fair; 4 = Good; 5 = Very Good)
N/A Not applicable
In addition, it was found that Trinidad and Tobago has not fully utilized/capitalized on the opportunities
made available through the Convention on Biological Diversity to improve local management of
biodiversity. Further attention need to be paid, and emphasis placed on:
Integrating and mainstreaming the Strategic Plan, Thematic Programmes and Cross-cutting Issues
outlined within the CBDs Articles across sectors and activities
Making better use of reporting processes for the purpose of taking stock and assessing priorities
for action
Ensuring that the experiences offered for capacity development are capitalized on and shared with
stakeholders within Trinidad and Tobago, including making better use of the networks and
expertise provided through the CBD for meeting T&Ts obligations, and for designing and
implementing local activities related to biodiversity management
Concluding Remarks
Trinidad and Tobago, like the rest of the world, has not been successful in meeting the 2010 Biodiversity
Target. In fact, as is the case with many other countries, most aspects of T&Ts biodiversity have
continued to show signs of decline, with some aspecs suffering significant losses. Certain aspects of the
environment, such as flood regulation are far more compromised and require urgent attention, and it is
clear that the economic and social costs of inaction are beginning to take effect.
Data and information on the main direct driving forces in Trinidad and Tobago are in keeping with those
outlined in the 3rd Global Biodiversity Outlook, and are given in the following order of priority:
Habitat loss
8
Unsustainable use and overexploitation of resources

Pollution
Climate change
Invasive alien species
It is now fully recognized that the following considerations are important in improving biodiversity
management:
Government involvement and leadership to serve as the backbone
Improved collaboration and coordination
Better integration of biodiversity considerations into all national plans, policies and programmes
Research as a crucial step in biodiversity planning
Funding and capacity development as key supporting mechanisms
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has given its commitment to the protection of the countrys
biodiversity. Efforts are currently underway and plans are in place to revisit and update key pieces of
legislation, policies, strategies, plans and actions, which will be crucial for improved management of the
countrys biological resources.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS
PAGE
Executive Summary
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
List of Boxes
List of Acronyms
3
11
13
15
18
20
Chapter 1: Trinidad and Tobagos Biodiversity: Status, Trends and Threats
24
1.1 Main Ecosystems Types Found in Trinidad and Tobago
25
1.2 Links Between Biodiversity and Human Well-being in Trinidad and Tobago
1.3 Status and Trends in T&Ts Biodiversity
1.3.1 Ecosystem Status and Trends
1.3.2 Species Diversity and Vulnerability
1.3.3 Status and Trends in Key Ecosystem Services
1.3.4 Genetic Diversity
1.4 Drivers of Change
1.4.1 Direct Drivers of Change
1.4.1.1 Land Use and Land Cover Change
1.4.1.2 External Inputs Chemical and Solid Waste Pollution
1.4.1.3 Harvest and Resource Consumption
1.4.1.4 Climate Variability, Change and Associated Effects
1.4.1.5 Alien Invasive Species
1.4.2 Indirect Drivers of Change
1.4.2.1 Economic Forces
1.4.2.2 Demographic Changes
1.4.2.3 Governance and Legal Framework
1.4.2.4 Tourism
1.4.3 Summary of the Main Driving Forces Affecting Biodiversity, and
Main Implications for Human Well-being
27
35
35
43
48
51
53
53
53
60
64
66
70
72
72
73
74
74
Chapter 2: Trinidad and Tobagos National Biodiversity Strategy and Action

Plan (NBSAP)
2.1 Background to T&Ts NBSAP
2.2 Status of Implementation
2.2.1 Challenges to Implementation of the NBSAP
2.2.2 Success Stories in Implementation of Activities Identified by the NBSAP
2.3 Revision and Future Plans for the NBSAP
Chapter 3: Mainstreaming of Biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago

3.1 Overview
3.2 National Framework for Biodiversity Management
3.2.1 Governance and Institutional Framework
3.2.2 Legal, Policy and Regulatory Framework
3.3 Success Stories and Challenges in Mainstreaming
10
75
78
79
79
80
82
85
103
104
104
104
104
110
3.3.1 Success Stories in Mainstreaming Biodiversity

3.3.1.1 Legislation, Policies and Other Enabling Mechanisms
3.3.1.2 Collaboration and Coordination in Support of Biodiversity
3.3.1.3 The Ecosystem Approach to Management
3.3.1.4 Education and Awareness
3.3.1.5 Sustainable Financing for Biodiversity Management
3.3.2 Main Challenges in Mainstreaming Biodiversity
3.3.2.1 Political Priority and Support
3.3.2.2 Collaboration and Coordination
3.3 Measures to Improve Mainstreaming of Biodiversity
110
110
112
116
118
119
120
120
121
129
Chapter 4: Assessment of T&Ts Progress Towards Meeting the 2010 Biodiversity Target
4.1 Overview
4.2 Measuring T&Ts Progress Towards Meeting the 2010 Target the 2010 Indicators
4.2.1 Indicators Not Yet Addressed in Previous Sections of This Report
4.2.1.1 Coverage of Protected Areas
4.2.1.2 Ecological Footprint and Related Concepts
4.2.1.3 Status of Local Knowledge and its Importance in Biodiversity
4.2.2 Progress Assessment
4.3 Overall Progress in Implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity in T&T
4.4 Summary of Recommendations for Going Forward
4.4.1 Government Involvement and Leadership the Backbone
4.4.2 Improved Collaboration and Coordination
4.4.3 Better Integration of Biodiversity Considerations into National Plans,
Policies and Programmes
4.4.4 Research as a Crucial Step in Biodiversity Planning
4.4.5 Funding and Developing Capacity as Key Supporting Mechanisms
4.5 Concluding Remarks
132
133
133
133
133
134
135
136
147
150
150
150
Bibliography
153
Appendix I Information Concerning the Reporting Party and Preparation of National Report
Appendix II Further Sources of Information
Appendix III Progress Towards Targets of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation
and the Programme of Work on Protected Areas
11
151
151
151
152
LIST OF TABLES
No.
TITLE
PAGE
1.1
Characterisation of the Main Ecosystem Services Provided by Biodiversity in

Trinidad and Tobago
28
1.2
Soil Loss For an Annual Average Rainfall of 161.7cm Under Varying

Vegetative Cover Between 1984 and 1989
30
1.3
Forest Cover Data for Trinidad and Tobago
35
1.4
Assessment of The Status of T&Ts Vegetation (1994)
36
1.5
Land Use/Land Cover Change in The Nariva Swamp (1942-2003)
39
1.6
Numbers of Species in Trinidad and Tobago
43
1.7
Coral Abundance by Species as a Percentage of Total Coral Cover in Tobago in

2005
47
1.8
Summary Assessment of The Status and Trends in Key Biodiversity Related

Ecosystem Services in Trinidad and Tobago
49
1.9
Status of The Diversity of Major Crops in Trinidad and Tobago
51
1.10
Forest Fire Data for Trinidad and Tobago (1998 2008)
58
1.11
Land-Based Sources of Pollution and Activities in Trinidad and Tobago
59
1.12
Severity of Impacts of Land-Based Sources of Pollution on Various Aspects of

Human Well-Being
60
1.13
Summary of Status of, Trends in and Threats to Major Biomes/Ecosystems in

Trinidad and Tobago
76
2.1
Summary Assessment of the Main Challenges and Implementation Status of

Activities Outlined in Trinidad and Tobagos NBSAP
78
2.2
Table Summarising The Main Progress and Challenges in Implementing

T& TS NBSAP
85
3.1
Summary of The Status of Implementation of The Main National Laws,

Policies and Plans Related To Biodiversity Management in Trinidad and
Tobago
3.2
Biodiversity-Related International Agreements Which are Relevant to Trinidad

and Tobago
12
104
No.
TITLE
PAGE
3.3
121
4.1
Level of Integration of CBDs Thematic Programmes and Cross-cutting Issues

Within the Strategies Outlined in T&Ts NBSAP (2001) and Across Sectors
Protected Areas in Trinidad and Tobago
4.2
Assessment of T&TS Progress Towards Meeting The 2010 Target
130
4.3
Trinidad and Tobagos Progress in Achieving the Targets Set Out in The 2020
Vision Operational Plan (2007 2010)
131
13
127
LIST OF FIGURES
No.
TITLE
PAGE
1.1
Freshwater Abstraction From Different Sources as a Percentage of Total

Abstraction in Trinidad and Tobago (2006 2009)
30
1.2
Estimated Value of Landings by Site in Trinidad (1995 2008)
31
1.3
Permits Issued and Revenue Collected For Turtle Viewing in Trinidad (2001
2007)
32
1.4
Economic Contribution of Coral Reefs in Tobago (2006)
32
1.5
Vulnerable Land and Shoreline Protection by Coral Reefs in Tobago
33
1.6
Land Cover Change in The Nariva Swamp (1942 and 2003)
34
1.7
Surface Water Quality in Trinidad and Tobago (1999)
40
1.8
Map of Trinidad and Tobago Showing Land Use Types, Physicochemical

Surface Water Quality and Heavy Metals in Surface Water Sources
41
1.9
Map of Trinidad Showing Land Use Types and Heavy Metals in Surface Water
Sources
41
1.10
Summary of Abstraction Levels From Surface Water Sources Throughout

Trinidad and Tobago (2008)
42
1.11
Frequency Distribution of Abstraction Levels From Surface Water Sources

Throughout Trinidad and Tobago (2008)
42
1.12
Assessment of The Abundance of Birds in Trinidad and Tobago (2007)
46
1.13
Numbers of Threatened Species in Trinidad and Tobago in Categories (2008,

2009 and 2010)
48
1.14
Flood Locations in Trinidad Based on Flood Recurrence Intervals (2007

unpublished)
50
1.15
Land Use/Land Cover Map of Trinidad (1994)
54
1.16
Map Showing Industrial Sites and Road Networks in Trinidad
55
1.17
Land Use/Land Cover Map of Tobago
55
1.18
Numbers of Quarries Throughout Trinidad and Tobago
56
14
No.
TITLE
PAGE
1.19
Removal of Sawnlog From Natural Forests in Trinidad and Tobago as a

Percentage of Timber Removal From All (1998 2008)
57
1.20
Proportion of Terrestrial Sediments in Coastal, Sediment Traps From Selected

Sites Around Tobago (2007)
61
1.21
Trinidad and Tobago Offshore Concession Map
61
1.22
Reported Oil Spills in Trinidad and Tobago (2005 -2008)
62
1.23
Summary of The Sources of Debris Collected During The 2008 and 2009
International Coastal Clean-Up Exercises in Trinidad and Tobago
63
1.24
Total Numbers of Wildlife Animals Hunted Annually (1999 2008)
63
1.25
Individual Numbers of Wildlife Species Harvested Annually (1999 2008)
64
1.26
Estimated Landings by Fleet From The Marine Capture Fisheries in Trinidad

and Tobago (1996 2008)
65
1.27
Mean Annual Air Temperature in Trinidad (1975 2008)
66
1.28
Trinidad and Tobagos Carbon Dioxide Emissions Based On Global Monitoring

Data (1990 2007)
67
1.29
Carbon Intensity of Trinidad and Tobago Compared with Other Developing

Countries
68
1.30
Predicted Annual Mean Sea Level In Port of Spain Trinidad for The First Half
of The 21st Century
68
1.31
Invasive Species in Trinidad and Tobago
69
1.32
Real GDP Growth For Trinidad and Tobago (1997 2009)
72
1.33
Population Distribution in Trinidad
73
1.34
Tourist Arrival Density in Trinidad and Tobago Compared With the Caribbean
Region (2005)
74
1.35
Assessment of The Effects of Multiple Driving Forces on Tobagos Coral Reefs
75
2.1
Simplified Coordinating Mechanism for Implementation of NBSAP
80
3.1
The Subsidiary Legislation Under the EM Act
103
3.2
Changes in The Structure of The Ministry Responsible for The Environment

15
119
No.
TITLE
PAGE
(1999 2010)
3.4
The EMA as a Coordinating Agency for Environmental Management in T&T
123
4.1
Proportion of Marine and Terrestrial Areas Protected In Trinidad and Tobago

(1990 2008)
128
4.2
Relative Proportions of Energy and Non-Energy Related CEC Applications

by Year (2005 2009)
129
4.3
Existing and Proposed Environmental Sensitive Areas Throughout Trinidad and

Tobago
135
16
LIST OF BOXES
No.
TITLE
PAGE
1.1
Agriculture in the Northern Range
26
1.2
Non-Timber Forest Products A Regional Perspective
33
1.3
Medicinal and Ethnoveterinary Remedies of Hunters in Trinidad
34
1.4
The Story of the Nariva Swamp A Brief History of Land Use
39
1.5
The Trinidad Piping Guan A Critically Endangered Bird
46
1.6
Genetic Diversity of Cocoa and Its Economic Importance to Trinidad and

Tobago
51
1.7
The Story of the Buffalypso
52
1.8
Two Alien Species Which are of Threat to Local Ecological Niches
69
1.9
The Effects of Bamboo on Tobagos Avifauna
70
1.10
Red Palm Mite Attacks Coconuts, Sales
70
2.1
A Model for Community Involvement in the Management of Biodiversity the

Fondes Amandes Community in Northwestern Trinidad
81
2.2
NGO and Community Involvement In The Local Management Of Biodiversity:

The Case of the Environmentally Sensitive Areas
83
2.3
The Role of the NBSAP in Tourism Development A Case Study from

Northeastern Trinidad
83
3.1
The Certificate of Environmental Clearance Rules 2001
108
3.2
A Success Story in Preserving Our Biodiversity Through Sound Environmental

Management The Ministry of Works and Transport
110
3.3
EMA and CEPEP To Join Forces on Environmental Management Issues
111
3.4
Guardian Life Wildlife Fund
113
3.5
The Northern Range Assessment
114
3.6
Nariva, Home of a Ground Breaking Environmental Project
114
3.7
Environment Tobago An Important Player in Environmental Education in
116
17
No.
TITLE
PAGE
Tobago
3.8
Financing Biodiversity Management Through A Green Fund
116
3.9
Amendments to the CEC Rules
117
3.10
An Example of an Inconsistency in Local Legislation Relating To Biodiversity

Management
120
3.11
Proposed Role for A Forestry and Protected Areas Management Authority
125
4.1
A Researchers Experience in The Role of Linguistic Diversity in Biodiversity

Management
129
4.2
Researchers on the Golden Tree Frog
134
4.3
Local Efforts to Improve Aquaculture Practices
136
4.4
Moving to a Natural Environmental Rhythm
138
18
LIST OF ACRONYMS
C
Degrees Celsius
ACS
Association of Caribbean States
equate
The Aquaculture Association of Trinidad and Tobago
BPoA
Barbados Plan of Action
BPTT
BP Trinidad and Tobago LLC
CANARI
Caribbean Natural Resources Institute
CARICOM
Caribbean Community
CARSEA
Caribbean Sea Assessment
CBD
Convention on Biological Diversity
CBO
Community Based Organizations
CDA
Chaguaramas Development Authority
CDIAC
Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (of the United States Department of
Energy)
CEPA
Communication, Education and Public Awareness
CEPEP
Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme
CGA
Coconut Growers' Association (Trinidad and Tobago)
CIDA
Canadian International Development Agency
CITES
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
CSO
Central Statistical Office
DSF
Deciduous Seasonal Forest
EE
Environmental Education
EEZ
Exclusive Economic Zone
EHSU
Environmental, Health and Safety Unit

19
EIA
Environmental Impact Assessment
EMA
Environmental Management Authority
EMAct
Environmental Management Act Chapter 35:05
ESA
Environmentally Sensitive Areas
ESF
Evergreen Seasonal Forest
ESS
Environmentally Sensitive Species
ESSA
Environmentally Sensitive Species and Areas
EW
Elfin Woodland
FAO
Food and Agriculture Organization
GDP
Gross Domestic Product
GEF
Global Environment Facility
Gha
Global Hectares
GHG
Greenhouse Gas
GIS
Geographic Information System
GoRTT
Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
ha
Hectares
HS
Herbaceous Swamp
HSE
Health, Safety and the Environment
HWB
Human Well-Being
HWM
High Water Mark
ICC
International Coastal Clean-up Exercise
ICCAT
The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas
IITF
International Institute of Forestry
IMA
Institute of Marine Affairs

20
IUCN
International Union for Conservation of Nature
LBS
Land-based Sources (of Pollution)
LMF
Lower Montane Rain Forest
MA
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
MaF
Marsh Forest
MDG
Millennium Development Goals
MgW
Mangrove Woodland
MOA
Memorandum of Agreement
MODIS
Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer
MOU
Memorandum of Understanding
MOWT
Ministry of Works and Transport
N/A
Not applicable
NBSAP
National Biodiversity and Strategy Action Plan (Trinidad and Tobago)
NGO
Non-Governmental Organization
OECS
Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Authority
OSH Act
Occupational Safety and Health Act
PAs
Protected Areas
PADH
Physical Alteration and Destruction of Habitat (Programme)
PF
Palm Forest
POP
Persistent Organic Pollutant
Sav
Savanna
SEAs
Strategic Environmental Assessments
SEDU
Sustainable Economic Development Unit (The University of the West Indies)
SESF
Semi-Evergreen Seasonal Forest

21
SGA
Sub-Global Assessments
SMF
Seasonal Montane Forest
SOER
State of the Environment Report
SwF
Swamp Forest
T&T
Trinidad and Tobago
THA
Tobago House of Assembly
TORs
Terms of Reference
TTABA
Trinidad and Tobago Agri-Business Association
TTNPA
Trinidad and Tobago National Programme of Action (Protection of the Coastal and
Marine Environment from Land-based Sources and Activities)
UN
United Nations
UNCLOS
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
UNDP
United National Development Programme
UNEP
United Nations Environment Programme
UNESCO
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNFCCC
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
US
United States
USDA
United States Department of Agriculture
UWI
The University of the West Indies
WASA
Water and Sewerage Authority of Trinidad and Tobago
WRI
World Resources Institute
22
CHAPTER 1
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGOS BIODIVERSITY:
STATUS, TRENDS AND THREATS
Photos courtesy Robyn Cross
23
1.1 Main Ecosystem Types Found in Trinidad and Tobago

Both of the main islands as well as the many smaller islands which comprise the Republic of Trinidad and
Tobago exhibit many of the environmental characteristics which are common to small island states1.
There country hosts a variety of ecosystems and based on a 1946 classification of the natural vegetation
of Trinidad and Tobago compiled by Beard, the main (natural) terrestrial ecosystem types found on the
islands are shaped by two main factors - climate and soils (edaphic). These formations are characterized
as follows:
CLIMATIC
EDAPHIC
Seasonal Formations
a)
Evergreen Seasonal Forest
b)
Semi-evergreen Seasonal
Forest
c)
Deciduous Seasonal Forest
Swamp Formations
a) Swamp Forest
b) Palm Swamp
c) Herbaceous
d) Swamp
e) Mangrove Woodland
Dry Evergreen Formations

a)
Littoral Woodlands
Marsh Formations
a) Marsh Forest
b) Palm Forest
c) Savannah
Montane Formations
a)
Lower Montane Rain Forest
b)
Montane Rain Forest
c)
Elfin Woodland
Intermediate Formations
Seasonal Montane Forest
In addition to those outlined above, there are a number of other ecosystem types which have been defined
in the study of the islands biodiversity. They are:
Inland freshwater systems rivers and
Man-made/man-induced systems
streams
Secondary Forest
Coastal and marine ecosystems
Agricultural lands
Mud bottom
Freshwater dams/reservoirs
Coral reef and communities
Karst landforms (including karren, caves,
Seagrass beds
springs, valley systems, and a range of
doline or sinkholes, including any area of
Sandy bottoms
polygonal cockpit karst)
Beaches
Rocky shores and littoral
Mud flats
Freshwater and estuarine systems
Open Sea
As given by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005.
24
For the purpose of this report, three main biomes are given consideration in the assessment of status,
trends and threats. They are (1) Forested ecosystems, (2) Inland Freshwater ecosystems and (3) Marine
and Coastal ecosystems. While agricultural systems exist throughout the country, they will not be given
the same treatment as the other biomes previously outlined. There is a very blurred line which exists
between agricultural activities acting as a driving force, and agricultural activity in the context of
enhancing and protecting biodiversity through the creation of functional ecosystems, albeit artificial or
man-made.
In Trinidad and Tobago, the main agricultural systems have included/include plantations such as cocoa,
coconuts, citrus, sugarcane, rice, and food crops (Kenny 2008), and while there have been narratives
relating to the biodiversity/ecosystem services of such systems (e.g. Box 1.1), data and information
pertaining to agriculture have more often focused on this activity as a land use/land cover driving force.
There have also been significant reductions in agricultural lands throughout the country. Data and
information on agricultural systems as functional ecosystems are thus relatively scarce - especially when
compared with the other biomes.
BOX 1.1: AGRICULTURE IN THE NORTHERN RANGE
At the beginning of the 1900s, cocoa plantations covered 220,000 acres and much of this was in the
foothills of the Northern Range. These plantations provided soil protection but in the 1920s with
increasing diseases and falling prices, the estates of the Northern Range which were among the first to
be abandoned, were gradually subjected to squatting, burning and shifting cultivation.
Source: The Northern Range Assessment (2005) [extracted from Chalmers (1981) and based on an original
compilation by Beard (1946)]
This Section will provide an overview of the status of, trends in and threats to T&Ts Biodiversity largely
in keeping with the logic of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Conceptual Framework. Relevant
data and information will be presented as follows:
Characterization of the main ecosystem types found on the islands
Links between biodiversity and human well-being (HWB) in T&T
Status of, and main trends in T&Ts biodiversity
Driving forces affecting T&Ts biodiversity
Consequences/implications for HWB because of changes in biodiversity
This section will not adopt a strict biome-by-biome synthesis approach in the presentation of all data and
information. This is because there is significant overlap across biomes especially in the assessment of
status and trends at the species level; as well as for the driving forces of change and
consequences/implications for human well-being. Synthesis data and information, such as the
presentation of links between ecosystem services and human well-being in addition to a summary of
status trends and threats given at the end of the chapter will be focused around major biomes.
In Chapter 4, as one aspect of providing a synthesis of the data and information presented in Chapter 1
would be used to present an assessment of T&Ts progress towards meeting the 2010 Biodiversity Target,
using the 2010 indicators which have been developed.
25
1.2 Links between Biodiversity and Human Well-being in Trinidad and Tobago
The biodiversity of Trinidad and Tobago plays an important role in underpinning many of the ecosystem
services that support human well-being in direct and tangible ways such as through the provision of
freshwater, forest products and fisheries, but perhaps more importantly at a national scale in indirect and
sometimes less tangible ways, such as through a number of regulating, supporting and cultural services.
There is generally a paucity of quantitative data and information on the links between biodiversity and
human well-being in the country, but based on available datasets, published reports, expert judgments and
narratives, it is possible to characterize the main benefits derived from biodiversity-related services (Table
1.1).
As is to be expected, the strengths of the relationships between different services and the various
constituents of human well-being differ:
Perhaps the two most important services derived from biodiversity at a national level are
freshwater provision (from natural watersheds) and flood regulation/erosion control - both of
which are provided by forested ecosystems.
Other important services include tourism/ecotourism (coral reefs, bird watching), recreation,
shoreline protection (provided by coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs and
seagrasses) and the provision of food (fisheries, aquaculture, wild game meat or wildmeat as it
is known locally, crops and livestock).
Certain services are key to the livelihoods of communities fisheries support many coastal
communities on both islands; turtle watching has become very important to coastal communities
especially in northeastern Trinidad; subsistence agriculture supplements the income of rural
groups throughout the country; rural communities are also increasing reliant on the growing
sector of ecotourism especially in the north-eastern regions of Trinidad and selected regions of
the Northern Range; traditional tourism throughout Tobago is predicated on healthy biodiversity
and functioning ecosystems; and non-timber forest products provide raw materials for cottage
industries such as handicraft manufacturing and traditional medicines.
Whilst there is a paucity in data and information on regulating and incidental services (such as carbon
sequestration and nutrient cycling) the importance of quantifying and assessing these services does not
go unnoticed.
(THIS IS BLANK SPACE)
26
TABLE 1.1: CHARACTERISATION OF THE MAIN ECOSYSTEM SERVICES PROVIDED BY

BIODIVERSITY IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO2
Main Ecosystem
Types/ Biomes
Provisioning
Services
Regulating Services
Supporting
Services
Cultural
Services
Forests
Timber
Non-timber forest
products
(including
wildlife,
handicraft and
medicinal plants)
Tropical forest
biota i.e. game
species and
species used in the
pet trade
Runoff
regulation and
retention
Biodiversity
services
(population
regulation,
habitat and
species diversity)
Soil
conservation;
Soil formation
and fertility;
Climate and
microclimate
regulation;
Atmospheric
composition
regulation
Water cycling and

replenishment of
surface and ground
water resources
Biodiversity
support
(pollination,
germination,
dispersal, food
webs,
productivity,
terrestrial/aquatic
ecosystem
interface)
Nutrient cycling
and transport
Amenity value
(recreation;
ecotourism;
cultural heritage,
diversity and
values including
spiritual and
religious practices,
inspiration and
aesthetics, cuisine)
Education:
scientific research
and teaching
Inland Freshwater
systems: Rivers
and Streams
Freshwater
sources
in land fisheries,
species for the
pet trade;
Aquaculture
Aquatic species
used in the pet
trade
Waste disposal,
assimilation and
treatment (for the
provision of
freshwater)
Flood regulation,
water storage
Biodiversity
services
(population
regulation,
habitat and
species diversity)
Biodiversity
support (food
webs,
productivity,
terrestrial/aquatic
ecosystem
interface)
Nutrient cycling
and transport
Amenity value
(recreation,
religious practices
and values,
aesthetics and
inspiration)
Education:
scientific research
and teaching
Coastal/ Marine
systems
Marine fisheries
(including other
coastal and
marine products
e.g. oysters,
shrimp, crabs)
Other food
Waste disposal,
assimilation and
treatment
(regulation of
coastal water
quality)
Flood
Biodiversity
support (food
webs,
productivity,
terrestrial/aquatic
ecosystem
interface)
Amenity value
(tourism;
recreation, turtle
watching;,
spiritual and
religious practices
and values,
In more recent thinking and studies on ecosystem services, regulating and supporting services are sometimes
collapsed into a single group. This National Report recognises that there is overlap between the two groups but treats
them separately.
27
Main Ecosystem
Types/ Biomes
Provisioning
Services
Regulating Services
(wildlife,
agricultural
products)
Coastal and
wetland
resources (eg.
from mangroves)
Ornamental
marine, brackish
water species
regulation/ water
storage
Shoreline
protection
(provided by
coastal
ecosystems such
as mangroves,
coral reefs and
seagrass beds)
Climate and
microclimate
regulation
Biodiversity
services
(population
regulation,
habitat and
species diversity)
Supporting
Services
Nutrient cycling
and transport
Cultural
Services
aesthetics and
inspiration)
Education:
scientific research
and teaching
Biodiversity
Biodiversity
Amenity value
support (food
(agrotourism)
services
(population
webs,
Education:
regulation,
productivity,
scientific research
habitat and
terrestrial/aquatic
and teaching
species diversity)
ecosystem
interface)
Soil
conservation;
Nutrient cycling
and transport
Soil formation
and fertility;
Climate and
microclimate
regulation;
Atmospheric
composition
regulation
Adapted from the Northern Range Assessment (2005)
Information sources: IMA (2010); Alburg (2007); CARSEA (2007); Kenny (2008)
Agricultural
systems
Agricultural
products: crops
and livestock
There are a few key datasets which help to illustrate the links identified in Table 1.1, and these are given
below.
One of the key groups of services provided by forest systems is runoff regulation/ erosion control/water
provision. Forests play a significant role in the prevention of soil erosion especially on the steep slopes of
the islands mountain ranges thereby minimizing hazards such as landslides principally the Northern
Range in Trinidad and the Main Ridge in Tobago. They also help to regulate runoff thereby reducing
flooding in the low-lying regions of the island. A study undertaken over a five-year period (1984 to 1989)
in Trinidad provides quantifiable information on the importance of forest cover to protection from
28
erosion, and indicates that soil loss could increase by a factor of two hundred and seventy-nine (279)
when forests are converted to cultivated land (Table 1.2).
TABLE 1.2: SOIL LOSS FOR AN ANNUAL AVERAGE RAINFALL OF 161.7cm UNDER
VARYING VEGETATIVE COVER BETWEEN 1984 AND 1989
Land use
Natural forest
Degraded forest
Grassland
Cultivation
Average annual
(t/ha1/year1)
0.046
0.516
2.673
11.878
Loss factor
1
12
63
279
Source: Faizool 2002 (based on Forestry Division, Watershed Management Unit)
Freshwater in Trinidad and Tobago is largely derived from the natural watersheds (forested ecosystems)
across the country, especially the Northern Range in Trinidad and the Main Ridge in Tobago, through
either surface water sources or groundwater sources. A relatively smaller percentage of freshwater (11%)
is also produced through desalination on Trinidads west and south coasts. Figure 1.1 shows the
percentage dependence on different sources for freshwater provision in 2009, and it is worth noting that
this apportionment has generally remained unchanged over the last four years.
FIGURE 1.1: FRESHWATER ABSTRACTION FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES AS A
PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL ABSTRACTION IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
(2006 - 2009)
Desalination
11%
Groundwater
27%
Surface
62%
Source: Water and Sewage Authority 2010 (unpublished)
Data indicate that the economic contribution of coastal and marine fisheries, especially to coastal
communities throughout Trinidad and Tobago is increasing. Figure 1.2 shows the annual values of catch
landed at a number of fishing sites around Trinidad from 1995 to 2008. As at 2008, the total value of
catch stood at its highest recorded value to date - TT$75,860,118 (or US$12,355,068 equivalent). Some
of the commercially important species include the Snappers (Lutjanus spp), Croaker (Micropogonias
furnieri), Sharks, tuna species, King mackerel or Kingfish (Scomberomorus cavalla), Spanish mackerel or
Carite (Scomberomorus brasiliensis), shrimp (Litopenaeus spp, and Farfantepenaeus spp), Billfish
(Xiphias gladius), sciaenids, Herring (Opisthonema oglinum) and Cavalli (Caranx spp). In 2007, species
like the Carite (Scomberomorus brasiliensis), Croaker (Micropogonias furnieri), and a number of sharks
29
constituted the greatest weight of estimated landings (Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture,
Land and Marine Resources, 2009).
FIGURE 1.2 ESTIMATED VALUE OF LANDINGS BY SITE IN TRINIDAD (1995 2008)
TOCO
80,000,000
SAN FERNANDO
70,000,000
PORT OF SPAIN
OTAHEITE
60,000,000
Value (TT$)
ORTOIRE
50,000,000
ORANGE
VALLEY
MORUGA
40,000,000
MAYARO
MATELOT
30,000,000
MARACAS
20,000,000
MANZANILLA
LAS CUEVAS
10,000,000
ICACOS
0
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Year
GUAYAGUAYAR
E
FULLERTON
ERIN
Source: Fisheries Division 2010

Analyzed data for 2009 not yet available.
Biodiversity is, in many ways, a key factor which supports activities related to recreation, tourism,
scientific research and education. Every year, nature reserve sites such as the Caroni Swamp, the Nariva
Swamp, the Matura Park, the Quinam Bay Recreation Park, the Lopinot Historical Site, the River Estate
Museum and Water Wheel, and a number of other recreational areas, attract thousands of visitors
mostly locals because of their aesthetic value.
There are also facilities such as the Asa Wright Nature Centre (located in Trinidads eastern Northern
Range), and the Wildfowl Trust (located in an oil refinery in southern Trinidad) which have a wellestablished reputation for providing both local and international opportunities for biodiversity-related
education, scientific research, recreation and ecotourism opportunities. These institutions also provide
conservation services both in-situ and ex-situ, and they have been important in demonstrating that both
development activities and conservation efforts can coexist if done within a proper planning framework3.
One activity which has gained increasing popularity over the years is turtle viewing on Trinidads
northeastern coast. As is shown in Figure 1.3, the number of permits and revenue collected from turtle
viewing on an annual basis over the 2001/2007 period has generally increased. This income may not be
significant in terms of national GDP, but it helps to support the livelihoods of a number of coastal
communities in the areas that such activities take place, including Grande Riviere, Matura and Fishing
Pond. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, the communities which depend relatively heavily on
3
More information on how this has been achieved is available on the facilities websites.
30
turtle viewing as a source of income have helped to enhance local conservation efforts to protect species
which are currently threatened such as the Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).
FIGURE 1.3: PERMITS ISSUED AND REVENUE COLLECTED FOR TURTLE VIEWING IN
TRINIDAD (2001 2007)
Source: Forestry Division 2009

No data are available for 2008 and 2009
Coral Reefs are an interesting and well-documented case study in the links between biodiversity and (or
rather economic benefits) human well-being locally especially in Tobago. An in-depth valuation study
undertaken by the World Resources Institute (2008) revealed that the reefs of Tobago are instrumental in
providing a range of services for the island all of which are significant in economic terms. Coral reefs
are most important economically in providing opportunities for recreation and tourism (cultural services),
with as many as 40% of Tobagos visitors being attracted to the island because of its reefs. In 2006, the
value of the reefs to recreation and tourism was estimated to be between US$100 and $130 million or
approximately 45% of Tobagos GDP for that year (Figure 1.4).
FIGURE 1.4: ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF CORAL REEFS IN TOBAGO (2006)
31
Annual Economic Contribution of Coral Reefs in Tobago

140
120
US$ million
100
80
High estimate
Low estimate
60
40
20
0
Tourism and
Recreation
Fisheries
Shoreline
Protection
Source: World Resources Institute 2008
In addition, the coral reefs were also found to be critical in providing shoreline protection (an important
regulating service) to a value of between US$18 and US$33 million in 2006. As is shown in Figure 1.5,
these services are most important in the areas of the island which are most vulnerable to erosion and
storm damage low lying areas with intensive development patterns.
FIGURE 1.5: VULNERABLE LAND AND SHORELINE PROTECTION BY CORAL REEFS IN
TOBAGO
32
Source: World Resources Institute 2008
Coral-reef related fisheries (provisioning service) were also found to be important in economic terms. The
WRI study calculated that in 2006, fisheries linked to coral reefs were valued between US$0.8 and
US$1.3 million per year not insignificant to the local communities who depend on such fisheries for
livelihoods. It was noted by this study that coral reefs also provide a number of other services which were
not evaluated (for example beach nourishment) and the total value of coral reefs to Tobago should be
considered to be higher than current estimates.
There are a wide range of uses for non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in Trinidad and Tobago. Two
selected examples are given in Box 1.2 and Box 1.3. The first case is especially interesting as it speaks to
the value of NTFPs in a wider regional context (Box 1.2). The second example is that of a local case
relating to the value of ethnomedicines in hunting (Box 1.3).
BOX 1.2: NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS A REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
A regional study was done by the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) that comprised a literature
review and culminated in a meeting on Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) entitled The potential of the Non
Timber Forest Products sector to contribute to rural livelihoods in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean (14-15
July 2004) held in St. Lucia. The study also drew on the country reports and presentations made by 18 participants
at the meeting. The countries represented were St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, St.Vincent and the Grenadines,
Grenada and the Commonwealth of Dominica.
The tropical forests of the Caribbean provide a diverse range of important services and products that contribute to
the development of the region. An example of a valuable forest service is its ability to function as a watershed
thereby securing water resources, reducing severe soil erosion and ameliorating the impacts of shocks to the
environment (e.g. torrential rains associated with tropical storms and hurricanes). These regional forests also
provide a valuable service through their ability to sustain productive levels of biodiversity from which a variety of
products are generated including timber and non timber forest products (NTFPs). The definition of NTFPs, also
known as minor forest products or Non Wood Forest Products has proven to be inexact and difficult at
33
times because it is defined not by what it is, but by what it is not or literally any and every natural
resource from the forest except timber.
Regional forests have been relied upon for a stream of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) or Non Wood Forest
Products (NWFPs) since the pre Columbian era. From dyes to medicines. Many of the rural poor have earned
subsistence level income from harvesting such products, selling them either in the raw form or as processed or
manufactured goods. The most important NTFPs for the region are (i) medicinal and aromatic plants, (ii) edible
products (mainly exotic and natural fruits, bushmeat and bee products) (iii) ornamentals, utensils, handicrafts and
(iv) construction material.
Stakeholders also revealed the importance of NTFPs to disabled community members. The blind, particularly in
rural communities, are restricted in livelihood options but the ability to produce items based on the art of touch
enables them to generate income through the use of NTFPs. One approach is being developed and employed by the
Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association. The Association does access support from the Government of
Trinidad and Tobago.
The NTFP sector requires a coordinated and systematic approach at the local, national and in some cases regional
level that can harness sufficient funding and institutional capacity to address NTFP marketing issues. Stakeholders
suggested that there is an opportunity to place greater emphasis on the value of the Caribbean as a brand, both to
establish authenticity and create a price premium for locally produced products from the region. This level of
product association to the region is well known for some trade items (e.g. Trinidads Angostura bitters, Jamaicas
Blue Mountain coffee, and rums of Barbados and Guyana).Tobago is in the process of researching and establishing
its niche products. This mechanism could also serve to provide greater information on the NTFP sector to the
public and serve to lift the price of NTFP products in the domestic market by instilling a sense of pride in
indigenous products and promoting a buy local campaign, consequently empowering rural stakeholders.
John, L. 2005 .The Potential of Non Timber Forest Products to contribute to rural livelihoods in the Windward
islands of the Caribbean. Prepared through the project Developing and disseminating methods for effective
biodiversity conservation in the insular Caribbean. CANARI Technical Report No.334.
BOX 1.3: MEDICINAL AND ETHNOVETERINARY REMEDIES OF HUNTERS IN TRINIDAD

Ethnomedicines, derived from a number of plants, are used by hunters for themselves and their hunting dogs in
Trinidad. These medicines are applied for snakebites, scorpion stings, for injuries and management of dogs, and to
facilitate hunting success. It is suggested that the medicinal plants exert a physiological action on the hunter or his
dog. Plant use is based on odour and plant morphological characteristics, and is embedded in a complex cultural
context based on the ancient beliefs of indigenous Amerindians. Plants used include Piper hispidum, Pithece
lobium unguis-cati, Bauhinia excisa, Bauhinia cumanensis, Cecropia peltata, Aframomum melegueta, Aristolochia
rugosa, Aristolochia trilobata, Jatropha curcas, Jatropha gossypifolia, Nicotiana tabacum, Vernonia scorpioides,
Petiveria alliacea, Renealmia alpinia, Justicia secunda, Phyllanthus urinaria,Phyllanthus niruri, Momordica
charantia, Xiphidium caeruleum, Ottonia ovata, Lepianthes peltata, Capsicum frutescens, Costus scaber,
Dendropanax arboreus, Siparuma guianensis, Syngonium podophyllum, Monstera dubia, Solanum species, Eclipta
prostrata, Spiranthes acaulis, Croton gossypifolius, Barleria lupulina, Cola nitida, Acrocomia ierensis (tentative
ID).
Source: Lans,C., Harper, T., Georges, K., and Bridgewater, E. 2001 .Medicinal and ethno-veterinary remedies of
hunters in Trinidad. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Bio Med Central.
34
1.3 Status and Trends in T&Ts Biodiversity

1.3.1 Ecosystem Status and Trends
Rapid and sustained development in both Trinidad and Tobago has undeniably led to changes in the
extent and integrity of natural ecosystems on both islands. These changes have been most apparent in
forests and coastal systems (such as mangroves, coral reef and seagrasses), and have generally been more
intensive in the western section on both islands.
Though actual figures for the extent of forests and rate of deforestation in Trinidad and Tobago do not
exist, we can draw on a number of data and information sources to help create a picture of the status and
trends in forest cover and integrity.
Table 1.3 shows estimates of forest cover provided by a number of sources. Because of the different
methods of data collection and analysis applied in different studies, and the varying definitions of
forests used by different sources, estimates would vary. However, the general trend which emerges from
the data is a decline in forest cover what is debatable is the actual extent to which this has happened:
Aerial photography taken in 1969 and then again in 1996 indicates a decrease of about 2% (from
50% to 48%) over that period. MODIS satellite data from 2000 would seem to indicate a further
decrease to 44% by 2000
Data provided by the United Nations State of the Worlds Forests Assessment (2000) indicates an
annual loss of 0.8% between 1990 and 2000 with a total reported loss of 2% over the same period
Recently-published data (Opadeyi 2010) on forest cover in Trinidad (only) for three years over an
31-year period (1976, 1994, 2007) seems to indicate an overall decrease of 1.8% in forest cover
in Trinidad between 1976 and 2007 (although forest cover increased between 1976 and 1994)
TABLE 1.3: FOREST COVER DATA FOR TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Forest Cover
(Area and Forest Type)
Extent
(ha)
Year
Source(s)
T&T
Total forest
Evergreen seasonal
Deciduous seasonal
Dry evergreen
Seasonal montane
Montane
Secondary
Swamp
172,140
98,180
3,620
500
930
21,620
1,563
16,730
1946
1946
1946
1946
1946
1946
1946
1946
Beard (1946)
(in Forestry Division (2003))
T&T
Total forest
259,000
1969
1969 Arial photography
T&T
Total forest
246,240
1996
GIS map based on 1996 aerial

photography with limited ground
truthing (in Agard and Gowrie, 2003)
T&T
Total forest
159,000
1999
UN World Statistics Pocket Book,

Dpt. For Economic and Social
Information and Policy Analysis
(UN) (in Agard and Gowrie, 2003)
35
Forest Cover
(Area and Forest Type)
Extent
(ha)
Year
Source(s)
T&T
Total forest4
229,000
2000
EarthTrends (2003) based on a study

done by the University of Maryland
Global Land Cover Facility using
MODIS satellite coverage (in Agard
and Gowrie, 2003)
T&T
Total forest
259,065
2003
FAO State of the Worlds Forests in

Agard and Gowrie (2003)
Trinidad
(only)
Total forest
Secondary
1976
1994
2007
1980
Opadeyi, 2010
T&T
289,375
305,838
280,956
16,630
T&T
State-owned
commercial timber
plantations
15,254
14,608
15,254
15,496
15,080
15,005
15,141
1992
<1997
1997
1998
1999/2000
2001
2002
CIDA Forest Inventory (1980) in

Kenny et al (1997)
Kenny et al (1997)
Forestry Division (1998; 1999;
2002a; 2002b; 2002c; 2003)
Source: Northern Range Assessment (2005)
Further to the data in Table 1.4, Ramlal (1994) has reported that as at 1994, 79% of the countrys
vegetation, including forests (based on Beards 1946 classification) were considered to be intact. This
would indicate that 21% were recorded as degraded. Highest percentages of degradation were reported for
marsh forests, savannas, littoral woodlands, and combinations of these types of vegetation.
TABLE 1.4: ASSESSMENT OF THE STATUS OF T&TS VEGETATION (1994)
Total Area in
Crown Lands
(Beard 1946) (ha)
Area in
Protected
Areas (ha)
% in
Protected
Areas (ha)
Area in
Natural
Ecosystem
(Ramlal
1994) (ha)
%
Intact
DSF: Deciduous Seasonal Forest
1804
1094
61
1508
84
ESF: Evergreen Seasonal Forest
120732
84602
70
96442
80
ESF & LMF
8716
3835
44
8492
97
ESF & MaF
317
271
86
137
43
Vegetation Formation (Beard 1946)
Total forest area includes both natural forests and plantations and is defined as land with tree crown cover of more
than 10% of the ground and area of more than 0.5 ha. Tree height at maturity should exceed 5 m (EarthTrends,
2003).
36
Total Area in
Crown Lands
(Beard 1946) (ha)
Area in
Protected
Areas (ha)
% in
Protected
Areas (ha)
Area in
Natural
Ecosystem
(Ramlal
1994) (ha)
%
Intact
ESF & SESF
18563
14908
80
14235
77
ESF & SGC
1770
1136
64
1170
66
48
48
100
HS: Herbaceous Swamp
7023
944
13
4310
61
LMF: Lower Montane Rain Forest
16451
8766
53
16101
98
LMF & MF
1421
825
58
1419
100
LMF & SMF
1290
1268
98
LW: Littoral Woodland
738
220
30
235
32
MaF: Marsh Forest
1526
973
64
452
30
MaF & Sav
13
MaF & TP
527
342
65
149
28
MF: Montane Rain Forest
277
278
100
MgW: Mangrove Woodland
5580
2467
44
4016
72
PF: Palm Forest
1312
1059
81
Sav: Savanna
455
63
14
50
11
20521
15361
75
12787
62
SESF & LMF
278
254
91
278
100
SMF: Seasonal Montane Forest
1585
1585
100
SwF: Swamp Forest
529
131
25
446
84
64
166466
79
Vegetation Formation (Beard 1946)
EW: Elfin Woodland
SESF: Semi Evergreen Seasonal Forest
TOTAL
211478
136197
Source: Ramlal 1994 (unpublished)
It is worth noting at this point that an updated inventory of Trinidad and Tobagos forests is currently
underway and is expected to be completed in early 2011. This study will be crucial in providing up-todate figures and analysis on the extent of the countrys forests.
In addition to forested lands, changes have been reported in the extent and integrity of other ecosystems.
The overall pattern is that there have been consistent declines in natural flora and fauna:
Coral reef data note significant declines in living coral cover (See Section 1.3.2). Some other well-studied
ecosystems include certain wetlands (Nariva and Caroni swamp); the Aripo Savannas, and certain areas
of the Northern Range (such as the Matura Park Environmentally Sensitive Area). While the authors of
this report are aware of ongoing monitoring of biodiversity in the southern region of Trinidad, data and
information were not accessed in time for inclusion in this document5.
Wetlands in both Trinidad and Tobago have undergone significant alterations especially on account of
human activities. Significant losses have occurred along the west coast of Trinidad (including the Caroni
5
These data on the biodiversity of Trinidads southern regions are collected by the Petroleum Company of Trinidad
and Tobagos (Petrotrins) Health, Safety and Environment department.
37
Swamp), on the east coast of Trinidad (Nariva swamp), and in south-western Tobago (Institute of Marine
Affairs, 2010). The following data indicate the extent of wetland loss in the country:
Opadeyi (2010) reports a general decrease in the extent of wetlands in Trinidad - from 16,836 ha
in 1976 to 13,940 ha in 2007
The National Wetlands Policy (2002) estimated a loss of approximately 50% of wetlands in
Trinidad and Tobago up to 2002
The IMA (2010) has reported a die back of mangroves in the Caroni Swamp as follows:
o Of the 5,263 ha of mangrove forest, 494 ha were lost between 1922 and 1985 due to road
construction, sewage treatment facilities, landfill and river widening
o In 2001, Landsat imagery showed a loss of an additional 170 ha
Special emphasis in this report is given to the Nariva Swamp which has increasingly become a focus for
restoration and conservation initiatives locally. The swamp is located on Trinidads east coast, and has
been severely affected by human development, especially rice farming activities, slash and burn
agriculture and infrastructural development. As a result, changes in the land cover of this swamp
ecosystem have been observed (Figure 1.6, Table 1.5 and Box 1.4). As reported by Carbonell et al (2007),
between 1946 and 2003, there was an overall reduction in the size of the swamp from 15703 hectares to
15,568 hectares. Additionally, there were reductions in marsh and upland forest, and increases in
agriculture, secondary growth and clear cut forest. These data also indicate greater fragmentation of the
ecosystem.
FIGURE 1.6: LAND COVER CHANGE IN THE NARIVA SWAMP (1942 AND 2003)
38
Source: Carbonell et al 2007
TABLE 1.5: LAND USE/LAND COVER CHANGE IN THE NARIVA SWAMP (1942 2003)
Class
Agriculture
Clear Cut
Forest
Coconut
Marsh
Secondary
Growth
Settlement
Swamp
Forest
Upland
Forest
Water
Total
1942
hectares
% of
total
ha
101
1%
-
1958
hectares
% of
total ha
1969
hectares
% of
total ha
1994
hectares
% of
total ha
259
-
2%
-
762
49
5%
0%
1216
210
8%
1%
2003
hectares % of
total
ha
1226
8%
237
2%
281
4414
-
2%
28%
-
237
4708
23
2%
30%
0%
326
4488
-
2%
29%
-
253
3230
1036
2%
21%
7%
253
3166
1110
2%
20%
7%
7
2433
0%
15%
27
2245
0%
14%
63
1858
0%
12%
82
1895
1%
12%
82
1885
1%
12%
8236
52%
8187
52%
8148
52%
7699
49%
7677
49%
232
15703
1%
100%
19
15704
0%
20
0%
100%
15714
100%
Source: Carbonell et al 2007
22
15644
0%
100%
22
15568
0%
100%
39
BOX 1.4: THE STORY OF THE NARIVA SWAMP A BRIEF HISTORY OF LAND USE
In 1942, the first decade of aerial photography acquired for the study, Narivas hydrological regime was very
different from today. The Navet Dam did not yet exist, farming in Sector A and Sector B had not yet begun and the
ecosystem was a mosaic of marsh, mangrove, forest and open water. In 1958, the major notable change was the
decrease in open water areas in the south of Nariva and around Bush-Bush. An expansion of agriculture in what is
now known as Sector A had begun to encroach on the marsh. By 1969, the Navet Dam had been built, roads had
been constructed and the Petit Poole canal created. Agriculture had expanded significantly around Kernahan in the
south and illegal rice farmers were moving into Sector B. Open water areas were scarce and the swamp forest
distribution had shifted. Evidence of clear cutting in the upland forest around Kernahan was also apparent. Imagery
was not available for the 1970s so a clear picture of the composition of Nariva was not possible for this decade. By
the 1980s, the illegal rice farmers continued to move into Sector B and subsequently the hydrology of the marsh
continued to be altered. Progression of swamp forest in the eastern part of the marsh was apparent and can be
attributed to the lack of fresh water. In 1994, the swamp forest continued to expand on the east but was completely
removed along the western edges of Sector B. By 1996, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago had evicted the
illegal rice farmers in Sector B and passive regeneration had begun. However, the hydrology remained altered with
many canals and levees still in place. In 2003 the legal agricultural plots in Sector A had undergone a transition from
rice to other types of farming (watermelon, green peppers, among others) and the canals had been rehabilitated and
pumps updated with new equipment. In addition, recent satellite data from January 2007 did not show any major
man-made changes within the protected area. (Excerpted from Carbonell et al 2007)
Brief mention should also be made of the Aripo Savannas - the only remaining natural savanna ecosystem
in Trinidad and Tobago. This ecosystem has been under threat from quarrying (which has been reported
to have affected 2 5% of the savannas), as well as fires, illegal human settlements (and hunting). This
has resulted in greater fragmentation of the savannas as well as degradation of both the savanna and
marsh vegetation.
Inland freshwater systems face problems of pollution and drawdown (of freshwater) for human
consumption. In 1998, an assessment of watershed quality throughout Trinidad and Tobago indicated that
a number of watersheds especially in western Trinidad, showed signs of degraded surface water quality
(Figure 1.7).
40
FIGURE 1.7: SURFACE WATER QUALITY IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (1999)
Water Quality Legend
CARIBBEAN SEA
Good in whole watershed

Good in upper watershed
moderate in lower part
Good in upper watershed
bad in lower part
Moderate in
Upper watershed
bad in lower part
Moderate in whole watershed
Bad in nearly
whole watershed
GULF OF PARIA
ATLANTIC
OCEAN
Source:
Resources
COLOMBUS CHANNEL
0 km
20 km
Water
40 km
Scale
Management Strategy for Trinidad and Tobago, Final Report

DHV Consultants/Delft Hydraulics/Lee Young and Partners, Government of Trinidad and Tobago. June 1999
Again, in 2001, data generated by The University of the West Indies which show the quality of rivers in
Trinidad against a backdrop of land use types (Figures 1.8 and 1.9), indicate that water courses in areas
under agricultural, commercial, industrial and residential development are the most heavily affected by
heavy metals and deviations in physicochemical parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, total phosphate, and
biological oxygen demand) from the original baseline conditions. This demonstrates a direct link between
the impacts of human activities on inland watercourse quality.
FIGURE 1.8: MAP OF TRINIDAD SHOWING LAND USE TYPES AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL
SURFACE WATER QUALITY
41
Source: The University of the West Indies 2001
FIGURE 1.9: MAP OF TRINIDAD SHOWING LAND USE TYPES AND HEAVY METALS IN
SURFACE WATER SOURCES
Source: The University of the West Indies 2001
There are some proxy data that serve to indicate the status of water quantity in the inland surface water
sources in Trinidad and Tobago. Recommended abstraction levels for surface water sources throughout
Trinidad and Tobago (rivers, streams, and dams) are based mainly on a percentage of recharge rates.
These levels attempt to protect and sustain ecological function in the water body by preserving twentyfive percent (25%) for purely ecological purposes. This is a policy-based rule of thumb indiscriminately
42
applied to all water sources throughout the country and therefore may not necessarily be truly protective
of ecological function (Sankar pers comm., 2010). Assuming however that the assigned 25% abstraction
is a threshold which would help to afford inland surface water sources protection from over-abstraction,
what data for 2008 clearly point to is higher than recommended levels of abstraction from many of the
countrys surface waters (Figure 1.10). What is perhaps even more worrying is that drawdown in some
cases is as high as 500%, even reaching almost 1000% (Figure 1.11). These data potentially point to
unsustainable use which might be having an impact on the biodiversity associated with these ecosystems.
Relative Proportions of
Surface Water Sources in Each
Category
FIGURE 1.10: SUMMARY OF ABSTRACTION LEVELS FROM SURFACE WATER SOURCES

THROUGHOUT TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (2008)
120%
100%
100%
80%
60%
40%
48%
57%
53%
43%
20%
0%
Trinidad Surface Water

Trinidad Springs
Tobago Surface Water
Sources
Sources
Greater than 100 % Recommended Abstraction
Less than 100 % Recommended
Abstraction
Source: Water Resources Agency (2010)
FIGURE 1.11: FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF ABSTRACTION LEVELS FROM SURFACE

WATER SOURCES THROUGHOUT TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (2008)
Number of Individual Surface
Water Intakes/ Dams in Each
Category
25
20
15
10
5
0
% of Recommended Abstracted
Source: Water Resources Agency (2010)
1.3.2 Species Diversity and Vulnerability

There are a number of different sources of data and information on species diversity in Trinidad and
Tobago. As data and information on diversity are presented in this section, the following should be noted:
For most species, there would seem to be a good understanding of numbers (in some cases even
their distribution and abundance). These include plants, mammals, reptiles, amphibians,
freshwater fishes, birds, and coastal species such as corals, seagrasses and mangroves
43
There are however some groups for which, according to the literature, there is no consensus on
total numbers of species found locally for example, marine fishes including reef-associated
fishes
Based on all available information sources, insects would appear to be the least well-understood
group not surprising given their size, diversity etc. In Trinidad and Tobago, only certain types
of insects (e.g. butterflies and termites) have been documented in detail.
In some cases (especially in the case of marine fishes, but also in the case of amphibians and
reptiles) it would appear that debatable numbers of species were presented. The current study has
canvassed the literature and presented the most credible sources in these instances
There have been a few studies undertaken which have provided more up-to-date, reliable
information on species numbers. These include:
an updated inventory of the flora of Trinidad and Tobago (unpublished) undertaken as part of
a project known as the Darwin Initiative which indicates a total of 3,337 plant species in
Trinidad (including species, subspecies and variations of indigenous and introduced species
(Baksh-Comeau 2010)
a 2007 study of bird abundance (White et al, 2007) which indicates a total of 467 species of
birds on both islands
A study on coral diversity (Miloslavich et al, 2010) which indicates 42 species as compared
with previous accounts of 36
Based on the most up-to-date available information therefore, the numbers of species of plants and
animals in Trinidad and Tobago (based on major categories of groupings) are shown in Table 1.6.
TABLE 1.6: NUMBERS OF SPECIES IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Major
Categories of
Plant and
Animal
Species
Number of
Species
recorded in
Trinidad and
Tobago
Additional
Notes
Data source
Number of
recorded
endemics
Source
Plants
3,337
includes sp.
subsp. and
variations of
indigenous
and
introduced
records
BakshComeau et al
2010
(unpublished
checklist)
59
Eynden et al
2008
Birds
467
of which 400
in Trinidad
and 170 in
Tobago
White 2007
Kenny 2008
1
Pawi/ Piping
guan
(Piplie pipile)
Kenny 2008
Starr 2001
Mammals
>100
in 22 families.
Bats (60 spp)
and Rodents
(17 spp) are
Kenny 2008
Kenny 2008
44
Major
Categories of
Plant and
Animal
Species
Number of
Species
recorded in
Trinidad and
Tobago
Additional
Notes
Data source
Number of
recorded
endemics
Source
of which there
are 40 to 55
species of
snakes; about
30 species of
lizards, and 5
turtle species
Murphy
1997;
Kenny, 2008
1
Luminous
lizard
Kenny 2008
largest groups
Reptiles
Ranges
between 85
and 90
(Proctoporus
shrevei)
Amphibians
between 30
and 32
there are no
newts or
salamanders
in T&T
Murphy
1997; Kenny
2008; Starr
2001
Freshwater
Fishes
50
in 21 families
Kenny 2008
Recorded as
being at least
950
Fishbase
(2008) reports
a figure of
956;
Ramjohn
(1999) reports
1013 spp6
Marine Fishes
1
Golden Tree
Frog
(Phyllodytes
auratus)
0
Kenny 2008
Kenny 2008;
Fishbase
2008;
Ramjohn
(1999)
Unknown
Can find no
evidence of
endemics in
the records
Starr 2007
Starr 2007
Can find no
evidence of
endemics in
the records
Butterflies
659
Corals
41
approximately
40 found in
Buccoo Reef
Miloslavich
et al 2010;
IMA 2010
IMA 2010
Mangroves
Of which 7 in
Trinidad and 4
in Tobago
IMA 2010
IMA 2010
Seagrasses
Of which 3 in
Trinidad and 4
IMA 2010
IMA 2010
As reported by Ramjohn (1999), there are a total of 1013 species of fish - Teleost fishes are represented by 942
species in 437 genera in 148 families in 28 orders; Elasmobranchs are represented by 71 species in 37 genera in 22
families in 9 orders. This does not include crustaceans.
45
Major
Categories of
Plant and
Animal
Species
Number of
Species
recorded in
Trinidad and
Tobago
Additional
Notes
Data source
Number of
recorded
endemics
Source
Duncan and
Lee Lum
(2004)
Can find no
evidence of
endemics in
the records
in Tobago
Marine Algae
198
It addition to the data presented above, records show that there are 56 molluscs species, 85 crustaceans
and 56 sponges (IMA 1999); 55 species of echinoderms (Miloslavich et al 2010); 201 species of
polychaetes (Gobin 2009); 70 species of marine hard bottom nematodes (Gobin 2007); 276 species of
spiders (Sewlal pers comm. 2010) and 10 species of scorpions (Starr 2007).
A very comprehensive and up-to date account of the general abundance and distribution of species has
been provided by Kenny (2008). Other reports such as the Northern Range Assessment (2005), and the
IMA report on wetlands of Trinidad and Tobago (2010) - just to name two - provide detailed information
on status and trends in species abundance and distribution. This report will not seek to provide in-depth
information on all species or species groups.
By way of general synthesis, what is important to note is that there have been no known extinctions in
Trinidad and Tobago in recent times (Kenny, 2008; IUCN, 2010). However, there have been observed
(and in some cases well studied and documented) changes in the abundance and distribution of species on
the islands directly attributable to habitat degradation, and to a lesser extent overharvesting and pollution.
As a result of this, a number of both plants and animals are now vulnerable - they have become
uncommon, are threatened by extinction or have become critically endangered. Large animals such as the
Howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus insularis), Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), and Wildhog or quenk
(Tayassu tajacu), the Pawi or Piping Guan (Pipile pipile), certain orchid species, bird species, lizards in
fact almost every major class of animal and plant have been known to be affected in both their
distribution and abundance because of increasing human pressures.
A recent study on the abundance of birds in Trinidad and Tobago (White et al, 2007) reveals that while
most birds have been assessed to be common, a large percentage are described as either rare or very
rare (Figure 1.12). The bird species locally known as the Pawi or Piping Guan (Pipile pipile), which has
been tested and found to be the only locally endemic bird species in Trinidad and Tobago, continues to be
of special interest (Box 1.5). It has been categorized as critically endangered by the IUCN as its numbers
in the wild continue to decline because of habitat destruction and overhunting (Hayes et al, 2009).
FIGURE 1.12: ASSESSMENT OF THE ABUNDANCE OF BIRDS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
(2007)
46
140
Trinidad
Number of Species
120
Tobago
100
80
60
40
20
0
Abundant
Common
Locally
Scarce
Rare
Very Rare
Abundance Categories
Source: White et al 2007
A - Abundant; widespread and usually in some numbers in suitable habitat
C - Common; usually found in suitable habitat
U - Uncommon; occasionally seen in suitable habitat singly or in small numbers
Sc - Scarce; Very few (less than 5) records per year
R - Rare; not recorded annually
VR - Very rare; less than 1 record per decade
L - Locally distributed in restricted habitat, where it may be not uncommon.
BOX 1.5: THE TRINIDAD PIPING GUAN A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED BIRD

The Trinidad piping-guan Pipile pipile is endemic to the island of Trinidad, where it is critically endangered. The
piping-guan formerly occurred throughout much of Trinidad at all elevations, except perhaps along the west coast.
Currently it is most abundant in the eastern half of the Northern Range, where considerable forest habitat remains,
yet it remains rare and local. A few piping-guans may persist in forested areas of southern Trinidad, where the
species was last reported in 2000. It may be extirpated in central Trinidad, where it was last reported in 1983.
Hunting is clearly the major threat but appears to have declined in the past decade, at least in the Northern Range,
due to recent public education campaigns. Recent sightings in areas where the piping-guan had previously not been
reported for a century suggest a growing population in the Northern Range. Although deforestation has also
contributed to its decline, the piping-guan tolerates limited human disturbances in small-scale agricultural
plantations of rural communities as long as canopy trees are left intact in nearby forest and it is not hunted. From
1999 to 2001, we conducted variable-radius point counts in suitable habitat at or near selected localities in the
Northern Range where the piping-guan had been reported within the past 2 decades. We detected piping guans in
only 3 of 284 (1.6%) point counts, resulting in an estimated density of 0.22 birds km 2.
Source: Extracted from Abstract of Hayes et al, 2009.
It is now well established that coral reefs in the Caribbean have been severely degraded on account of a
number of driving forces a decline of over 80% since the 1970s (CARSEA 2007; Ali, 2009). In Tobago,
where coral reef formations occupy about 70% of coastal waters (IMA, 2010), there has been significant
loss of coral due to bleaching, pollution and sedimentation, human damage and storm/wave activity
47
(IMA, 2010; Ali, 2009); . The following general/noteworthy trends have been observed in Tobagos coral
reefs:
In 2005, the reefs were affected by the region-wide bleaching that occurred due to elevated sea
surface temperatures (Table 1.7).
Mean coral cover in reefs in the northwestern region of the island at depths of seven (7) and
twelve (12) metres was found to have decreased from twenty-one percent (21%) in 2005 to
fifteen (15%) in 2008 most likely attributable to a number of diseases which began to spread in
the wake of the 2005 Caribbean bleaching event (Bouchon et al, 2008)
In 2008, large swells caused further damage to shallow reefs on the Caribbean Sea coastline
Bouchon et al, 2008)
In Culloden, there has been an 85% reduction at the reef crest - from 29.1% in 1985 to 4.5% in
2009 (Ali, 2009)
TABLE 1.7: CORAL ABUNDANCE BY SPECIES AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL CORAL
COVER IN TOBAGO IN 2005
Taxonomic name
Common
name
%
bleached
% of total corals
observed
Acropora palmata
Agaricia agaricites
Colpophyllia natans
Diploria
labyrinthiformis
Diploria strigosa
Madracis mirabilis
Elkhorn
Leaf
Giant Brain
0
93
80
0.5
3
9
Grooved Brain
Smooth Brain
Yellow Pencil
Butterprint
Brain
Fire Coral
Boulder Star
Cavernous Star
Mustard Hill
Thin Finger
Finger
Rough Starlet
Smooth Starlet
Various
84
50
3
1
11
4
67
53
73
47
34
60
50
93
68
5
2
12
37
4
3
1
1
1
6
5
Meandrina meandrites
Millepora spp.
Montastrea annularis
Montastrea cavernosa
Porites astreoides
Porites divaricata
Porites furcata
Siderastrea radians
Siderastrea siderea
Other
Source: Buccoo Reef Trust 2008
Data from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) through its Red List (2008,
2008 and 2010 version 1), indicate that in Trinidad and Tobago, there are threatened species in all major
IUCN groups, except molluscs (Figure 1.13). In 2009, a new fish species was added to the list bringing
the total number of threatened species in Trinidad and Tobago to 49.
FIGURE 1.13: NUMBERS OF THREATENED SPECIES IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO IN

CATEGORIES (2008, 2009 and 2010 version 1)
48
Numbers of Threatened Species
25.00
2008
20.00
2009
15.00
2010
10.00
5.00
0.00
Category
Source: IUCN 2010
Further data from the IUCN Red List (2010 version 1) points to 10 species being critically endangered, 10
endangered, 28 considered vulnerable and 1 in the category of lower risk or conservation dependent
(based on the IUCN Red List categories).
In T&T, special attention has been given to the protection of three species under law - the
Environmentally Sensitive Species Rules 2001. They are the Piping Guan or Pawi (Pipile pipile), the
West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus), and the White-tailed Sabrewing Hummingbird
(Campylopterus ensipennis). Since their designation as environmentally sensitive species in 2007, there
has been no significant improvement in the abundance and distribution of these species, but the level of
awareness and protection (especially by involvement of local communities) is preventing further
devastating declines. What is realized however is that much more is needed to protect locally threatened
species.
1.3.3 Status and Trends in Key Ecosystem Services

An overall assessment of the status and trends in key biodiversity-related ecosystem services in Trinidad
and Tobago (based on ecosystem and species data and information) is given in Table 1.8.
This assessment, which is based on an analysis of available, empirical data, as well as expert judgments,
indicates that most services are in fair condition but are in decline. The decline is especially evident in the
flooding which is growing in frequency and intensity throughout the country.
TABLE 1.8: SUMMARY ASSESSMENT OF THE STATUS AND TRENDS IN KEY

BIODIVERSITY-RELATED ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
49
Northern Range
ecosystem service
Service type Provisioning/

Regulating/
Supporting
Condition
Trend
Certainty/
Confidence
level
Forested ecosystems
Timber
Non-timber forest
products (including
wildlife hunting)
Runoff regulation and
retention (flooding and
landslides)
Climate and
microclimate regulation
Soil conservation
Biodiversity services
wildlife habitat
Water cycling and
replenishment (for the
provision of freshwater)
Amenity value
(recreation and
ecotourism)
Provisioning
Provisioning
Fair
Fair
Decreasing
Decreasing
High
Medium
Regulating
Fair
Decreasing (rapidly)
Medium to High
Regulation
Fair
Decreasing
Medium
Regulating
Regulating and
supporting
Supporting
Fair
Fair
Decreasing
Decreasing
Medium
Medium
Fair
Decreasing
Medium
Cultural
Good
Decreasing
Medium
Inland Freshwater ecosystems

Freshwater provision
Fisheries, aquaculture
Waste disposal,
assimilation, and
treatment
Flood regulation, water
storage
Biodiversity support
Amenity value
Provisioning
Provisioning
Regulating
Fair
Fair
Fair
Decreasing
Decreasing
Decreasing
High
Medium
Medium
Regulating
Fair
Decreasing (rapid)
Medium to High
Regulating and
Supporting
Cultural
Fair
Decreasing
Medium
Fair
Decreasing
Medium
Coastal and Marine ecosystems

Fisheries (both marine
and coastal)
Flood regulation/ water
storage
Shoreline protection
(from erosion and
storms)
Waste disposal,
assimilation and
treatment
Climate and
microclimate regulation
Provisioning
Fair
Low to Medium
Regulating
Fair
Regulating
Fair
Decreasing
Medium to
High
High
Regulating
Fair
Decreasing
Medium
Regulating
Fair
Decreasing
Medium
50
Northern Range
ecosystem service
Service type Provisioning/

Regulating/
Supporting
Condition
Trend
Certainty/
Confidence
level
Biodiversity services
coral reef diversity,
mangrove and seagrass
fish nurseries etc.
Amenity value
Regulating and
supporting
Fair
Decreasing
Medium
Cultural
Good
Decreasing
Table adapted from the Northern Range Assessment (2005)
Medium
The ability of forests and coastal systems to help regulate surface runoff and soil erosion, and thereby
assist in minimizing the effects of flooding in low-lying areas around the country has been significantly
impaired by reductions in the extent and integrity of vegetation cover - as already described in Section
1.2.4.2. Flooding effects are coupled with reductions in infiltration surfaces because of increasing
infrastructural development (as well as improper/inadequate drainage systems). The result has been
greater occurrence and severity of flooding throughout the country in areas that coincide with greatest
degradation such as in western Trinidad (Figure 1.14).
FIGURE 1.14: FLOOD LOCATIONS IN TRINIDAD BASED ON FLOOD RECURRENCE

INTERVALS (2007 unpublished)
Source: Canisius and Nancy 2007 (unpublished)
There are also indications that destruction of watersheds will result in a decrease in the quantity of
freshwater produced from them, and that by 2025, Trinidad and Tobago will be in a situation of being
water stressed, especially in the dry season (Northern Range Assessment 2005).
51
1.3.4 Genetic Diversity

Genetic diversity in Trinidad and Tobago is not as well researched and understood as ecosystem and
species diversity. Most data and information on genetic diversity are available for species of agricultural
importance. Table 1.9 shows the status of the diversity of major crops in Trinidad and Tobago as at 2007,
and indicates that most are considered stable (Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources
Central Experiment Station 2007). Such was also found to be the case for minor crops and forages (ibid).
TABLE 1.9: STATUS OF THE DIVERSITY OF MAJOR CROPS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Major Crops
Pigeon Peas
Citrus
Major Aroids
Sweet Potato
Cassava
Rice
Eggplant
Cowpea
Maize
Breadfruit
Yams
Genus
Cajanus
Citrus
Colocasia,
Xanthosoma
Ipomoea
Manihot
Oryza
Solanum
Vigna
Zea
Artocarpus
Dioscorea
No. of
Accession
3
156
4
Relative Importance
Food
Economic
Security
H
H
H
H
H
H
85
66
5
1
5
3
2
41
H
H
H
H
L
M
H
M
H
H
L
L
L
L
L
L
State of Diversity
D RS UN
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
H High , I Increasing , D-Decreasing , RS Remaining the same , UN Unknown, M Medium, L- Low

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources Central Experiment Station.2007 .
Two case studies are given below to indicate the importance of genetic diversity in T&Ts agriculture.
Box 1.6 provides some information on the history and current status of cocoa diversity in T&T.
BOX 1.6: GENETIC DIVERSITY OF COCOA AND ITS ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE TO TRINIDAD
AND TOBAGO
Trinidad & Tobago is an exclusive producer of fine or flavour cocoa and is regarded as the centre of origin for
Trinitario germplasm. The Trinitario germplasm, which literally means native of Trinidad, originated from natural
hybridization between remnants of Criollo germplasm introduced into Trinidad in the 16th Century by the Spanish
and the Forastero varieties from South America, introduced in the 18th Century. This occurred after the original
material was destroyed by a mysterious blast in 1727(CABI Commodities.2004). Selection and breeding
programmes have spanned over 60 years. In the 1930s F.J. Pound carried out an extensive survey of cocoa in
Trinidad & Tobago from which he selected the best 100 clones, the well-known Imperial College Selections (ICS).
Subsequently, W.E. Freeman at the Ministry of Agriculture (now Ministry of Food Production, Land and Marine
Resources7) spent over 30 years developing the Trinidad Selected Hybrids (TSH) in an ambitious recurrent selection
breeding programme. The TSH cultivars are renowned for fine or flavour attributes, and TSH 919 in particular has
been described to have an aristocratic flavour. With appropriate agronomic inputs, the TSH cultivars are noted for
their high yield (>2,000 kg/ha), large bean size and low pod index. The breeding programme in Ministry of Food
Production, Land and Marine Resources is on-going, with further selections being made for superior yield, disease
Since the time of publication of the report from which this case study is drawn, the Ministry has changed its name
and is now known as the Ministry of Food Production, Land and Marine Resources.
52
resistance, environmental adaptability and to maintain fine flavour potential for the export market (CABI
Commodities.2004).
Research efforts at The Cocoa Research Unit (CRU) over the last 10 years have been directed towards the task of
characterization and evaluation of all the accessions in the International Cocoa Genebank, Trinidad (ICG,T),
selecting those with desirable traits and undertaking pre-breeding to produce genetically diverse populations with
enhanced characters (such as disease resistance) (CRU.2009). One thousand four hundred and sixty-four accessions
have now been characterised with morphological descriptors according to the standard protocol. Random amplified
polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and isozyme electrophoresis (IE) techniques were used to estimate the level of genetic
diversity in a sample of cacao germplasm existing at the International Cocoa Genebank, Trinidad. Twenty-six cocoa
populations represented by 459 cocoa genotypes were analysed using IE and 22 populations represented by 353
cocoa genotypes were analysed using RAPD. Despite few differences in the classification of the populations, both
techniques revealed three major groups: the indigenous trees, the cultivated Trinitario and the cultivated trees from
Ecuador. Two-thirds of the partitioned diversity were found within populations and one-third between the
populations, with both techniques (Sounigo,Umaharan,Christopher,Sankar & Ramdahin 2005).
When optimally processed, cocoa from Trinidad & Tobago possesses interesting fruity, mildly floral, winey, even
raisiny overtones that are quite distinct from those found in bulk cocoas. These flavour attributes are sought after by
certain manufacturers of premium chocolates. This demand provides a market environment in which the price for
cocoa from Trinidad & Tobago is well above the international market price for bulk cocoa (CABI
Commodities.2004) - Grade I cocoa beans exported from Trinidad and Tobago currently command US$ 4,500 to $
5,300 per tonne compared to US $ 2,300 per tonne paid for bulk cocoa
Source: CRU 2009
Another species which is well known and relatively well documented is the Buffalypso a locally derived
breed of the Water Buffalo which derives its name from a popular form of music in T&T known as
calypso. The abundance of this species is currently on the decline and it is noted that we stand to lose
germplasm if conservation efforts are not increased (Box 1.7).
BOX 1.7: THE STORY OF THE BUFFALYPSO
E.E. Mac Lachlan, M.R.C.V.S. in 1952 brought to the attention of the Trinidad Veterinarians that the Water Buffalo
was an important animal for the Caribbean and the hot humid Tropics. In 1949 Dr Steve Bennett, DVM, Colorado,
began with Mr. T. Hume Porteous the development of the Buffalypso breed for beef production in Trinidad at the
Caroni Limited Sugar Company. The adaptability of these animals to tropical conditions would indicate that, with
selective breeding and improved environmental conditions, these animals may easily find their way in the tropics in
the field of beef production and, to a lesser degree, as an auxillary to the diary industry. This was the foundation of
the philosophy behind the breeding of the Buffalypso by Steve Bennett. He and Mr. T. Hume Porteous [the manager
of the buffaloes at Caroni Limited] developed the selection process of the buffaloes that were imported into Trinidad
between 1905 and 1908 and then later in 1923 and 1949. Dr L Shannon had earlier introduced the water buffalo onto
the sugar plantations of Trinidad replacing the Zebu and the Brahaman [Nellhore type] cattle as work animals. The
water buffaloes imported into Trinidad were the Murrah, Surti, Jaffarbadi, Nelli and Bhadawari, the last being six
Murrah bulls in 1948. Caroni Limited the sugar company that pioneered the development of the Buffalypso as a beef
type animal saw this initiative as one of their efforts at diversifying out of sugar. Today in Trinidad there are less than
5000 buffaloes of which less than half would be of the Buffalypso type. In addition there is no present effort at
ensuring the survival of this germplasm in Trinidad. But the Buffalypso has been exported to many countries (19 in
all), including USA, Colombia, Cuba, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Hondorous, Mexico (via Hondorous),Nicaragua,
Panama, Venezuela. Steinfeld, Gerber, Wassenaar, Castel Rosales and de Hann (2006) have indicated that there is
erosion of the Livestock biodiversity. It has been argued that the management of livestock genetic resources is the
same as for other types of biodiversity: to maintain use and non-use values to humans, to preserve important
components of cultural heritage or typical landscapes, or to preserve traits that may be of value in the future. In this
regard it will be important for the Buffalypso of Trinidad be preserved for this and future generations.
53
Extracted from: Bennett.S.P, Garcia.G.W and Lampkin.P.2007.The buffalypso: the water buffalo of Trinidad and
Tobago.
There are several other species which have been bred to increase production locally. These include (but
are not limited to) commodity items such as animals such as sheep, goats and rabbits. The Ministry of
Food Production, Land and Marine Resources has reported one case where the importation of different
breeds to enhance local production is actually leading to extirpation of the local variety of the Barbados
Blackbelly Sheep Ovis aries. The Ministry has indicated that special emphasis will need to be given to
ensure that this strain is not lost from the local gene pool.
1.4 Drivers of Change

There are a number of driving forces which are increasingly affecting biodiversity and associated human
well-being in the country. Many of the direct drivers have already been mentioned in the previous
sections on status and trends. This section provides consolidated information on the main direct and
indirect forces of change, and recognizes that data availability for Trinidad is generally better than that for
Tobago (both in the extent and quality of the data).
1.4.1 Direct Drivers of Change
1.4.1.1 Land Use and Land Cover Change
Land use and land cover changes are collectively the main driving force contributing to biodiversity loss
in all biomes in Trinidad and Tobago not unlike many other parts of the globe. Deforestation and
conversion of land principally for agriculture and housing have been the main human influences on the
landscape, and these have resulted in the reduction in extent of forests and coastal ecosystems, as well as
greater fragmentation of remaining natural systems.
Figures 1.15 shows comparative land use/ land cover maps for Trinidad for two years - 1994 and 2007.
These maps indicate that the most extensive conversion has occurred in the western parts of the island and
along a belt on southern foothills of the Northern Range (known locally as the East-West Corridor).
Between 1994 and 2007, the most significant change was the increase in the extent of urban/residential
development on the island. Urban/residential development has been spreading both eastward across the
island, and further up into the valleys (or watersheds) of the Northern Range. In recent years, the rate of
housing development has increased significantly because of programmes, especially those which were
Government-led, to increase the number of houses for low-income families.
As was described by a participant at the national consultations for production of this Report, the general
trend has been a conversion of forested land to agricultural land, and the conversion of lands suitable for
agriculture to intensive housing.
FIGURE 1.15: LAND USE/LAND COVER MAP OF TRINIDAD (1994)

54
Source: Opadeyi 2010
Industrial development in Trinidad, largely driven by the growing petrochemical sector over the last
several years, has resulted in the conversion of significant tracts of coastal ecosystems, principally
mangroves along the western coast of Trinidad, to industrial estates the largest of which is the Point
Lisas Industrial Estate (Figure 1.16). Some coastal conversion is also seen in the south-western region of
55
the island. Figure 1.16 illustrates the road network which is earmarked for country wide expansion which
would pose a risk of increased fragmentation of and between ecosystems.
FIGURE 1.16: MAP SHOWING INDUSTRIAL SITES AND ROAD NETWORKS IN TRINIDAD
Source: Town and Country Planning Division, Ministry of Planning, Housing and Environment 2008
In Tobago, significant alterations of the landscape have occurred especially in the southwestern part of the
island, and along the south coast, mainly for urban development (including hotel construction associated
with the growing tourism industry) and agriculture (Figure 1.17). As is evident from the map, this
development has been intensive.
FIGURE 1.17: LAND USE/LAND COVER MAP OF TOBAGO
56
Source: Town and Country Planning Division, 2006
Among the other land use issues contributing to changes in land cover are quarrying, logging and fires.
Quarrying has been receiving increasing attention in Trinidad and Tobago as an activity which adversely
affects biodiversity principally through the removal of large tracts of forest, pollution of waterways and
through noise pollution. Figure 1.18 shows a significant increase in the number of quarries throughout the
country over the four-year period 2004 to 2008.
FIGURE 1.18: NUMBERS OF QUARRIES THROUGHOUT TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
60
Number of Quarries
2004
48
50
2008
40
30
22
20
10
14
3 1
17
11
4 6
4 3
1 1
Type of Material
Source: Oliver 2010
57
5 4
1 1
This increase in certain types of quarries, such as sand and gravel, blue limestone and plastering sand
occurred to meet the local boom in demand for construction material, and it was driven mainly by
government-led infrastructural development under a national initiative commonly known as the 2020
Vision Strategy - initiated in 2006. Rapid development was made possible by the countrys buoyant
economy at that time. Though the regulation of quarry development is governed under law [the Minerals
Act and the Water Pollution (Amendment) Rules 2006], the approach to the establishment, operation and
rehabilitation of quarries is still regarded as unsustainable (see Box 3.10). As such, quarrying continues to
have significant, deleterious effects in such areas as the Northern Range (e.g. the Arima Valley and in the
Valencia area).
Logging, especially illegal logging, is a contributing factor to decreasing forest cover in T&T. In 1998
and 1999, only a small percentage of logs were removed from natural forests on state lands - most were
derived from plantations (such as teak Tectona grandis - and pine Pinus caribaea). However, from
2000, the proportion of sawnlogs originating from natural forests began to increase. The average removal
from natural forests has been approximately 80% (of total logs harvested) for the last several years
(Figure 1.19).
FIGURE 1.19: REMOVAL OF SAWNLOG FROM NATURAL FORESTS IN TRINIDAD AND

TOBAGO AS A PERCENTAGE OF TIMBER REMOVAL FROM ALL (1998 2008)
Every year, fires destroy significant tracts of vegetation throughout Trinidad and Tobago. None of the
fires are thought to be started by natural factors (such as lightning). Rather, fires are most often initiated
through malicious acts, slash and burn agriculture, hunting, smoking and other acts of negligence (Singh
2003 in Northern Range Assessment 2005). Implementation of more effective measures to prevent and
control fires since 1988 has resulted in an overall reduction in number and size of fires (when compared
with 1998 and previous years). Table 1.10 outlines the number of fires and acreage of land burnt on an
annual basis between 1998 and 2008 (most current available data). These data would generally indicate
58
that natural forests are not under the greatest threat from fires rather savannas (Aripo), agricultural lands
and plantations (teak Tectona grandis - and pine Pinus caribaea) most often suffer the most extensive
damage. In this regard, it is worth noting that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has, for several
decades, been using Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea) to reafforest areas most prone to fire damage
because of its fire resistant properties. Data would indicate however that monoculture pine plantations do
not support as high a diversity as natural forests (Garcia, 1999).
59
TABLE 1.10: FOREST FIRE DATA FOR TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (1998 - 2008)
AREA BURNT BY LAND USE IN TRINIDAD 1998 - 2008
Natural
Forest
Shrub/Sec.
Forest
Teak
Plantation
Pine
Plantation
Savannah /
Grasses
Agricultural
Lands
Other
Grand Total
Year
No.
of
Fires
Area
burnt
(ha)
No.
of
Fires
Area
burnt
(ha)
No.
of
Fires
Area
burnt
(ha)
No.
of
Fires
Area
burnt
(ha)
No.
of
Fires
Area
burnt
(ha)
No.
of
Fires
Area
burnt
(ha)
No.
of
Fires
Area
burnt
(ha)
No.
of
Fires
Area
burnt
(ha)
1998
21
248
96
845
100
5,467
51
584
327
1,732
49
182
118
1,225
762
10,283.0
1999
16
28
22
562
12
79
96
280
20
14
15
172
993.0
2000
18
19
717
23
39
136
15
24
92
927.0
2001
18
126
82
453
74
2,246
34
223
177
850
14
121
64
238
463
4,257.0
2002
15
10
41
85
10
62
134.0
2003
16
1,267
45
452
45
1,192
45
760
144
750
27
165
25
137
347
4,723.0
2004
13
175
19
968
18
76
276
17
32
16
136
1,485.0
2005
11
26
55
35
936
13
22
149
410
15
177
29
86
270
1,696.0
2006
15
21
55
16
606
13
153
106
338
53
79
210
1,245.8
2007
12
147
53
229
57
1,338
18
219
227
1,316
24
115
61
203
452
3,567.0
2008
23
43
18
402
16
135
83
704
10
28
74
216
226
1,536.0
60
1.4.1.2 External Inputs Chemical and Solid Waste Pollution

There are a number of sources of pollution which are affecting biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago
both aquatic (freshwater and coastal/marine) and terrestrial.
An in-depth assessment of the causes and effects of land-based sources of pollution in Trinidad and
Tobago (published by the Institute of Marine Affairs, the United Nations Environment Programme and
several other partners in 2008 as part of the development of a National Programme of Action for the
Protection of the Coastal and Marine Environment from Land-based Sources and Activities) has
identified several sources of pollution of concern. They are given in Table 1.11.
TABLE 1.11: LAND-BASED SOURCES OF POLLUTION AND ACTIVITIES IN TRINIDAD
AND TOBAGO
Contaminant
or Alteration
Sewage
POPs
Heavy metals
Oils
(Hydrocarbons)
Nutrients
Sediments
Litter/ solid
waste
Toxic and other
wastes
Major Sources/ Causes
Affected Land Use Activities
Inadequately treated STP effluent

Septic tanks
Pit latrines
Animal waste
Industrial effluent
Runoff containing excessive pesticides
Animal waste
Improperly disposed insecticides, rodenticides
Chemicals contained in termite treatment
PCBs in industrial use
Petroleum mining and refining
Petrochemical plants
Boatyards and marinas
Leaking underground gasoline storage tanks
Petroleum production and refining
Spent lubricating oils
Leaking underground gasoline storage tanks
Boatyards and marinas
Sewage
Grey water (from showers, laundries, etc.)
Animal waste
Runoff containing excess fertilizers, crop residues
Abattoirs
Effluents from ammonia production, food
processing plants, beverage manufacturers, sugar
refineries, rum distilleries, breweries
Deforestation of hillsides for development purposes
Slash and burn agriculture
Forest fires and timber harvesting
Discharges from gravel quarry wash plants
Careless construction stage practices
Reclamation of land
Beach sand mining
Installation of coastal protection structures
Improper disposal of consumer goods
Inadequate waste collection, disposal infrastructure
Solid and liquid waste from industrial operations
Landfills and dumps that leak toxic substances
Residential, Industrial, Tourism

Residential, Industrial, Tourism
Residential
Intensive animal husbandry
Industrial
Agricultural
Residential, Commercial, Industrial,
Residential, Commercial
Industrial
Industrial (Petrochemical, Extractive)
Industrial (Petrochemical)
Industrial, Tourism (Yachting)
Commercial
Industrial (Petrochemical, Extractive)
Commercial, Industrial
Commercial
Industrial, Tourism (Yachting)
Residential, Commercial, Industrial
Residential, Tourism
Agriculture
61
Industrial
Residential, Infrastructural,
Agricultural
Industrial (Extractive/ Mining)
All development/ land use activities
Residential, Tourism
Industrial
Land-filling/ waste disposal
Contaminant
Major Sources/ Causes
Affected Land Use Activities
or Alteration
Physical
Reclamation of wetlands
All land use activities
Alterations and
Installation of coastal protection structures
Destruction of
Dredging to develop and maintain harbours
Ports and harbours/ Infrastructure
Habitat
Beach sand mining
(PADH)
Source: TT NPA for the Protection of the Coastal and Marine Environment from Land-based Sources and Activities,
2008-2013 IMA and UNEP, February 2008
This same study also conducted an assessment of the severity of impacts of the various sources of
pollution on various aspects related to human well-being one of them being ecosystem health. As is
evident from Table 1.12, the assessment concluded that with the exception of heavy metals and toxic
waste, all other pollutants have a high level of impact on ecosystem health. Heavy metals and toxic waste
were found to have an effect in the medium-high range. This very comprehensive assessment would be
key to identifying the priorities and actions needed to better manage the effects of pollution locally.
TABLE 1.12: SEVERITY OF IMPACTS OF LAND-BASED SOURCES OF POLLUTION ON
VARIOUS ASPECTS OF HUMAN WELL-BEING
Contaminant or Alteration
Sewage
POPs
Heavy Metals
Oils (Hydrocarbons)
Nutrients
Sediments
Litter/Solid Waste
Toxic, other Wastes
PADH
Food
Security
and
Poverty
Alleviation
3.00
3.00
2.00
2.17
3.00
2.17
2.17
2.30
3.00
Public
Health and
Safety
Ecosystem
Health
Economic
and Social
Benefits.
Uses
Total
3.00
3.00
2.17
2.17
2.00
1.75
2.30
2.50
2.00
3.00
3.00
2.17
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
2.30
3.00
3.00
3.00
2.00
2.17
2.17
2.80
3.00
2.30
2.00
12.00
12.00
8.34
9.51
10.17
9.72
10.47
9.40
10.00
1 Low Impact
2 Medium Impact
3 High Impact
For each pollutant, the severity of each impact was given a weighted score out of 3. The total severity for each
pollutant was then calculated by finding the sum of the scores awarded to the four individual impacts.
Source: IMA and UNEP 2008
Specifically related to the coastal/marine environment, there are some available datasets which allow for a
closer examination of the impacts of pollution on ecosystem health and services. A study undertaken in
Tobago in 2007 to determine the percentage of terrestrial sediment settling onto Tobagos coral reefs,
estimated that on average, 30% of the sediment on Tobagos reefs is derived from inland sources. The
results of this study are shown in Figure 1.20.
62
FIGURE 1.20: PROPORTION OF TERRESTRIAL SEDIMENTS IN COASTAL SEDIMENT

TRAPS FROM SELECTED SITES AROUND TOBAGO (2007)
Source: Buccoo Reef Trust 2008

Given the rapid development of the oil and gas industry in Trinidad and Tobago, there have been
concerns about the pollution impact of these activities on aquatic systems. Figure 1.21 provides
information on the main sites of oil and gas exploration in Trinidad and Tobago (including offshore) as at
2008.
Solid waste is another form of pollution that affects both terrestrial and aquatic life. Perhaps the most
comprehensive, complete and compelling dataset on the sources and extent of coastal pollution in T&T is
derived from the annual International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) Exercise. Figure 1.23 shows the most upto-date information from the 2008 ad 2009 ICC exercises. What is clear from these data is that shoreline
and recreational activities are the major contributor to coastal pollution, and the types of materials that are
most abundant in this category are plastic bottles, bags, plates, and plastic utensils. These are the very
types of materials that are known to suffocate marine species such as turtles. In addition, and as a result of
ocean and waterway activities, items such as lost fishing nets, which are also a hazard to marine life have been collected during the ICC exercise. Solid waste is indiscriminately disposed of in rivers, canals
and other waterways which invariably deposit this waste at their outfall points at the coastline.
Quantitative data on the impacts of solid waste on inland freshwater systems are not available, but
observations of most of the waterways on the islands would indicate that plastic bottles and Styrofoam
containers comprise the majority of the waste which more than likely plays a very significant role in the
increasing incidence of flooding in T&T. Other types of items which are dumped into waterways include
other types of plastic items, food boxes, appliances, tires/vehicle parts and even pieces of furniture.
FIGURE 1.23: SUMMARY OF THE SOURCES OF DEBRIS COLLECTED DURING THE 2008
AND 2009 INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEAN-UP EXERCISES IN TRINIDAD AND
TOBAGO
63
Medical/Personal hygiene
595
536
Dumping Activities
557
617
2008
2009
2708
2306
Smoking Related Activities
2793
4057
Ocean/Waterway Activities
69997
65869
Shoreline and Recreational Activities

0
20000
40000
60000
80000
Numbers of Items Collected

Source: ICC 2010
1.4.1.3 Harvest and Resource Consumption

Activities such as timber extraction, wildlife hunting, and fishing are all potential threats to species
abundance, distribution and diversity. As previously described, there has been, for several years, a high
dependency on natural forests for the provision of timber (Figure 1.19). Though the removal of timber is
not contributing to deforestation to the extent of other activities (housing, agriculture and even quarrying),
more research is required to determine the effects of this activity on forests.
Wildlife hunting an activity which is regulated by law - is becoming increasingly popular in Trinidad
and Tobago. Figure 1.24 shows that there was a steady increase in the numbers of wildlife animals hunted
annually between 1999 and 2008, with an almost 100% increase in numbers over the period.
Numbers of Animals Hunted
FIGURE 1.24: TOTAL NUMBERS OF WILDLIFE ANIMALS HUNTED ANNUALLY

(1999 2008)
20,000
18,000
16,000
14,000
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
17,635
12,704
13,798
14,907
18,447
15,811
11,220
9,379
9,765
1999/2000 2000/2001 2001/2002 2002/2003 2003/2004 2004/2005 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008
Year
The species most popular as game species include the agouti (Dasyprocta leporine) which accounts of
one third of all animals hunted, deer (Mazama americana trinitatis), armadillo (Dasypus novemcintus),
lappe (Cuniculus paca), the peccaries or quenk (Tayassu tajacu), and lizards (including the Caiman
Caiman crocodilus) see Figure 1.25. It is unlikely that the increasing harvest numbers reported by the
64
Forestry Division are an indication of an increasing resource base (i.e. that the numbers of animals in the
wild are increasing) rather it would more likely indicate that the hunting effort is becoming more
efficient/successful. What is yet to be understood are the critical thresholds in wildlife populations to help
guide decision-making about regulating the hunting effort a determination on this is yet to be made.
However there are already troubling signs indicating unsustainable levels of harvesting. The Northern
Range Assessment (2005) reported declines in populations such as the wildhog (Tayassu tajacu) and the
Lappe (Cuniculus paca), and noted that the Deer (Mazama americana trinitatis) was vulnerable. In
addition to these Kenny (2008) reported on the vulnerability of other species that are hunted - monkeys
(the Red Howler Money - Alouatta seniculus insularis - and the White-fronted Capuchin - Cebus
albifrons trinitatis) are routinely killed and eaten. The Capuchin is described as uncommon in Trinidad,
and the Northern Range Assessment (2005) reported significant decreases in the Howler Monkey
populations. The Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) which is the least common of the land dwelling mammals
in the country is also sometimes killed by hunters. The Pawi (Pipile pipile) categorized by the IUCN
Red List as critically endangered, is also sometimes hunted as food. It should be noted that while there is
a prescribed hunting season and a system for the issuance of hunting permits by species, there has been
and continues to be yearlong illegal hunting, as this activity is widely recognised as a reliable method of
supplementing income amongst rural demographic groups. Meat from game species fetches premium
prices during the hunting season and prices increase during the offseason when meat is sold in blackmarket trade. The Christmas period is traditionally the high season for the harvesting and consumption of
game species.
Forest biodiversity also face threats from the illegal pet trade. Whilst data on seizures of illegally
captured species are inconsistent, this is known to be a perennial problem, with avian, fish, reptile and
even some arachnid species being prime targets for both local and foreign markets (the latter being mainly
the US).
FIGURE 1.25: INDIVIDUAL NUMBERS OF WILDLIFE SPECIES HARVESTED ANNUALLY
(1999 - 2008)
Number of Species Harvested
Annual Harvest of Wildlife Species in

Trinidad 1999-2008
Agouti
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
Deer
Tattoo
Lappe
Wildhog
Cage-birds
Water-Fowl
Years
Caiman/Lizards
65
Trinidad and Tobagos marine fisheries are under serious threat similar to most other fisheries in the
world. Figure 1.26 indicates an overall decline in fish landings after 2002, and as at 2008, recovery was
still not evident. Current data on catch per unit effort for Trinidad and Tobago are not available, although
statistics for the Caribbean show that catch per unit effort at a regional level has been decreasing
(CARSEA, 2007). Moreover certain deductions could be made from available data for Trinidad and
Tobago. By taking the information in Figure 1.2 (which shows an overall increase in the value of fish
landings) and matching it against the data in Figure 1.26, what might be deduced is that the disjuncture in
the pattern between landings (overall decline) and value (overall increase) would suggest a
disproportionate increase in price indicating greater resource scarcity. Offshore fisheries in Trinidad
and Tobagos territorial waters face major threats from commercial vessels that target high value species
such as tuna and crustaceans. Often fishing gear from long liners and trawlers become damaged and
remain in fishing grounds where they continue to ghost fish (i.e. trap marine species), in addition to
which the commercial fishing effort usually results in a high degree of by-catch which is disposed of at
sea. Marine turtles en route to nesting sites are an outstanding example of by-catch caught by trawlers.
FIGURE 1.26: ESTIMATED LANDINGS BY FLEET FROM THE MARINE CAPTURE
FISHERIES IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (1996 2008)
18,000
Trinidad Total
16,000
Artisanal Multi-Gear (Nets

& Lines)
Landings (tonnes)
14,000
Artisanal Trawl
12,000
Total Artisanal
10,000
Semi-industrial Trawl
8,000
Industrial Trawl
6,000
Semi-industrial Longline
4,000
2,000
Semi-industrial Fishpot /
Line
Total Semi-industrial /
Industrial
Tobago
Year
Source: Fisheries Division 2010
Note: The landings by fleet for Trinidad and broken down into individual fleets. Tobago is given as an amalgamated
figure for all fleets.
1.4.1.4 Climate Variability, Change and Associated Effects

The question is no longer whether climate change is having and will continue to have an impact locally,
but rather the extent to which this is happening/ expected to continue. The datasets are by no means
complete in terms of being able to establish conclusive cause-effect relationships, but there is information
which can be used to start developing an understanding of the effects of climate change and variability on
local biodiversity.
66
The average temperature of the country is 26C with a mean temperature range of about 2C. Highest
temperatures are generally recorded during the dry season (Jan-May) and dry season temperatures may
have an average of 35C. At higher elevations, such as in Trinidads Northern Range and in Tobagos
Main Ridge, temperatures tend to be lower than at sea level. There is an average rainfall of 1750 mm per
year with much of the rain being concentrated in the wet season (June-December). Rainfall is also
unevenly distributed with the heaviest being recorded along the eastern Northern Range and the eastern
side of Trinidad, while heaviest rainfall in Tobago is experienced along the Main Ridge.
It is still indeterminate on whether the local rainfall data point to any conclusive trends about the impact
of climate change on rainfall patterns. There are no long-term statistically significant trends which
establish either an increase or decrease in total rainfall. Additionally, seasonal and geographic data which
exist do not allow for drawing sound conclusions about changes. Many locals believe that rainfall patterns
are changing that there is less predictability in wet and dry season patterns; that rainfall is now
occurring in short, but very intensive bursts rather than being spread out more evenly; and that rainfall
distribution is changing there is now more rain in western Trinidad and less rain in eastern Trinidad
when compared with historical patterns. But scientists agree that further monitoring is required to be able
to say anything with certainty. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes (2007) models predict
less rainfall for the southern Caribbean (including Trinidad and Tobago) because of climate change. This
would no doubt have consequences for biodiversity.
Figure 1.27 shows the mean annual air temperature for Trinidad from 1975 to 2009. The increase is
undeniable. Recent reports also indicate a total increase in temperature of 1.7oC over the period 1961
2008 (Draft Climate change Policy for Trinidad and Tobago 2010). This is compared with an increase of
0.6oC over the period 1961 1990. What these data indicate is an increase in the warming rate since
1990. It can therefore be concluded from the long-term data that air temperatures in Trinidad (and
Tobago) are increasing, and that the rate of increase is also increasing.
FIGURE 1.27: MEAN ANNUAL AIR TEMPERATURES IN TRINIDAD (1975 2008)
Temperature (degrees celcius)
28.5
28.0
27.5
27.0
26.5
26.0
25.5
25.0
1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009
Years
67
Source: Meteorological Services 2009
Trinidad and Tobago is responsible for less than 0.1% of the worlds carbon dioxide emissions (CDIAC
2008), but emissions have been increasing steadily for over a decade. Data available from the Carbon
Dioxide Information Analysis Centre (CDIAC) through the United Nations MDG reporting process
(2010) indicates that, based on global monitoring, Trinidad and Tobagos carbon dioxide emissions more
than doubled from 1990 to 2007 (Figure 1.28). In 2007, carbon dioxide emissions in T&T were estimated
at 37,037 thousand metric tonnes.
Carbon dioxide emissions (thousand

metric tonnes)
FIGURE 1.28: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGOS CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS BASED ON

GLOBAL MONITORING DATA (1990 2007)
40000
35000
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
Year
Source: United Nations 20108
No data available for 2008 and 2009
Many of the changes which have been seen in T&Ts GHG emissions are directly correlated with
economic growth. Information provided in the Draft Climate Change Policy for Trinidad and Tobago
(2010) indicates that carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector doubled over the period 19902006, with a 100% increase in the number of vehicles over the same sixteen-year timeframe. Data for
2007 and 2008 on the number of motor vehicles on register in T&T indicate continued (almost linear)
increases. It is therefore fair to assume that the trend in increasing carbon dioxide emissions continued
beyond 2008 (latest available data).
In addition to the transport sector, the Draft Climate Change Policy for T&T (2010) also reported
increases in carbon dioxide emissions from power generation (43% over the period 1990 to 2006), and
from industrial processes (86.7% over the period 1990 to 2006). When taken together, carbon dioxide
emissions from the energy sector (which includes transport, power generation and industry) increased by
8
United Nations 2010. http://unstats.un.org/unsd/mdg/SeriesDetail.aspx?srid=749
68
two hundred and seventy-eight percent (278%) over the period 1990 to 2006. These increases are
statistically significant.
Based on information from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which was published a
recent Human Development Report (Figure 1.29), the carbon intensity of Trinidad and Tobagos growth
is well in excess of the average of other developing countries. T&Ts carbon footprint is also calculated to
be significantly higher by a factor of one thousand percent (1000%).
FIGURE 1.29: CARBON INTENSITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO COMPARED WITH

OTHER DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Source: Thomas 2009
As a small island developing state (SIDS), Trinidad and Tobago is at risk of losing significant portions of
its low-lying coastal lands to sea level rise (driven by climate change). In a recently published paper
(Sutherland et al. 2008), it was reported that over the period 1984 to 1992, sea level around Trinidad and
Tobago rose by 1.6mm to 3.0mm. Projections to 2050 (Miller 2005) indicate a rise of approximately
0.05m above recorded sea level height in 2001 a change of approximately 1mm per year (Figure 1.30).
These data, along with data provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2007) point to
an increase in the rate of sea level rise. These changes would have serious impacts on local coastal
ecosystems, the livelihoods of coastal communities, coastal development and human well-being in
general.
FIGURE 1.30: PREDICTED ANNUAL MEAN SEA LEVEL IN PORT OF SPAIN TRINIDAD
FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THE 21ST CENTURY
69
Source: Miller, 2005
1.4.1.5 Alien Invasive Species

The introduction of alien species into Trinidad and Tobagos environment whether accidentally or on
purpose has had an effect on local biodiversity. It is reported that there are 76 exotic species recorded in
Trinidad and Tobago of which 21 are found in Trinidad only and 4 in Tobago only. There have been
more invasive trees than any other group (introduced mainly for agricultural and other commercial
purposes). Birds, reptiles and insects also show large number of invasive species (Figure 1.31).
FIGURE 1.31: INVASIVE SPECIES IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Found in Both Trinidad and Tobago
Found in Trinidad Only
Found in Tobago Only
Source: Kairo and Ali (2003) and the Global Invasive Species Database (accessed 2010)
There is a classification system which is used to describe the status of alien invasive species (Kairo and
Ali, 2003) and this is given in three categories: Exotic = known to be present in the Caribbean in
cultivation, captivity or in the wild; Naturalised = known to be established in the wild in at least one
Caribbean country; Invasive = established in the wild and reported to be spreading, and / or regarded as a
threat to a native species, ecosystem or causing a socio-economic impact. Of the 76 exotic species, 36
species are considered Invasive.
70
Alien invasives have been known to increase competition within ecological niches, reduce local
biodiversity and have devastating impacts on commercially important crops. Four case studies have been
used to illustrate these effects. Box 1.8 speaks about two species The Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea
bridgesii) and a freshwater turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) which have been competing with native
species for food and space.
BOX 1.8: TWO ALIEN SPECIES WHICH ARE OF THREAT TO LOCAL ECOLOGICAL
NICHES
The Golden Apple Snail, Pomacea bridgesii, has been recorded as far south as the Oropouche drainage in Trinidad
(2009), the base catchment ponds at San Fernando Hill (1992), Cunupia drainages (2004 till present), Arima
residential drainages and tributaries, sump catchment pond at The University of the West Indies (leading into the
Tranchil River of the Caroni Basin). The species was imported during the early 1990s in the aquatic ornamental
trade. They reproduce similarly to the native river snail Pomacea glauca, laying clutches of eggs on riparian
vegetation in solid cocoon-like cases. There seems to be some element of completion for resources between both
species where they co-exist. With the exception of the Oropouche specimen, at all other sites at least ten were found
per square meter. This data is not yet published. (R. Mohammed pers comm. 2010).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Trinidad has three species of freshwater turtles that can be considered native. These include Mesodemmys gibbus
(Schweigger) (Family: Chelidae) formerly Phrynops gibbus (Family: Chelidae, Austro-American side-necked
turtles) Rhinoclemmys punctularia punctularia (Family: Emydidae, pond and river turtles) and Kinosternon
scorpioides scorpioides (Family: Kinosternidae, American mud and musk turtles). There is now threat of
naturalization of a fourth species, Trachemys scripta elegans (native to the southern region of North America),
because of importation of large numbers during the 1980s as part of the pet trade, as well as more recent importation
over the last 4 years. The natural breeding habits and requirement for this species are very similar to the local
species and it is possible that with the continued occurrence of escapes, they will colonize Trinidad. Similar to our
local species, they are also omnivorous giving rise to the speculation of potential niche competition and potentially a
new introduced exotic vertebrate to our drainages.
Source: Mohammed.S.R,, Mahabir.V.S,, Joseph.K.A, ,Manickchan.S and Ramjohn.C.2010. Update of Freshwater
Turtles Distributions for Trinidad and Possible Threat of an Exotic Introduction. Living World Journal. Trinidad
and Tobago Field Naturalists Club
Box 1.9 is a study from Tobago which highlights the effects of the invasive bamboo on the avifaunal
population and indicates that bird abundance is affected by monoculture stands of bamboo.
BOX 1.9: THE EFFECTS OF BAMBOO ON TOBAGOS AVIFAUNA
The continuous loss and modification of habitats in Tobago predominantly by bush fires, has caused extensive
disturbance and fragmentation of its natural ecosystems. As the island ecosystems are fragmented, bamboos are
spreading rapidly into forest gaps, colonizing the areas. The results of this research showed that natural forest
ecosystems are preferred by birds over ecosystems that are dominated by bamboos. It also proved that secondary
forest habitats are valuable for the colonization of a larger proportion of birds in Tobago. It is clearly evident that the
changing heterogenous landscape of Tobago to one that is of a bamboo homogeneous nature has resulted in fewer
bird species at lower densities being detected. It was also evident that bird species richness and abundance were
associated with ecosystems that had a greater heterogenous structure. The bird guilds in Tobago responded
positively to the natural forest ecosystem; the frugivore, omnivore and nectarivore guilds were the most affected by
the dominance of bamboos. The densities of a higher proportion of birds detected in the survey were reduced in the
bamboo ecosystem; though some increased, it is difficult to make specific recommendations for bird conservation in
the area; as it will benefit some bird species at the expense of others.
Source: Henry 2009
71
One case of an alien invasive species which is currently making headlines in T&T is the Red Palm Mite.
This species has severely affected local coconut production, and has therefore become a priority for the
Ministry of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs (Box 1.10).
BOX 1.10: RED PALM MITE ATTACKS COCONUTS, SALES
Excerpted from the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday; Wednesday, June 30 2010
The coconut industry in Trinidad and Tobago is under attack and has recorded a 70 percent decline as a result. The
Red Palm Mite, a tiny red insect barely visible with the naked eye feeds through the pores of the leaves of the
coconut tree. The mite damages guard cells in the leaf, resulting in uncontrollable water loss from the plant. Leaves
yellow, then turn brown and will eventually die. Without healthy leaves, the trees cannot produce healthy nuts. The
mites first appearance in the Caribbean was in Martinique in 2004. It first appeared in Trinidad and Tobago in 2006
in Icacos, south Trinidad but has since spread throughout the country. Speaking at yesterdays consultations Food
Production Minister Vasant Barath said it is integral to develop a proper pest management strategy to deal with the
mite because it poses a significant threat to the economy. We have a huge import bill because of the destruction
caused by the mite. In 2007, 1.3 million kilograms of oil were imported due to lack of copra production, said
Barath. Trinidad and Tobago imports over 90 percent of its copra from Guyana because Guyana has not been
affected by the mite to the extent Trinidad and Tobago has been affected. Phillippe Agostini from the Coconut
Growerss Association (CGA) said production levels at CGAs coconut estates are down by 75 to 80 percent. We
are losing a lot of money, from over $5000,000 before the appearance of the mite, to about $1000,000 after, said
Agostini. Agostini said another consequence of the mite infestation to Trinidad and Tobago, because of the shortage
in the production of coconut and coconut products, is an increase in the price of oils, which has risen by 100 to 200
percent. He also said the price of coconut water has risen by 100 percent from 2007. Agostini said presently there is
an increased demand for coconuts in all forms but we are now seeing a decline in production levels due to the Red
Palm Mite. The effect on the economy of the industry has been astronomical. Apart from the economic threat of the
infestation to the country, there is the threat to tourism and traditional practices. Coconut is one of the last
plantation crops in Trinidad and Tobago. There is a threat to traditional practices if the problem of the Red Palm
Mite is not arrested in the short term. Coconut trees play an integral role in the tourist industry so it is very important
to preserve the coconut palm, said Agostini. Farouk Shah from the Trinidad and Tobago Agri-Business Association
(TTABA) said there is a visible reduction in coconut vendors around the Queens Park Savannah. Many people
come to TT on drink a cold coconut from the Savannah. This is a tradition, but we are not noticing that there are not
a lot of vendors again. The nut is not easily available and as such vendors are finding it very difficult to get coconuts
to sell, said Shah. This has led to the problem of theft of the nuts from private estates. Dr. Elizabeth Johnson from
the Centre for Agriculture and Bio Science Interaction said coconuts are not the only vegetation which has been
affected by the mite, Bananas, Heliconias and Ginger Lilies have also been affected. Johnson explained that the
problem of Red Palm Mite is so detrimental to the industry that it has caused production levels to fall below that of a
natural disaster. We have seen that production levels have dropped beneath that of when Hurricane Gilbert
flattened a number of Caribbean islands, said Johnson. Johnson said there are various methods which could be
employed in the fight against the Red Palm Mite. Good agricultural practices, such as proper fertilization of
plantations, so the tree would be able to protect itself as well as recover from an attack is one method of fighting the
mite, said Johnson. She said the best method of dealing with the plague is to use resistant varieties of plants.
Varieties of coconut plants which are resistant to the mite need to be developed. This is the only full-proof method
of combating this devastating problem, said Johnson.
Source: http://www.newsday.co.tt/business/0,123232.html
1.4.2 Indirect Drivers of Change

Generally, data and information on indirect drivers of change are much less extensive than that for direct
drivers. The key indirect drivers are described below.
1.4.2.1 Economic Forces
72
Many of the changes which have been experienced over the last decade in the direct drivers of change
affecting T&Ts biodiversity have been almost directly on account of rapid economic growth in Trinidad
and Tobago. In fact, it is probably fair to say that economic growth has been the single most important
indirect driving force in biodiversity loss in Trinidad and Tobago.
Owing to a very prosperous energy sector, Trinidad and Tobago managed to sustain a very high rate of
development for several years one of the fastest rates of development in Latin America and the
Caribbean (LAC). The annual growth in GDP is shown in Figure 1.32. In the Caribbean, T&T is the
leading producer of crude oil, and internationally, it ranks as the fifth largest exporter of Liquefied
Natural Gas (U.S. State Department, 2010). The local availability of oil and gas has led to the
development of a number of downstream petrochemical industries such as ammonia and methanol
production, and it has also spawned significant growth in other sectors such as construction. In turn, this
led to increasing demand for acreage to accommodate housing and industry as well as non-petroleum
mineral resources.
Wealth however, is not evenly distributed as there is a significant disparity of financial and physical
assets between Trinidad and those of Tobago as well as amongst the various classes that make up the
nations society. Most of the industrial growth has occurred on the island of Trinidad. Tobagos local
economy depends heavily on tourism (World Resources Institute 2006), and to a lesser extent agriculture.
Tobagos local GDP is thus lower than Trinidads. In addition to this, in 2007 (most recent estimate), it
was recorded that in T&T, seventeen percent of the population was below the poverty line (Central
Intelligence Agency, 2010) a relatively high figure given the reported gross GDP of the country.
FIGURE 1.32: REAL GDP GROWTH FOR TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (1997 2009)
Source: Central Statistical Office 2009

E estimate; RE revised estimate
In the last three years, growth in the economy (including in the petroleum sector) has slowed and there
has been increasing emphasis placed on the need to diversify the economy into such areas as agriculture,
tourism, food processing and entertainment. Should such divestment take place it is anticipated that
73
biodiversity would benefit as there should be significantly less industrial pressures and impacts placed on
ecosystems.
1.4.2.2 Demographic Changes
Based on the most recent estimates, Trinidad and Tobagos resident population stands at 1.3 million. The
majority of people live on the island of Trinidad (approximately 1,248,000) with the remainder
(approximately 52,000) in Tobago. Population density in certain areas is increasing (246 persons per
square kilometer in 2000 compared with 237 persons per square kilometer in 1990) with most of the
growth occurring in and around the major urban areas on both islands. The most densely populated areas
are generally found in the following regions:
Trinidad - along the west coast and the southern foothills of the Northern Range (a stretch of
ribbon development known as the East-West Corridor), in cities and towns such as Port of Spain
(capital city), San Fernando, Arima, Chaguanas, Diego Martin and St. Augustine (Figure 1.33).
Tobago the southwestern section of the island including the capital city Scarborough.
Because of the population distribution, certain ecosystems such as coastal ecosystems and certain
sections of the mountain ranges have been affected in those regions proximal to the densely populated
areas.
FIGURE 1.33: POPULATION DISTRIBUTION IN TRINIDAD
Source: Opadeyi 2010
1.4.2.3 Governance and Legal Framework

Despite the very high rate of development in the country, it is interesting to note that no new
environmental legislation was passed in Trinidad and Tobago since 2001. Much of the existing
environmental legislation is outdated, and even where more current laws and policies exist, there has been
74
limited/ineffective implementation. It is no surprise therefore that most aspects of the countrys

biodiversity have been and continue to be under increasing threat from human activities. More
information on this will be provided in Chapter 3, but suffice it to say at this point that there is urgent
need to establish instruments and mechanisms that will allow for more effective management of
biodiversity.
1.4.2.4 Tourism
The tourism industry has played a significant role in driving changes in land use/land cover especially in
Tobago. As Figure 1.34 shows, between 1991 and 2005, there was an increase in tourist arrivals of over
200% in T&T, with approximately 50 tourist arrivals per square kilometer in 2005. This led to the need
for expansion of the hotel industry, and also led to greater pressure on coastal ecosystems to carry the
recreational load.
FIGURE 1.34: TOURIST ARRIVAL DENSITY IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO COMPARED

WITH THE CARIBBEAN REGION (2005)
75
1.4.3 Summary of the Main Driving Forces Affecting Biodiversity, and Main Implications for Human
Well-being
Based on all of the information so far presented in Section 1, Table 1.13 provides a summary of the status
of, trends in and main threats to biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago, based on a biome-by-biome
analysis.
The study of the impact of driving forces on T&Ts biodiversity is often not done within an integrated
framework, and this type of assessment is very useful in determining and implementing responses to more
effectively manage human activities. Again, Tobagos coral reefs provide a good study of the integrated
effect of multiple stressors on a single ecosystem. Figure 1.35 for example shows that while all reefs in
Tobago are either at high or very high risk from human activities, coastal development and overfishing
are the most pressing issues in the majority of the reefs. Marine-based pollution would appear to be of
lowest concern. Based on this type of data, efforts to protect the coral reefs of Tobago should therefore be
designed to directly target fishing practices and coastal development rather than focusing on potential
sources of marine based pollution.
FIGURE 1.35: ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF MULTIPLE DRIVING FORCES ON

TOBAGOS CORAL REEFS (2006)
Source: World Resource Institute 2008
In summary, the following are noted as the major cause-effect chain in the degradation of Trinidad and
Tobagos biodiversity:
Rapid economic growth on account of the oil and gas industry in Trinidad and Tobago has driven
changes in demographics and land use/land cover especially (though not exclusively) in western
Trinidad and in southwestern Tobago. These have been exacerbated by lack of effective
governance and implementation of laws/policies, as well as by other stressors such as
overharvesting, climate change and alien invasive species
On account of these changes, there have been significant modifications especially in the countrys
forests and coastal systems
76
There has also been pollution of inland freshwater systems and coastal regions on account of land
use activities (principally housing/urbanisation, agriculture, industrialization and quarrying)
Loss of ecosystem integrity has had some very direct and severe consequences, the most pressing
including:
Greater severity of flooding in recent years in areas most modified by human activities.
These also coincide with areas of highest urban and residential development
Lower quantities of good-quality water from inland water sources for human
consumption
Loss of suitable habitats for wildlife, resulting in reductions in the abundance and
distribution of species on both islands, as well as a higher vulnerability of certain species
to endangerment and extirpation
Economic losses in tourism and fisheries in Tobago associated with extensive coral reef
degradation
Higher fish prices due to depleted marine stocks
77
TABLE 1.13: SUMMARY OF STATUS OF, TRENDS IN AND THREATS TO MAJOR BIOMES/ECOSYSTEMS IN TRINIDAD AND
TOBAGO
Driving Forces
Pollution
Urban
including
Housing
Quarrying
Chemical
Solid Waste
Rapidly
Declining
Declining
High
High
Med
High
Low
Low
Med
High
Med
Inland
Freshwater
Systems
Coastal
SystemsWetlands
Coastal
SystemsCoral Reefs
Marine
Stable
Fair
Fair
Stable
Declining
Declining
Med
High
High
High
High
High
Med
High
Med
Fair
Fair
Fair
Declining
Declining
Declining
High
High
High
Med
High
Med
Med
High
High
Poor
Poor
Fair
Declining
Declining
Declining
High
High
Low
Low
High
High
Med
Med
N/A
Good
Fair
N/A
Declining
slowly
Declining
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Med
High
Industrial
Associated
Species
abundance
Declining
Agriculture
Integrity of
Ecosystem
Services
Fair
Associated
Species
abundance
Fair
Forests
Integrity of
Ecosystem
Services
Fair
Extent of
biome
Extent of
biome
Land Use/Land Cover Change
Climate Change
& variability
Trends
Overharvesting
Status
Alien Invasive
species
Main
biomes
High
Notes to table:
For driving forces, three categories of the extent of impact are used High, Medium and Low.
N/A Not applicable; ? Data not sufficient to make an assessment
The color of the boxes indicates the degree of certainty/confidence assigned to each factor - given as follows:
High
Medium
Low
78
CHAPTER 2
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGOS NATIONAL

BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION
PLAN (NBSAP)
Photo courtesy Robyn Cross
79
2.1 Background to T&Ts NBSAP

In 1998, the Environmental Management Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, together with a number of
partners, initiated a process to develop a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for
Trinidad and Tobago. Passed by Cabinet in 2001 and involving extensive stakeholder engagement and
consultation in its preparation, this report identified a number of strategies and actions for improved
biodiversity conservation in the following broad categories:
Institution and Capacity
Under each category, several very specific activities and actions were identified all of which were to be
completed/ addressed to some extent within a three-year timeframe after implementation of the NBSAP.
2.2 Status of Implementation
To date, the NBSAP has not been fully implemented nor has it been revised/updated. However specific
activities outlined within the NBSAP have advanced to varying degrees. As at 2004/2005, which was the
originally stipulated timeframe for implementation of several activities there was very little significant
and meaningful advancement. However, since then, there have been more concerted attempts to put
certain measures in place in keeping with the activities and priorities outlined in the NBSAP. Table 2.1
provides a summary assessment of the main challenges as well as overall progress in implementation of
the measures outlined within the NBSAP as at 2010. This summary is based on an analysis of progress in
individual activities (or blocks of similar activities) identified in the 2001 NBSAP document, and a more
in-depth analysis is shown in Table 2.2 (located at the end of this section).
Notes to table: X (plays a role score 1); XX (plays an important role score 2); XXX (plays a very significant role
score 3). Total score = sum of all individual scores assigned.
There has been more significant advancement in the areas of Education and Awareness and Information
and Research than in the areas of Legislation and Enforcement, Institutional Capacity, and Policy and
Commitment. However, trends in biodiversity in the country would suggest that much more is needed in
all respective areas.
2.2.1 Challenges to Implementation of the NBSAP
The main challenges to NBSAP implementation have been financing, political priority, capacity and lack
of an effective coordinating mechanism. Based on the assessment above (Table 2.1), political priority
appears to be the greatest (and perhaps most overarching) challenge to implementation of NBSAP
activities, followed by the lack of an effective coordinating mechanism, then capacity and financing. In
fact, it would be very fair to say that political priority is the crucial factor without which very little would
be possible even with the best capacity and financing arrangements in place.
80
Since the NBSAP was completed in 2001 and until 2010, national priority (translated into laws, policies,
programmes and financing arrangements) was principally focussed on economic and infrastructural
development. Government policies were therefore largely facilitative of these, often to the exclusion or
minimization of environmental considerations. As such, many of the activities which required
government leadership and support (either through development and implementation/enforcement of
laws/ policies, or through the establishment of national institutional structures, or through the
identification of financing arrangements) have only been advanced marginally.
In respect of implemented law, much of the progress made in regulating development which may have
potential effects on biodiversity has been made under the Environmental Management Act (Chapter
35:05). Other legal instruments have not had as significant an impact. Despite ineffective legal and
institutional frameworks however, many organizations and entities such as research institutions,
NGOs/CBOs, certain communities, and some private sector entities have been taking responsibility for
the development/advancement of biodiversity related programmes. These efforts have not, unfortunately,
attained critical mass.
One of the steps which has been lacking to date, but which is crucial if an instrument like the NBSAP is
to be effectively implemented is the need for a coordinating entity. At present the portfolio is shared
between the Environmental Management Authority and the Multilateral Environmental Agreements Unit
of the ministry responsible for the environment; and the (human) capacity of these agencies to perform
coordinating functions is limited. The result is that many of the activities which require coordination and
collaboration amongst key stakeholders have not advanced significantly.
A simplified coordinating mechanism is provided in Figure 2.1. In this model, it is proposed that the
Ministry responsible for the environment will be the lead agency, supported by the EMA in execution of
its functions. The Ministry/EMA will then serve as a hub for all activities related to biodiversity
management. Though not shown in this illustration, greater collaboration will also be encouraged between
and amongst other stakeholder groups.
81
FIGURE 2.1: SIMPLIFIED COORDINATING MECHANISM FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF

NBSAP
Public
Agencies
Govt
departments
Research
Institutions
NGOs/CBOs
Ministry
responsible for
the Environment
/EMA
Civic society
(including
communities)
Private sector
The budget proposed in the NBSAP (based on best estimates at 2001), is by no means inadequate but
much has changed since 2001, and it is likely that budgetary requirements to support many of the
activities identified may also have increased. In advancing biodiversity management initiatives, special
attention must be paid to the identification of priorities for the efficient and effective allocation of
funding. Government will also need to assume a greater role in the financing of such initiatives which will
require the careful apportionment of funding in annual national budgets.
Another issue related to NBSAP implementation is that Trinidad and Tobago has not fully capitalized on
opportunities to collaborate with other countries/ international organizations/ institutions in order to draw
on best practices and lessons learned, and in some cases, recruit the appropriate expertise that might be
needed. At a CBD-led regional workshop entitled Capacity-Development Workshop for the Caribbean
region on National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), Mainstreaming of Biodiversity
and the Integration of Climate Change hosted by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in November
2008 it was recognised the scope for collaboration is expansive but largely underutilized. In addition, it
was also highlighted that there has been limited mainstreaming and integration of the CBD Strategic Plan,
Thematic Programmes and Cross-cutting Issues in implementing the NBSAP (see Chapters 3 and 4 for
more in-depth analysis in this regard).
The sum total of the foregoing is that the NBSAP has only had relatively limited impact.
82
2.2.2 Success Stories in Implementation of Activities Identified by the NBSAP

The foregoing notwithstanding, there have been some success stories in the implementation of discrete
activities under the NBSAP. The most noteworthy are enhanced education and outreach initiatives
(especially in the formal school system), and greater community/NGO involvement in resource
management.
An important activity outlined in the NBSAP and supported by legislation is the designation of
environmentally sensitive areas for the purpose of providing focused and holistic management to areas of
concern/importance. Three Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) have been designated to date the
Matura National Park in 2004, the Nariva Swamp Managed Resource Protected Area in 2006 and The
Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve in 2007 (See chapter 4 for more information on the ESA Rules).
One enabling mechanism which is used in the designation of the ESAs and to enhance management is the
involvement of communities whose lives and livelihoods are tied to the ESAs. Box 2.1 provides more
information on the role of NGOs in the designation of two Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in
Trinidad, and Box 2.2 gives an example of the application of a participatory process to the development
of a management plan for the Aripo Savannas Environmentally Sensitive Area.
BOX 2.1: NGO AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE DESIGNATION OF THE
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
NGOs and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) have been instrumental in raising awareness for the value of
biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago and the benefits of conservation and protection of natural resources. In the
east and northeast region of Trinidad, a number of NGOs have been promoting eco-tourism, and have been able
to showcase the scenic beauty of area to eco-tourists to both locals and foreign travellers (CFCA, 1998).
The Matura National Park: Stakeholders Against the Destruction for Toco (SAD for Toco) conducted a study of
the importance and value of having a portion of northeast Trinidad being declared an ESA giving supporting
arguments in favour of this designation (with the Matura site included), and formally made an application for
such (SAD, 2002). Members of Nature Seekers and Grande Riviere Environmental Action Trust (GREAT) serve
as Honorary Game Wardens during the hunting seasons, conducting patrols with the aim of protecting nesting
marine turtles and other wildlife (CFCA, 1998). The Toco Foundation has also been active in the northeast
coastal communities in hosting training workshops and raising awareness in various aspects of environmental
management. The Matura-to-Matelot (M2M) Network of Community Based Organisations has also been
involved in the CREP initiative (Caribbean Resource Environment Programme) that is based on the development
of amenity areas and services for the sustainable utilization and conservation of resources in the North East.
The Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve: Sundew Tour-Guiding Services, a group of concerned citizens from
the Cumuto area formed this Community Based Organisation in 1998 and in May 2002 Sundew and the Forestry
Division were host to a stakeholders consultation on the Aripo Savannas. Sundews mission is to work with the
Forestry Division and other stakeholders towards collaborative management for the protection of the savannas.
The consultation resulted in stakeholders reiterating their support to work together for the benefit of the Savannas
and supporting each other in that quest.
Excerpted from Background documents for designation of the Environmentally Sensitive Areas www.ema.co.tt
BOX 2.2 DEVELOPMENT OF A PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE

ARIPO SAVANNAS ESA
This case study provides information on a participatory process which has been pilot tested in the
development of a comprehensive framework to guide the management of the Aripo Savannas
83
Environmentally Sensitive Area (a protected area legally declared under the Environmental
Management Act [2000] as a Strict Nature Reserve). This framework is meant to enable the production
of discrete management plans (see below) that would be used to describe the long-term direction for the
protection, development, management and use of the resources of the Aripo Savannas over a 10-15
year period.
The required outputs were:
1. A park management plan
2. A resource management plan
3. A recreation management plan
4. An interpretive and public awareness plan
5. An implementation plan (detailed 10- year work programme)
6. A manual of the process of park planning as a template for use in future planning for ESAs
7. A popular version summary management plan
8. A case study of the processes employed in this planning exercise and an overall evaluation
of its success.
In developing this framework for the sustainable management of the Aripo Savannas, a robust
stakeholder participation process was used to foster what Bass et al (1995) termed interactive
participation, in which people participate in joint analysis, development of action plans and formation
or strengthening of local institutions. Participation is seen as a right, not just the means to achieve
project goals. The process involves interdisciplinary methodologies that seek multiple perspectives and
make use of systemic and structured learning processes. As groups take control over local decisions
and determine how available resources are used, so they have a stake in maintaining structures and
practices. Stakeholder identification, analysis and negotiation/consensus building were also key in the
implementation of a successful stakeholder participation process.
The following guiding principles and ethics were used to conduct the stakeholder participation process
as well as the development of the overall management plans:
Equity in decision-making
Respect of the rights, responsibilities and interests among all stakeholders this included respect
for differences of interests and willingness to negotiate to achieve consensus
Building trust among all stakeholders this was important to facilitate the free and open
exchange of information and ideas
Local ownership of the process local people must drive the process for planning and
management of their resources, while recognising the interests of external stakeholders
Building capacity of stakeholders a commitment to building the capacity of all stakeholders to
participate in the planning process was essential this meant special attention to building the
capacity for the participation of disadvantaged or marginalised groups
Sustainability of impact sustainability will be achieved only through building stakeholder
capacities and facilitating stakeholder ownership
Facilitation of the 18 month process featured:
Establishment of a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee to oversee the participatory planning
process and to input extensively into shaping the decisions.
Facilitation of a 2-day Strategic Visioning Workshop with broad participation of stakeholders,
including key government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-based
organisations (CBOs), private sector, academia and surrounding legal and illegal communities.
Establishment of multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral Working Groups of key stakeholders with
84
interests, rights and responsibilities in the core areas of relevance to management (land use,
resource management, recreation, and education). These were facilitated by CANARI staff or
consultants assigned to develop each of the management plans to be produced.
Working Groups analysing the key management issues and negotiating to draft the key
management approaches to be used.
Presentation of suggested management approaches to a cross section of stakeholders at a
Strategic Planning Workshop. Negotiation on key issues (e.g. resource use, squatting) and
development of consensus on management goal and objectives.
CANARI drafting management plans and circulating for stakeholder input, including by the
Working Groups and ASSMC.
Over 200 persons participated with representatives from over 40 organisations and several
communities. A stakeholder analysis was conducted to identify roles, responsibilities, interests and
capacity to participate in management of the ASESA. A 21-page draft table of this analysis was
produced. Participants included:
government agencies with responsibility for managing the environment, planning, state-run
utility companies
departments from two local universities;
private sector companies;
NGOs working on environmental issues and education;
CBOs;
associations of persons interested in tourism;
private individuals;
local government representatives;
consulting firms involved in land use planning;
persons from the surrounding communities including regularized and illegal squatters;
owners or managers of lands adjacent to the protected area.
Stakeholders input on the decisions made about management planning was integral to and integrated
in the management plans and are reflected throughout. This input was coupled with Forestry Divisions
guidance on the preferred location of the Visitor Centre and all other office requirements for their staff.
Specific examples of input are:
Decisions on the zoning and location of the trail system, Visitor Centre and other facilities were
strongly influenced by Sundew Tourguiding Services, a CBO with informal rights to conduct
tours in the area.
Stakeholders in the Education Working Group fashioned the key messages and strategies for
communication.
Stakeholders in the Resource Management Working Group guided the identification of
management priorities and strategies.
The University of the West Indies, the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists Club and the
Trinidad and Tobago Orchid Society had significant inputs into identifying the research
priorities.
The recommendation that the existing multi-stakeholder advisory committee (the Aripo
Savannas Stakeholder Management Committee [ASSMC]) appointed by the EMA be
appointed by Cabinet so that they could have a higher degree of authority came directly from
stakeholder consultations.
E TecK, which has been mandated by government to develop adjacent lands as a technology
park, provided a specific recommendation that the EMA provide guidelines for physical
development in the area adjacent to the protected area and this was incorporated into the
85
Implementation Plan.
Strong calls for community voice in the process were made by the NGO Partners for First
Peoples Development and these resulted in additional community meetings being held and
additional mobilisation of communities to participate in the workshops and consultations.
Another good example of the role of the NBSAP is seen in community mobilization in tourism
development in northeastern Trinidad. This is given in Box 2.3.
BOX 2.3: THE ROLE OF THE NBSAP IN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT A CASE STUDY
FROM NORTHEASTEN TRINIDAD
Tourism development in Trinidad and Tobago has traditionally been afforded low priority because of
the strength of the hydrocarbon sector. However, with the vulnerability of the economy to fluctuations
in oil prices and the increasing viability of the tourism industry world-wide, more attention has been
given to diversifying the economy away from hydrocarbon towards tourism and other types of non-oil
development. Over the last five years, cruise ship tourism has grown dramatically while ecotourism
continues to be specially targeted for development, given the rich inventory of natural and cultural
assets in this small island developing state (SIDS). Side-by-side with the development of ecotourism
has been the preparation of a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan under the auspices of the
Environmental Management Authority. One of the principal strategies incorporated in the plan is the
institutionalising of public participation in the development of government policy for the conservation
and management of biodiversity. The application of this strategy, albeit from the bottom up, to a
proposed major tourism development in the village of Toco in Northeast Trinidad has rescued the
country from a serious threat to biodiversity. Government plans were in an advanced state for the
establishment of a large industrial port for, among other things, cruise ship tourism, a development
which was seen by the local community to have serious consequences for the marine ecology and a
proposed national park in the area. The local community organised themselves into a pressure group
called Stakeholders Against Destruction (S.A.D.) for Toco and demanded meaningful public
participation in the process. The Government, forced into observing its own strategy of public
participation in policy development, arranged for a genuine process of public consultation. S.A.D.
convinced the Government that lower-intensity ecotourism was the better option for the region and for
biodiversity conservation. The port project was officially cancelled by Cabinet decision in October
2000 and the associated Land Acquisition Orders rescinded the following month.
Source: Shand, 2001. Integrating biodiversity conservation into the tourism sector in Trinidad and
Tobago
2.3 Revision and Future Plans for the NBSAP

Discussions have already been initiated between the Ministry responsible for the Environment and the
Environmental Management Authority regarding the revision of the NBSAP. Consideration is currently
being given to the financial and capacity requirements for undertaking the work. The proposed steps in
the process are as follows:
finalize budgeting arrangements for the project and enlist the services of a consultant to lead the
project
86
establish a project Steering Committee to oversee the work and provide technical guidance and
support. This team should also play an advisory role and should therefore include key
stakeholders from all major stakeholder groups shown in Figure 2.1
undertake an in-depth assessment of the progress made in implementation of activities in the first
NBSAP, clearly outlining reasons for success/ failure. This should also include a feasibility study
of the activities outlined in the first NBSAP their financial and time requirements, and the
capacity to get the work done
undertake an in-depth assessment of the state of Trinidad and Tobagos biodiversity (which
buildson the work undertaken in the Fourth National Report to the CBD) so as to be able to
identify priority issues and main areas in which actions needed
organise stakeholder consultations to gather inputs and feedback
compile the report, finalise and submit the NBSAP so that it can be laid in Parliament and passed
in Cabinet
It is anticipated that revision of the NBSAP will begin in 2011 and completed within 9 to 12 months of
initiation. In the meantime, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the Environmental Management
Authority will continue (based on the first NBSAP) to implement measures in as many areas as possible
to more effectively manage biodiversity, and begin correcting some of the negative trends which are
becoming increasingly apparent.
87
TABLE 2.2: TABLE SUMMARISING THE MAIN PROGRESS AND CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING T&TS NBSAP
The first four columns of the following Table are extracted from the NBSAP (2001). It outlines the actions and activities that were identified to be
undertaken in the three-year period following the implementation of the NBSAP (to be completed in 2004). A description of major
actions/activities completed to date (2010) is given in the last column titled Status of Implementation.
Strategies and Actions
Build Education and Awareness Programmes in

biodiversity conservation on existing initiatives and
fill gaps in formal approaches.
Commission an interdisciplinary working
group which will develop a policy and
action plan for Environmental Education
that will have biodiversity conservation and
sustainable development as its basis. The
Working Group will be coordinated by the
EMA and should include participating
agencies, NGOs, CBOs and other
interested partners. It will find
methodologies to allow integration of
appropriate existing conservation education
programmes and be expected to take a
holistic approach to the development of
informal awareness programmes.
Develop an Awareness campaign based on
the Environmental Education Action Plan
and Policy, which will emphasize the
importance of the links between biodiversity
and all sectors of development in the
country. The policy will identify the content
of the campaign, with the media being
utilized.
Strengthen existing MOUs between the
EMA and its participating agencies (through
Lead Agency/
Partners
Funding
Sources

EMA
GoRTT
THA
National
Ministries of
Lotteries Control
Planning and
Board
Development,
Agriculture, Land
and Marine
Resources,
Education,
Information
NGOs
CBOs
88
Est. Budget (US$)
Status of Implementation
90,000.00
There has been limited implementation of

Biodiversity Education and Awareness
Programmes in Trinidad and Tobago in
the ways articulated in the NBSAP. The
following are noted:
An interpretive EE working
group was established by the
EMA in April 2008 to seek to
improve coordination and
collaboration amongst EE
stakeholders. A few meetings
were held, but significant
difficulties were encountered in
securing participation for
meetings. The group is currently
dormant but there are plans by
the EMA to re-initiate these
efforts
An Environmental Education
Action Plan and Policy has not
been developed
MOUs with a few key
stakeholders were developed by
never operationlized. In 2009,
attempts were made to revisit
these MOUs, and discussions are
still ongoing
Lead Agency/
Partners
Funding
Sources
Est. Budget (US$)
supplemental agreements) to enable the

strategies and actions recommended by the
NBSAP and those coming out of the
Working group on Environmental
Education. These supplemental agreements
should detail the responsibilities of these
entities.
(2) Foster greater collaboration between conservation
and education agencies and other stakeholders.
(3) Promote infusion of Environmental Education
(EE) into the Primary and Secondary educational
systems
Conduct an assessment of pre-school,
primary and secondary programmes to
determine the appropriate mechanisms for
EE infusion into the curricula
Based on the assessment, develop local and
regional education materials in support of
EE and develop additional materials, as
required to facilitate EE and awareness
throughout the educational system.
Building agency partnerships to allow
development of these materials(perhaps
through a Standing Committee for
development of these materials)
Use existing educational materials as the
basis for EE infusion into the curricula
Advocate further infusion of EE into the
CXC curricular, at a regional level, through
CARICOM as well as promote practical
hands on approaches to learner for schools
and youth.
Develop a training programme for teachers,
principals and supervisors in the delivery of
EE ideas concepts and materials (at one of
Ministry of
Education
THA
MALMR
UNESCO
IMA
NGOs
NIHERST
GoRTT
89
800,000.00
Through the Interpretive EE

working group and other
activities, the EMA has been
trying to promote greater
dialogue between and amongst
key stakeholders involved in
conservation. But these efforts
are still largely ad hoc, and not
undertaken within a
comprehensive framework
There have been attempts by the
Caribbean Examinations Council, the
Ministry of Education in T&T, the
Environmental Management Authority
and certain NGOs (such as the Wildfowl
Trust, the Asa Wright Nature Centre,
NIHERST, the Buccoo Reef Trust and
The Cropper Foundation) to promote
better infusion of EE into existing
primary, secondary and even early
childhood education.
In 1998, the Caribbean Examinations
Council began introducing a revised
curriculum for its secondary
examination schemes the Caribbean
Advanced Proficiency Examinations
(6th form) and the Caribbean
Secondary Education certificate (5th
form. Included in these revisions was
the better integration of
environmental issues into all subject
areas not just biology. At the
Caribbean Advanced Proficiency
Examinations level, Environmental
Sciences was introduced as a new
subject with a full syllabus. These
were introduced to Trinidad and
Lead Agency/
Partners
Funding
Sources
the tertiary Institutions).

Reinstate subjects for common-entrance
which incorporate environmental education.
Provide opportunities for accessing
information located in international bodies
and on the internet.
Promote the Global Learning and
Observation for the Benefit of the
Environment (GLOBE) project of the
Ministry of Education and other UNESCO
associated schools projects
Est. Budget (US$)
Tobago in 2005 and are a major
advancement in the formal school
system, although problems of
resource material and insufficient
teacher training have emerged
Although a Standing Committee for
learning resource material production
was never established, the EMA and
several NGOs are involved in the
production of learning materials for
primary and secondary schools. But it
appreciated that much more is needed
in this respect
A formal system to qualify teachers
to deliver EE has not yet been
developed in T&T the result is that
many teachers who teach
environmental issues are not suitably
qualified to do so. The Ministry of
Education runs routine training
programmes for its teachers, but the
scope for inclusion of EE issues is
limited. The Cropper Foundation in
collaboration with the Ministry of
Education has therefore sought to
develop a formal programme to
provide capacity development
opportunities for teachers
The Government of Trinidad and
Tobago as well as some
private/corporate entities have been
supporting initiatives to ensure that
school students have access to
internet resources so that they are
able to source information (including
those from international sources)
more easily. The Cropper Foundation
90
Lead Agency/
Partners
Funding
Sources
Est. Budget (US$)
has also been playing a role in
assessing and packaging information
from international sources for use by
teachers and students
The EMA has taken responsibility for
a number of initiatives geared at the
primary and secondary school levels
- For 12 years, the EMA has been
hosting an annual primary
school hands-on competition
- An annual residential youth
environmental education
workshop, undertaken during
the July/August school break,
targets the upper level of the
secondary school system (6th
form). This has been in pace for
3 years
- An Ecosong competition was
started in 2008 for the lower
levels of the secondary schools
system, and because of its
success, in 2010, the
competition was also extended
to the upper levels of the
secondary school system
- Every year there is a Dramatic
Envirologue competition for the
upper levels of the secondary
school system
Several schools throughout T&T
signed onto the GLOBE programme
and training was provided in the use
of equipment and data collection.
However, the rigour required for data
collection, as well as a lack of proper
institutionalization of GLOBE into
91
(4) Promote the sensitization of communities to

biodiversity concerns through shared planning and
management of these resources.
Identify and implement meaningful
demonstration projects and opportunities for
co-management that involve communities in
their planning and execution (e.g. hillsides
replanting and quarry restorations)
Make biodiversity a part of holistic
community programmes, which emphasize
linkages between community activities and
the Environment.
Lead Agency/
Partners
MALMR
THA
Ministry of
Community
Development
IMA, NGOs,
CBOs
Womens
Federation
Village Council
Federation
Youth Council
Funding
Sources
GoRTT
UNDP
Private Sector
Ministries of
Heath,
Information,
Planning.
92
Est. Budget (US$)
250,000.00
the formal schools system have
resulted in limited success of this
initiative locally. Only one school has
been reported to have been consistent
in its inclusion of GLOBE
The National Commission for
UNESCO has been involved in
supporting EE initiatives in T&T.
One success story in implementation of
the NBSAP has been better inclusion of
communities in the management of
biological resources.
Through the EMAs efforts to
designate Environmentally Sensitive
Areas (ESAs) under the ESA Rules
2001, there has been noteworthy
enhancement of local capacity to
understand and become involved in
projects aimed at conservation. This
has been especially so in the ESAs Nariva Swamp, Aripos Savannas and
the Matura Park but it has also been
occurring in other areas across the
country
There are a number of other
initiatives led by public agencies and
NGOs/CBOs to improve community
education and involvement. These
include (but are not limited to):
The Green Fund, established by
law in 2005, seeks to encourage
greater community involvement
in biodiversity conservation.
Three grants have been given to
date all in early to mid 2010
The Institute of Marine Affairs
in collaboration with UNEP and
Lead Agency/
Partners
Funding
Sources
Est. Budget (US$)
(5) Utilize Organization and Agencies involved in

informal environmental education as foci for
development of informal education programme.
EMA, THA
Environment
Tobago/ Chamber
of Commerce
TTMA,
AMCHAM
IRO, Division of
Culture
Private Sector
Environment
Fund
200,000.00
(6) Collaborate with corporate business, (e.g. the

industrial sector) as they can contribute financing,
expertise on advertising, public relations and
communications.
IMA, CBOs,
NGOs, Tobago
Heritage
Committee
TIDCO
Pointe a Pierre
Wildfowl Trust
-
500,000.00
(7) Use cultural and artistic traditions, including

drama, as vehicles for environmental education and
93
the Government of Trinidad and

Tobago, has been developing a
National Programme of Action
for the protection of the coastal
and marine environments from
land-based sources of pollution.
A pilot exercise is currently
underway in the Northern
Range, and involves
communities
The Cropper Foundation, as a
follow-up to its Northern Range
Assessment, has been heavily
involved in community-based
initiatives to promote more
sustainable hillside farming and
community-based tourism
activities
There has been limited progress in this

respect.
There has been limited success in

building collaboration between the
corporate sector and partners involved in
biodiversity conservation. But the EMA
has been engaging corporate entities
mainly for the purpose of improving
information sharing
The Environmental Management
Authority has been heavily involved in
Lead Agency/
Partners
Funding
Sources
Est. Budget (US$)
awareness programmes
(8) Involve religious organizations to promote

biodiversity conservation and stewardship, through
emphasis of relevant religious teachings and cultural
values.
Develop demonstration projects at relevant
locations, as opportunities for practical
outdoor experiences an sensitization on
biodiversity issues and encourage
sustainability (e.g. rehabilitation of quarried
sites and hillsides
Institute special days and quizzes etc., as
environmental promotions.
(9) Promote biodiversity and environmental
education at the Tertiary (University and Technical)
levels especially in disciplines projected to be major
economic growth areas. (e.g. tourism an industry)
Introduce a mandatory basic environmental
education course at the year 1 level, which
exposes all students to issues in biodiversity
conservation at a national and regional level.
Introduce degree programmes in
Environmental Management, Engineering,
Forestry, Conservation biology and
geography at the UWI, St. Augustine and
other tertiary institutions, and make these
courses as electives to other degree
programmes.
Provision of scholarships, overseas
attachments, student exchanges, career
guidance and other incentives to encourage
a wide exposure to environmental education.
150,000.00
NIHERST
THA
UWI, TTHTI
Ministry of
Planning and
Development
Ministry of
Planning and
Development
this aspect of education. Through its
primary and secondary school
competitions (previously described).
respect. But the Inter-religious
Organization (IRO) has been involved or
expressed an interest in environmental
initiatives.
There has been a fair amount of progress

at the tertiary level. The University of the
West Indies (UWI), the University of
Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) and other
institutions offering tertiary level studies
all have undergraduate and postgraduate
courses in environmental sciences. These
are most extensively offered at UWI.
UWI and UTT have also taken steps to
ensure that environmental considerations
are incorporated into subject areas other
than sciences. For example, the Land
Surveying, Economics and Agriculture
departments at UWI all have fairly robust
environmental components.
94
Lead Agency/
Partners
Funding
Sources
Est. Budget (US$)

(10) Make legislation and regulations more effective
management tools, through harmonization, and by
incorporating the use of new technologies and
stakeholder involvement.
Develop and update legislation for
conservation of protected areas ecosystems
and species, consistent with international
standards.
EMA, THA,
MALMR
Tobago House of
Assembly
Stakeholders,
IMA
GoRTT
FO
UNDP
International
Donors
200,000.00
Only recently have efforts been made by

the Government of Trinidad and Tobago
to address the development and updating
of legislation so that there is better
inclusion and integration of
environmental issues into the national
planning framework:
In late 2009/early 2010 the GoRTT
initiated a process to develop/revise
national policies for Forests, Protected
Areas and Climate Change. This
process involved extensive stakeholder
consultations and adopted an
integrated, (in some cases ecosystembased) approach
There are also plans in place to revise
a Fisheries policy (2007) and policies
for agriculture. In 2008, consultations
were held to begin revision of the
Fisheries Act (1916).
In 2009, the GoRTT also
commissioned the revision of the
National Physical Development Plan,
but this has been put on hold
(11) Improve law enforcement success rate and

utilize it as an important tool for management and
sensitization on biodiversity conservation.
Build on existing law enforcement
initiatives for protection of species and
ecosystems (e.g. the Honorary Game
Warden System and Environment Police)
Conduct regular programmes to sensitize the
MALMR, THA,
EMA/ NGOs,
CBOs
Ministries of
Agriculture, Land
and Marine
Resources,
National Security,
Attorney general
GoRTT,
Corporate
Sponsors,
National
Lotteries Board
UNDP-GEF,
Regional
Authorities,
Environmental
270,000.00
There has been no new environmental

legislation passed in T&T since 2001
indicating very poor progress in efforts to
improve law enforcement success rate.
95
A programme for systemic and systematic

training and sensitization of public
officers has not been implemented.
However, there are training opportunities
magistracy, police and coast guard, to the

long term effects of detrimental activities on
biodiversity.
Expedite establishment of the proposed
environmental Court or Commission to
address biodiversity and environmental
crime.
Lead Agency/
Partners
and Legal Affairs
Judicial and Legal
Service
Commission.
Funding
Sources
Fund.
Est. Budget (US$)
which are offered by the EMA
specifically for the Environmental Police
Unit.
The Environmental Commission was
established 2001 with the following core
duties:
hearings and decision-making
alternative dispute resolution
staff processing of hearings
public relations
public access
The Commission, through stakeholder
workshops and various planning exercises
has continually been trying to improve its
delivery of services to T&T.
Capacity
(12) Establish an adequate means of sharing
information, training and experience amongst
agencies and their stakeholders
Conduct a programme to identify
stakeholders, relevant government agencies,
relevant NGO other key players in
biodiversity conservation.
Develop a series of interactive workshops to
foster mutual understanding among these
parties
Define at these workshops, the roles and
function of each key player.
Establish means to ensure communication
and collaboration between key players.
(13) Develop advocacy tools for building consensus
on biodiversity issues at the highest political levels.
EMA, THA
NBSAP Task
Force
GoRTT
NGOs, CBOs
Nongovernmental
sources
Private Sector
50,000.00

respect. Much more is required in the way
of developing capacity. One of the main
problems has been lack of an effective
coordinating mechanism to implement
this strategy.
120,000.00

respect. Efforts related to biodiversity
EMA
NBSAP-Task
Force
96
Develop a program to identify leaders of

opinion in communities by NGO and
CBOs. These persons could be promoted as
focal points for biodiversity issues in local
communities.
Develop a series of seminars designed to
develop the capacity with CBO to organize
and lobby government entities on
conservation issues, and in the generation of
public support for biodiversity.
Build strategic alliances between NGOs,
CBOs, and governmental agencies to allow
them to lobby political entities on
conservation issues.
(14)Strengthen NGOs and CBOs to play a greater

role in the conservation and management of
biodiversity towards sustainable livelihoods.
Encourage and assist their NGOs and
CBOs to properly constitute their
organizations and formalize organization
networks
Conduct capacity building, seminary for
NGOs and CBOs to enable their
participation in project planning and
implementation.
Promote joint training programmes for
resource managers and stakeholders
Lead Agency/
Partners
Funding
Sources
Est. Budget (US$)
conservation are still being conducted in
an ad hoc manner.
COPE/ Relevant
Government
agencies NBOs,
CBOs
International
NGOs
Ministries of
Legal Affairs,
Community
Development,
MALMR
THA
Forestry Division,
EMA,
International
Agencies,
Regional
Agencies, NGOs,
International
NGOs UWI
GoRTT
55,000.00
International
Donors

respect. But it is worth noting that there
are a number of NGOs and CBOs in T&T
which have, through their own initiative,
been building capacity to become
involved in biodiversity management
initiatives.

(15) Prioritize research needs in collaboration with
research institutions and private sector.
Conduct a detailed inventory of the
resource, including the status and
MALMR
THA
EMA
UWI
International
funding sources
97
2,500,000.00
Not being addressed sufficiently:

Research and data gathering still
being undertaken in a fairly ad-hoc
manner because a national research

distribution of species important for agrodiversity conservation as well as the
economic value of ecosystem services.
Identify sources of additional data to fill
these information needs (e.g. the private
sector)
Establish a clearinghouse for bibliographic
data, identification services , and database
management for biodiversity in the country
Government entities and other research
bodies responsible for biodiversity
management should identify priority areas
for applied research
Research the ecological relationships,
ecosystems and the threats to biodiversity,
as well as develop indicators for monitoring
environmental changes affecting
biodiversity.
(16) Identify support for research activities
Government to support relevant applied
research programmes through annual
appropriations and incentives such as
scholarships.
Management agencies to develop a system
of incentives for research
institutions/students to conduct research
projects.
Identify creative mechanisms for funding
and other support for applied research.
Identify national and international
organizations as potential sources of funding
and other support.
Lead Agency/
Partners
CARINET
Other national
Research
Institutions
Funding
Sources
Est. Budget (US$)
agenda for biodiversity has not yet
been developed. There is urgent need
to expedite this activity
In 2007, the EMA initiated plans to
commission the preparation of a
national biodiversity assessment, but
these plans never came to fruition
A biodiversity clearing-house has
been established by the Ministry for
the Environment, but this
clearinghouse has never been
completed (in terms of content), and
is not being maintained
There has been no meaningful
progress in the development of a
national set of indicators for tracking
biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago.
IMA and Other

research
Institutions
MALMR
THA
EMA
CARINET
UWI
NIHERST
GoRTT
98
600,000.00
Funding for biodiversity (and more

broadly environmental) research
continues to be a problem in Trinidad and
Tobago:
Financial support from the GoRTT,
where available, has not been
prioritized for research
Biodiversity research is sometimes
undertaken as part of private
consultancies, and because of this, the
data and information are not made
available for public use
The University of the West Indies
and the University of Trinidad and
Tobago have taken steps to ensure
that environmental research projects
can help to fill some of the gaps in
national biodiversity research
Lead Agency/
Partners
Funding
Sources
Est. Budget (US$)
Country allocations from
international sources for
environmental management are not
being effectively utilized. In some
cases, such as T&Ts GEF allocation,
monies have been returned by the
country because of an inability to
conceptualize and offer ideas which
would justify the use of the funds
The Green Fund, established by law
in 2005, remained untapped until
earlier this year (2010). The amount
of money available in this Fund is
substantial (in the billions of TT$)
(17) Encourage collaboration with government and

other research institutions and the private sector.
Encourage close collaboration between
research institutions (IMA, UWI,
NIHERST) and management agencies
(EMA, MALMR), to develop and applied
research programme that will provide
information required for more effective
management.
Research institutions to consider their role
in fulfilling needs for biodiversity. (UWI
and NIHERST in particular should be
involved)
Establish clear links with industry as
partners in research. Industry should assist
in funding research especially in areas that
are of concern to industry and their effects
on biodiversity.
(18) Broaden access to, and provide opportunities
for, sharing information, consideration being given to
the cost of information and the need for cost-sharing
EMA, MALMR,
THA, UWI,
TTMA
All relevant orgs.
Doing
biodiversity
Studies/Research
Institutions
NIHERST
IMA
Industry
There is very limited progress in this

respect. Consultations undertaken as part
of the preparation of the 4th National
report to the CBD have highlighted the
need for much more collaboration in
favor of research especially between
government agencies and other
institutions.
EMA/MALMR
400,000.00
Trinidad and Tobago has yet to develop

policy guidelines and legal instruments
which would guide access to and sharing
IMA
99

information in acquisition of information
Articulate an information policy at the
national and institutional levels, for the
sharing of information but which recognizes
ownership rights associated with the origin
of such information.
Implement a central clearinghouse for data
and information relevant to biodiversity,
which can be accessed by researchers,
managers and the public. Consideration
must be given to the emerging National
Environmental Information System (NEIS)
Promote institutional strengthening related
to the acquisition and management of data.
Promote linkages between industry and
government environmental planning
agencies, for information sharing.
(19) Utilize cost effective and appropriate research

techniques and technologies
Develop technical expertise and standard
methodologies for specific research projects.
Train personal and encourage technology
transfer
Provide adequate incentives and
remuneration
Provide access to training opportunities
Lead Agency/
Partners
National Library
and Information
System
UWI
Research
Institutions
THA
Funding
Sources
Est. Budget (US$)
of information.
A National Biodiversity Clearinghouse
was introduced by the Ministry of the
Environment, but this site is neither
complete nor up-to-date.
There is an urgent need for institutional
strengthening in terms of acquiring and
managing data. Public agencies often
generate data but do not analyse them in a
timely fashion. Data gathering and
management are also not undertaken in a
national framework, limiting the scope for
conduct of policy-relevant studies such as
Strategic Environmental Assessments.
NIHERST
UWI
Institutions to be
specified
Cooperation and collaboration between

the planning agencies and industry
occurs, but not sufficiently.
This has not been addressed in any
meaningful way.

(20) Integrate policy objectives for biodiversity
conservation into policy statements for all sectors.
Establish an authority for biological
diversity which will coordinate and monitor
EMA/THA
100
150,000.00
There is limited progress in this respect.

There is no established authority for
biological diversity - the biodiversity
portfolio is current led by a single person

biodiversity issues in the country
Organize ministerial workshops to discuss
integration of biodiversity concerns into
sectoral policies and discuss their
implications to plans, programmes and
projects of all ministries
Establish interagency policy planning teams
Initiate a systematic review and redraft of
Government policies, which affect
biodiversity conservation and make policy
interventions to ensure biodiversity concerns
are addressed.
Conduct an assessment to determine how
institutions can be strengthened to enable
development of an integrative policy
process
(21) Develop a clear policy process for adoption by
government entities (incl. National Budgets) and
ensure that strategic action plans of these entities
incorporate implications on biodiversity conservation
and the environment as a whole
Introduce annual Auditing and Appraisal
systems to monitor policies, plans and
programmes in Ministries that impact
biodiversity
Based on these Auditing and Appraisal
systems, mandate where necessary, policy
interventions to ensure biodiversity
conservation is addressed
Each Agency should hold discussions with
other appropriate agencies and stakeholders
to reach agreement on a policy process
using guidelines on policy formulation
prepared by the Ministry of Planning and
Development.
Identify indicators for monitoring progress
Lead Agency/
Partners
Funding
Sources
Est. Budget (US$)
at the Ministry responsible for the
environment, and the EMA also has a
dedicated Biodiversity Unit.
There is little collaboration and

coordination within and amongst public
(government) agencies.
The review and redraft of policies is not
undertaken systematically.
There has been little effort to assess
institutional needs for biodiversity
management.
EMA/THA
101
100,000.00
There has been very limited progress in

this respect.

with policy objectives, strategies and actions
during this policy process.
Natural resources management agencies will
develop creative financial instruments to
achieve policy objects for biodiversity
management.
Identify and access source of funding from
international donor agencies.
(22) Make sectoral interventions to increase the
sensitivity of policy to biodiversity.
Advise on interventions in Government
policies in all sectors of National life.
(23) Institutionalize public participation in the

development of government policy for the
conservation and management of biodiversity.
Incorporate stakeholder, community and
public participation in the development of
public sector policy.
Include as appropriate, stakeholders (e.g.
NGOs and CBOs) on boards of
management, and committees that manage
and plan biodiversity conservation.
Mandate government and private sector
developers to obtain input from
communities on plans, policies and
developments, which will impact
biodiversity in their areas
Lead Agency/
Partners
Funding
Sources
Est. Budget (US$)
EMA
25,000.00
There has been some (though limited)

success in this respect. Ministries such as
those responsible for Environment,
Agriculture, Transport, Planning, Public
Utilities, Energy and Local Government
have been incorporating biodiversity
considerations into their policies and
programmes, but the extent to which this
is done is still not sufficient.
EMA/MALMR
All Government
Ministries
100,000.00
There has been significant advancement

in this respect, although many
stakeholders still feel marginalized. Such
marginalization is most often voiced not
as a lack of involvement in consultation
processes, but rather as a fair and clear
articulation of public views and opinions
in national planning and policy
development.
$6,560,000.00
Totals
102
CHAPTER 3
MAINSTREAMING BIODIVERSITY
IN
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Photo courtesy Julian Kenny
103
Think Strategically but Act Specifically

3.1 Overview
In Trinidad and Tobago, there are over 50 laws, polices, plans, strategies and programmes which seek to
address biodiversity issues whether directly or indirectly. There are also many players in biodiversity
management. There appears to be a growing understanding that the biodiversity of the country is
declining, and that the economic (and other) costs of such a decline can no longer be overlooked.
Worsening trends in biodiversity throughout the country indicate that efforts to date have not achieved a
more sustainable approach to the management of biological resources. The question is why.
The current chapter will provide an overview of the framework for biodiversity management in Trinidad
and Tobago, and will include a description of the main success stories and challenges in biodiversity
mainstreaming. Based on these, some recommendations are provided for improving mainstreaming of
biodiversity considerations into national planning.
3.2 National Framework for Biodiversity Management
3.2.1 Governance and Institutional Framework
At present, there are two major players in environmental management at the national level - the ministry
responsible for the environment and the Environmental Management Authority (EMA). Prior to 1995, the
responsibility for the management of environmental issues in T&T was distributed across several
government departments (ministries) under successive Governments. At that time, environmental
management was characterized by uncoordinated efforts and significant fragmentation. In 1995, under the
Environmental Management Act No. 3, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) was
established. Instituted as a statutory body under the Ministry responsible for the Environment, the EMAs
role is to coordinate, facilitate and oversee execution of the national environmental strategy and
programmes, to promote public awareness of environmental concerns, and to establish an effective
regulatory regime which will protect, enhance and conserve the environment. To effectively achieve its
functions, the EMA is required to work very closely with and report to its line Ministry. Together, the
EMA and the Ministry take responsibility for the leading the development and implementation of
environmental policies, plans and strategies; for initiating and supporting environmental-related activities;
and for meeting the countrys obligations to international environmental treaties and agreements. The
principal responsibility for ensuring proper integration and mainstreaming of environmental issues
(including those which are biodiversity related) therefore fall to the Ministry and the EMA.
In addition to the EMA and the Ministry responsible for the Environment, there are a number of other
players in environmental management - including many of the other 25 ministries which currently
comprise the Government; other public agencies, civic society groups (NGOs, CBOs), research
institutions/organizations, private companies (business/industry) and other interest groups. In Tobago,
environmental issues are governed by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) the government body for
Tobago - principally under its Division for Agriculture, Marine Affairs and the Environment, but also
through a number of its other divisions.
3.2.2 Legal, Policy and Regulatory Framework
The Environmental Management Act Chapter 35:05 (hereafter referred to as the EMAct), first enacted in
1995 as the Environmental Management Act No. 3, and repealed and re-enacted in 2000, is an umbrellatype piece of legislation which provides a framework for managing the environment in Trinidad and
Tobago. It is considered to date the most integrated and holistic piece of environmental legislation in the
country, allowing for a more scientific and pragmatic approach to regulation, and monitoring and
evaluation of activities with a potential environmental impact. More focused approach to managing
104
specific aspects of the environment is achieved through a number of pieces of subsidiary legislation
(Figure 3.1). Biodiversity is dealt with directly under the Environmentally Sensitive Species Rules (2001)
and the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules (2001).
FIGURE 3.1: THE SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION UNDER THE EMACT
Certificate of
Environmental
Clearance Rules
(2001)
Draft Waste
Management
Rules (2008)
Draft Air
Pollution Rules
(2005)
Noise Pollution
Control Rules
(2001)
EMAct
Water Pollution
Rules (2001) as
amended
Environmentally
Sensitive
Species Rules
(2001)
Environmentally
Sensitive Areas
Rules (2001)
The EMAct also called for the development of a National Environmental Policy (NEP) which was first
drafted in 1998 and revised most recently in 2005. To date, this policy, which covers all of the main
environmental issues including biodiversity management, has been approved and is being implemented.
But the EMAct and its associated legislation is by no means the only environmental law in the country.
There are a number of other pieces of legislation, as well as strategies and plans, which exist to deal with
environmental issues. The main ones are presented in Table 3.1 along with their status of implementation
and coverage of environmental issues.
105
TABLE 3.1: SUMMARY OF THE MAIN ISSUES COVERED BY NATIONAL LAWS, POLICIES AND PLANS RELATED TO
BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
List of Main National Policies/Plans/Laws
with relevance to Biodiversity
Implement
ation
Status
Environmental Management Act Chapter 35:05

Environmentally Sensitive Species Rules 2001
Noise Pollution Control Rules 2001
Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules 2001
Certificate of Environmental Clearance Rules
2001
Water Pollution Rules 2001
(Draft) Air Pollution Rules 2005
(Draft) Waste Management Rules 2008
National Environmental Policy (2005)
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action
Plan
Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act 1997
The Tobago House of Assembly Act 1996
The Petroleum Act (rev. 1980)
The Municipals Corporations Act (rev. 1980)
Standards Act No. 18 of 1997
The Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals
(Amendment) Act (1986)
Trade Ordinance No. 19 of 1958
2
1
1
1
1
Extent/
Fragmentation
of
key biomes
and habitats
Main issues addressed by the 2010 Biodiversity Indicators

Abundance
Protected
Alien
Marine
distribution
Areas &
invasive
Trophic
of species/
Sustainable
species
Index
Threatened
Management
spp.
of ecosystems
Water
Quality
GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
1
3
3
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
FOREST MANAGEMENT
Draft Forest Policy of T&T (1942 revised in
1998 and 2010)
Sawmills Act (1943)
3
1
PROTECTED AREAS
Policy for the Establishment and Management
106
of a National Park System in Trinidad and

Tobago (1980)
Draft National Policy on Protected Areas
(2010)
TOURISM
A National Tourism Policy for Trinidad and
Tobago (2001)
The Master Tourism Plan (1996)
CLIMATE CHANGE
Draft National Policy on Climate Change
(2010)
Draft Aquaculture Policy (2001-2005)

Agricultural Fires Act (1965)
Agricultural Small Holding Tenure Act (rev.
1980)
3
1
1
Draft Wildlife Strategic Plan

Plant Protection (Amendment) Act (2001)
Conservation of Wildlife Act (1958)
Importation of Live Fish Act 1980
The Mongoose Act (rev. 1980)
The Animals (Diseases and Importation) Act
(rev. 1980)
Cocoa (Import and Export) Act Section 3
Protection of New Plant Varieties Act No. 7 of
1997, Section 3
The Town and Country Planning Act
(rev.1980)
The Customs Act
Botanic Gardens Act (rev. 1980)
3
1
1
1
1
1
The Green Fund (2005)
X
X
AGRICULTURE
X
WILDLIFE/PLANT CONSERVATION
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
1
1
X
X
X
X
FINANCING
X
X
X
X
X
WATER RESOURCES
Draft National Water Resources Policy (2002)
National Water Resource Management Policy
107
(2003)
Draft Water and Wastewater Master Plan for
T&T (1999)
The Water and Sewerage Act (rev. 1980)
The Public Health Ordinance (Rev. 1980)
Draft National Conceptual Development Plan

(1999)
National Physical Development Plan (1984)

Minerals Act (2000)
Draft Hillside Development Policy (2006)
Litter Act (1981)
Draft National Action Programme to Combat
Land Degradation in T&T
The Slum, Clearance and Housing Act (rev.
1980)
The State Lands Act (rev. 1980)
Mining, Boring and Quarries Act (rev. 1980)
LAND USE AND PLANNING
4
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
1
X
1
1
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
COASTAL AND MARINE (INCLUDING WETLANDS)

Fisheries Act (rev. 1980)
The Continental Shelf Act (rev. 1980)
Archipelagic Waters and Exclusive Economic
Zone Act (1986)
Marine Areas (Preservation and Enhancement
Act) 1970
Draft Fisheries Policy (2007)
National Policy and Programmes on Wetland
Conservation for Trinidad & Tobago (2001)
Sector Policy for Food Production and Marine
Resources (2001-2005)
The Oil Pollution of Territorial Waters Act
(rev. 1980)
X
X
X
1
4
X
X
X
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X
X
Harbours Act (rev. 1980)
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Community Development Policy (1996)
Key for Implementation Status:

1. Implemented; 2. Implemented and under review/revision; 3. Not implemented under review/revision; 4. Plans in place to revisit; 5. No
plans in place
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3.3 Success Stories and Challenges in Mainstreaming Biodiversity

3.3.1 Success Stories in Mainstreaming Biodiversity
While biodiversity mainstreaming has not taken root or been implemented in Trinidad and Tobago in a
significant way, there are a few key advances which are worth noting. The NBSAP (2001) was an
important step in helping to provide a more integrated framework for biodiversity management at the
national level. Although not all the activities outlined in the NBSAP have been implemented, there are
some initiatives which have helped to promote a more integrated approach to biodiversity management,
especially in the areas of education/awareness and community involvement (see Chapter 2).
3.3.1.1 Legislation, Policies, and Other Enabling Mechanisms
The Environmental Management Act Chapter 35:05 has played a key role in mainstreaming. The
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) Rules and the Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS) Rules
which were implemented in 2001 under the EMAct directly address biodiversity loss. The ESA Rules are
particularly important because they adopt an ecosystem-based approach to biodiversity management (see
Chapters 2 and 4 for more information on these Rules). All other pieces of subsidiary legislation include
considerations for biodiversity to varying degrees. One which is of key importance is the Certificate of
Environmental Clearance (CEC) Rules (2001) which plays a role in helping to prevent biodiversity loss
through a very proactive approach to considering the impacts of proposed development activities before
they are allowed to proceed. Under the CEC Rules, all proposed development activities with a potential
significant effect on the environment must be subjected to review and approval/rejection no matter the
sector to which the proposed activity applies. In effect the CEC Rules are an environmental permitting
process that allows developers to conduct scheduled activities under a prescribed set of conditions which
pertain to mitigating the negative environmental impacts the activity may pose, parameters/indicee for
monitoring of those impacts (in addition to the aspects of the project that may negatively affect the
environment) as well as any other conditions that may be required to protect any specific features
(biological or otherwise) of the project area.
There was a very recent attempt (2010) by Government to update/revise/develop three key policy
documents which pertain to biodiversity management - a Draft Forest Policy, a Draft Protected Areas
Policy, and a Draft Climate Change Policy. Plans are also in place to revisit a number of other draft
policies such as the National Environmental Policy (2005), a Draft Fisheries Policy (2007), a Draft
Hillside Policy (2004) and various policies related to agricultures. The recent processes (2010) for
preparation of the Draft Forest Policy, the Draft Protected Areas Policy, and the Draft Climate Change
Policy have been inclusive of stakeholder views and perceptions; have applied sound science as a basis
for making policy recommendations; and to varying extents, have incorporated the ecosystem approach
into policy development. Having considered these a success, the Government plans to continue deepening
and expanding this approach in order to bring the legislative framework up to date and make it more
integrated.
To varying degrees, Government Ministries besides the Ministry responsible for the Environment have a
mandate to include environmental considerations into their work programmes. Ministries whose
portfolios have a direct impact on the environment, such as the Ministry of Works and Transport; the
Ministry responsible for Planning; the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs; the Ministry of Food
Production, Land and Marine Affairs; the Ministry of Tourism; the Ministry of Tobago Development; the
Ministry of Public Utilities; and the Ministry of Local Government have been playing a greater role in the
extent to which they include environmental considerations in their plans and projects. One success story
in achieving better mainstreaming of biodiversity is reported by the Ministry of Works and Transport MOWT (Box 3.2), and it has been offered by the MOWT as a model for adaptation and adoption by other
Ministries and public agencies.
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BOX 3.2: A SUCCESS STORY IN PRESERVING OUR BIODIVERSITY THROUGH SOUND

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT THE MINISTRY OF WORKS AND TRANSPORT
The Environmental Health & Safety Unit (EHSU) was established in 1996 within the Ministry of Works and
Transport (MOWT). The Unit was initially known as the Environmental Unit and was a direct fulfillment of one
of the requirements of an Inter-American Development Bank loan agreement obtained by the Government of
Trinidad and Tobago. The loan was used primarily for the rehabilitation of existing roads and the construction of
new highways throughout the country. Under the institutional strengthening capacity objective of the loan the inhouse ability to carry out sound environmental management of all projects was facilitated. To undertake its
mandate of ensuring comprehensive environmental management of the projects and activities undertaken by the
MOWT, the Unit was appropriately staffed with the relevant personnel. Amongst the areas of expertise included
biological, physical and social assessments, land use planning, landscape architecture and environmental
engineering. As the Unit developed expertise in the area of health and safety was added. The passage of the
Occupational Safety and Health Act 2004 as amended (OSH Act) coincided with an internal broadening of the
Units mandate to include responsibility for the management of health and safety. In fulfilling this mandate
additional staff in the areas of health and safety were brought on board and the Unit was renamed, in 2009, the
Environmental Health and Safety Unit. At present the Units functions encompass the following main areas:
Environmental Design - input and advice during the preliminary design stages and conceptualisation of
projects and activities.
Environmental Assessment - undertaking the necessary environmental impact assessments and risk
assessments required to meet internal approvals and approvals from external regulatory bodies such as
the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).
Environmental Monitoring - compliance monitoring of all projects and activities undertaken by the
MOWT inclusive of analysis of air, water and noise parameters.
Health and Safety Management - including the development of a Health and Safety Management
System and ongoing monitoring of all MOWT projects and activities.
In addition the Unit advises the Minister and Permanent Secretary and represents the MOWT in all matters
related to the environment, health and safety. This includes representation on Cabinet Appointed Committees and
liaison with other government agencies such as the EMA. Its recent achievements include the development of an
Environmental Policy with Environmental Procedures. This Policy has already been approved by Cabinet and
it is expected that both documents will be formally adopted by the Ministry by the end of 2010. Notwithstanding,
the formalisation process their operationalisation within the MOWT has already begun. The Unit recognises that
the very nature of the infrastructural projects carried out by the MOWT can have implications for biodiversity and
conservation efforts. As such these concerns are treated with special importance. The inclusion of a dedicated
biologist on the team of environmental professionals on staff is one way in which this is achieved. Additionally
special attention is also given to this in all environmental assessments undertaken by the Unit. All new projects
are required to have mitigation measures developed to reduce the impacts on flora and fauna and all areas of the
environment included in the contract specifications. This gives a greater measure of control over how projects are
carried out, and further assists in our conservation efforts.
Within recent times the Unit has begun to focus on the area of education and awareness. In particular the
promotion of awareness amongst personnel within the MOWT and our key stakeholders. The launch of an annual
Health Safety and Environment 5K Walk/Run in 2008, in celebration of World Environment Day, was one
such initiative. The event is held in collaboration with the EMA and the Occupational Safety and Health
Authority (OSHA), two of our key stakeholders. This activity has grown over the last year, attracting greater
participation from the wider public and enhanced prizes. It is envisioned that future development of the Unit will
see its incorporation as a Division within the MOWT. Plans are already in place for increased staffing, improved
facilities and equipment.
Prepared by Shane T. Ballah (July 2010), Biotic Impact Specialist, Environmental Health and Safety Unit,
MOWT
3.3.1.2 Collaboration and Coordination in Support of Biodiversity Management

There have been several attempts both within the public sector and between the public sector and other
stakeholders to improve collaboration and coordination in support of biodiversity management. These
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have met with varying degrees of success (in fact most have been relatively unsuccessful).
Notwithstanding, the establishment and proper utilization of opportunities for pooling resources and
interests have been shown to work in the best interest of all parties. A very recent example of an initiative
to streamline the work of the EMA with an environmental/social project instituted by the Government
provides a good case study of the benefits of sharing (Box 3.3).
BOX 3.3: EMA AND CEPEP TO JOIN FORCES ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
ISSUES
The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and the Community-based Environmental Protection and
Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) have opened discussions to explore a more productive and effective working
relationship in the promotion and execution of better environmental management practices. The meeting was held at
the EMAs Head Office in St. Clair on Tuesday July 13, 2010 and was led by Managing Director/Chief Executive
Officer, Dr. Joth Singh with senior EMA managers in attendance. CEPEP was represented by Mr. Carlston Clarke,
CEPEPs General Manager (Ag.); Dr. Pat Bishop, CEPEPs Social Marketing and Communications Consultant and
Mr. Nigel Benjamin, CEPEPs Regional Coordinator.
Dr. Roodal Moonilal, Minister of Housing and the Environment has advocated greater collaboration and synergy
among agencies responsible for the environment. The EMA, CEPEP, Forestry Division, Chaguaramas Development
Agency (CDA), Land Settlement Agency (LSA), Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Committee and the Housing
Development Corporation (HDC) currently reside under a single ministry.
Commenting recently on the relationship between the EMA and CEPEP Minister Moonilal said there is a common
objective in both firms and we must build upon that.
At the July 13 meeting, Dr. Singh said there is a unique opportunity to bring together the labour force and
equipment of CEPEP with the technical, legislative and coordinating capacities in the EMA to solve environmental
problems in Trinidad and Tobago.
Both Dr. Singh and Mr. Clarke said they saw tremendous potential for the two entities to explore effective
relationships with respect to sustaining the Clean-up and Beautify (C&B) T&T Initiative, embarking on regional
clean-ups, joint public awareness projects, resource sharing and coordination.
The EMA currently has a dynamic and diverse public education and awareness portfolio, but still encounters
challenges with respect to inculcating changes in peoples actions towards the environment.
Dr. Pat Bishop, celebrated musician and artist, spoke about some of the issues, especially in ensuring that national
environmental education programmes fit the needs of Trinidad and Tobagos cultural and locational characteristics.
She also emphasized the importance of the media in sending environmental messages across the country. Another
critical issue highlighted at the meeting, and which is scheduled for further discussion, is selecting areas of priority
for EMA/CEPEP interventions. Beetham Gardens was also the subject of lengthy discussions. Dr. Singh indicated
that some industrial operators in the vicinity of Beetham Gardens have been issued with Water Pollution Permits as
required under the Water Pollution Rules. The anticipated result is the reduction of untreated wastewater discharged
into the Beetham drainage system over time. Both Dr. Singh and Mr. Clarke re-emphasized the need to conduct
collaborative work not only in the Beetham area, but in all areas, including Tobago. Both agencies expressed strong
support for the initiative of the Hon. Minister to forge closer links between environmental agencies and expressed a
willingness to pool resources to ensure the sustainability of Trinidad and Tobagos environment. The EMA and
CEPEP plan to engage in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which will define the way the organizations will
work together.
Source: EMA 2010. http://www.ema.co.tt/cms/images/stories/pdf/ema-cepep%20release.pdf
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The Ministry responsible for the Environment has also been seeking to foster a better relationship with
international agencies and local organizations in order to better meet international obligations, and to
create better local to global links. In 2008, for example, the Government partnered with a local NGO
The Cropper Foundation to host two Caribbean workshops on Biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago as
listed below:
Capacity-Development Workshop for the Caribbean region on National Biodiversity Strategies
and Action Plans (NBSAPs), Mainstreaming of Biodiversity and the Integration of Climate
Change (led by the CBD: November 3 7 2008)
Caribbean Biodiversity Indicators Capacity Development Workshop (led by the United Nations
Environment Programme world Conservation Monitoring Centre on behalf of the Biodiversity
Indicators Partnership: December 9 11 2008)
These not only allowed for the development of a better working relationship with the CBD, but they also
allowed the country to begin establishing itself as one of the leaders in promoting a more sustainable
approach to development within the Caribbean Region. Such efforts were also advanced at the Fifth
Summit of the Americas Meeting and the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting which were
both hosted by the Government in Port of Spain, Trinidad in 2009. The Government intends to continue
supporting such linkages as it seeks to ensure that local efforts are being undertaken within a wider
regional and international framework of action.
A number of private sector entities (business and industry) in Trinidad and Tobago have become more
involved in biodiversity management initiatives and have been financially supportive of projects and
other activities. One selected example, the Wildlife Fund established by Guardian Life of the Caribbean
Limited, has been lending support to the promotion of biodiversity in a number of ways for several years
(Box 3.4).
BOX 3.4: GUARDIAN LIFE WILDLIFE FUND
More than two decades ago Guardian Life of the Caribbean Limited, a member of the Guardian Holdings Group,
added the tag line Looking After Life into its logo. This was a reflection of its commitment to life enhancement
through innovative life policies. These concerns for life enhancement inevitably led to a concern for the preservation
and conservation of our wildlife and our environment.
In 1992, Guardian Life established an independent Trust with a mandate to assist citizen groups in the conservation
of the countrys living resources and their habitats. In addition, the Trust has an educational mandate, to nurture an
environmentally responsible national consciousness by raising awareness of the enormous issues attached to the
question of preservation and conservation of our environment. The company actively supports the work of the Trust,
matching all funds raised and handling public relations and administrative functions. Some of the main projects over
the last 5 years are given below:
2010 - Community Based Educational Outreach & Training Programme To Protect The Pawi In Trinidad
through the UNDP/GEF/Small Grants Programme
2009 - Publication of Promise of Pawi, childrens book written by Janice Hernandez
2008 - Pride In Pawi Project; inauguration of first Pawi Guardians
2008 to date Save The Pawi Community Project
2007 Photographic Exhibition of Professor Kenny's Environmental photos
2007 Series of Children Short Stories (to be published)
2007 Beowulf Premier to raise funds for the PAWI project
2006 Launch of book authored by Prof. Kenny - "Flowers of T & T"
2005 Wild T & T DVD - A celebration of the natural history of T & T
Adapted from: Guardian Life and ECRA Consulting 2008. http://www.glwildlife.org/about-the-fund.htm (WildLife
Fund accessed 28th July 2010).
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Greater community involvement in biodiversity management has also been important in supporting
national efforts. Box 3.5 is a case study of a community which has been involved in the protection of its
biodiversity for almost 30 years. This community is now seen as a model for community involvement in
biodiversity management in Trinidad and Tobago.
BOX 3.5: A MODEL FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF
BIODIVERSITY THE FONDES AMANDES COMMUNITY IN NORTHWESTERN TRINIDAD
This case study tells the story of a long-standing community self-help effort in watershed management from the
island of Trinidad. The Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation Project (FACRP), which had its genesis in the
early 1980s in the informal activities of a small group of illegally settled farmers, is today a nationally recognized
and highly regarded initiative. Threats to Trinidads watersheds from activities ranging from urban expansion to
poor agricultural practices have generated considerable concern in environmental circles and appear to be
increasing. Government policy has increasingly emphasised stakeholder approaches and partnerships with private
landowners. However, many watershed settlers lack legal tenure, and formal mechanisms for working with these
communities are limited.
Through persistent effort and with the help of a handful of supporters, illegal settlers of the Fondes Amandes hillside
community have secured permission, albeit only verbal, to protect a critical portion of watershed above Port of
Spain, Trinidads capital, through agro-forestry and fire protection activities that provide income and employment
opportunities to the community. In exchange, they have gained reasonably secure use of the land for living and
farming. With this assistance and their own ongoing efforts, Akilah Jaramogi and 17 other community members
have transformed what was once fire climax grassland into an impressive 30- hectare organic agro-forestry project.
Project activities take place on both privately-owned and WASA state land, spanning the lower watershed to the
ridge in the upper watershed.
Annual tree planting and fire trace cutting community gayaps are held in support of the re-forestation and fire
prevention programmes. At the beginning of the annual dry season, personnel from the fire, forestry and water
resources management agencies, together with community members, launch a Forest Fire Protection Programme,
which formally and symbolically reaffirms the continuing need for watershed rehabilitation and protection and the
desire for continued collaborative efforts. Tree planting takes place at the start of the rainy season and fire traces are
cut at the beginning of the dry season. The rest of the year is spent maintaining the traces and creating new ones.
The area has been fire free since 1997. In line with its social and environmental objectives, the FACRP has adopted
a holistic approach to project development, which goes beyond just watershed reforestation and rehabilitation and
now encompasses or has stimulated the following initiatives and achievements:
The establishment of the Clean Trees Organic Nursery (CTON) in 2001 and the conversion of the area into
a completely organic project that does not employ chemical pesticides or fertilizers. As the for-profit
subsidiary of the FACRP, CTON acts as a community-based organic tree nursery, generating employment
and training opportunities for community members. It provides a reliable source of organic inputs (plants
and seedlings, manure and compost) to the FACRPs reforestation activities as well as to small-scale
farmers and other individuals interested in organic methods of farming and agriculture. It also provides
landscaping and lawn maintenance services.
Creation of a community-wide composting and recycling programme, established by FACRP in
collaboration with CTON.
Launching of Fondes Amandes Community Eco Tours, in 2003, offering tours mainly for schools, although
brochures are also sent to embassies. These tours provide information on the project and its activities and
on fire prevention. Planning has begun to develop historical and ecological tours which will be marketed to
urban tourists, particularly cruise ship passengers.
Training of community members in how to make crafts and other saleable items using the fruits of the
project. It was intended that craft and cottage industries would be set up in 2003, but this has not fully
matured. A cooperative is to be established to facilitate the sale of these items to the public.
Construction in 2001 of a community shelter, a long-standing dream of the FACRP, with support from a
local charity. This facility serves as one of the community venues for training programmes.
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Establishment of an education outreach programme that educates school groups about the importance of
watershed protection and the benefits of alternative (organic) agricultural practices.
Creation of a cultural and drumming group.
Establishment of a thriving jewellery-making business, run by Akilah Jaramogi, using seeds from the trees
planted on the hillside, which now sells its products throughout the Caribbean region.
The most obvious environmental impact of the groups efforts has been less fire damage and more trees. Akilah
estimates that 1,500 trees have been planted to date and approximately 1,000 have survived. The most important
social impact of the project may be the security it has offered members of the community.
The project has been sustained over time through the continued involvement of community members who initially
became involved in youth activities organised by FACRP. The project has not had as widespread an economic
impact on the community as originally hoped, however, in part because many of the activities provide only seasonal
employment. The FACRP offers some employment opportunities and this has increased with the recent award of a
government reforestation project which will require some 30- 40 employees. However, the initiatives listed above
demonstrate that community watershed management has the potential to support livelihoods, contribute to
community cohesion and improve the provision of physical infrastructure, although efforts to secure better
infrastructure and water facilities are still ongoing.
While the Fondes Amandes case offers some evidence of the usefulness of economic incentives and rewards in
encouraging good watershed practices by communities, it more importantly shows how such instruments may be
only one of a complex mix of factors that motivate the actions of watershed stakeholders. In assessing approaches to
watershed management, governments, donors, environmental organisations and other interested actors should not
assume that any one approach, whether environmental service payments, community-based initiative, or state
regulation, is the most appropriate to a given situation. It is more likely that a dynamic mix of mutually reinforcing
approaches will have the greatest sustainability and effectiveness. This is however not to say that existing
arrangements cannot be enhanced through the use of economic incentives and rewards. Both have clearly been
important in sustaining the FACRP, and more systematic and equitably negotiated forms of compensation may be
quite useful in assuring the continuation or encouraging the expansion or replication of the existing arrangements.
There is little evidence, however, that more market-like instruments based on valuation of and charging users for the
services that the FACRP is providing, would be useful or even possible in the existing context and policy
environment.
Lum Lock, A., and Geoghegan, T. 2006
3.3.1.3 The Ecosystem Approach to Management

The ecosystem/ecosystem service approach also appears to be taking root in T&T. In April 2002, the
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) hosted a workshop on scenarios in Port of Spain, Trinidad. A
number of local researchers and policy-makers were invited to this meeting, and their involvement
sparked interest among a core group to initiate efforts to introduce ecosystem assessments to Trinidad and
Tobago. In 2003, a local NGO The Cropper Foundation and the University of the West Indies in
partnership with several other institutions/organizations initiated and led two sub-global assessments as
part of the MA - one of these assessments focused on the Northern Range of Trinidad and the other on the
Caribbean Sea (CARSEA).
Having been successfully completed in 2005, the Northern Range Assessment was published as the
National State of the Environment Report for T&T in 2005, and it was laid as an official public document
in Parliament (Box 3.6). Inspired by the Northern Range Assessment and the thinking of the MA, several
other processes in T&T have begun adopting the ecosystem/ecosystem approach to varying degrees,
including research, policy formulation (the Draft Forest Policy 2010 is especially recognized in this
respect), and project design and implementation. Recognizing that ecosystem assessments are not well
integrated in development planning and practice the Caribbean region, the Government of T&T hopes to
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partner with the UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre and other local entities to host a capacity
development and awareness building workshop on ecosystem assessments and their applicability at the
national and regional levels.
BOX 3.6: THE NORTHERN RANGE ASSESSMENT
The Northern Range Assessment was a pioneering initiative in Trinidad and Tobago. Initiated in 2003 as one of the
sub-global assessments (SGAs) of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), this project was led by a local
NGO The Cropper Foundation and the University of the West Indies, in collaboration with the Environmental
Management Authority and a number of other partners. Completed in 2005, and published as the National State of
the Environment Report (SOER) for Trinidad and Tobago for 2004, the success and importance of this project has
been attributed to a number of factors:
inclusion of perspectives from a wide range of stakeholders
it produced a comprehensive document on the state of an entire ecosystem in Trinidad and Tobago
(including some recommendations on what might be done better or differently to improve management of
the ecosystem), and it thereby introduced the ecosystem/ecosystem services approach to management of
natural resources. This was a marked departure from the largely issue/sectoral-based approach previously
applied.
it set a standard for data collection on natural systems in Trinidad and Tobago, especially by encouraging
interdisciplinary research and exchange
it included a scalar aspect, and drew on the perspectives of communities which are so often overlooked or
not well represented in scientific publications
it was undertaken within a global framework, and its results thus benefited from and were of benefit to a
larger research framework
The approach introduced by the Northern Range Assessment has since been used to inform a number of other
processes and publications including (but not limited to): the implementation of the Environmentally Sensitive
Areas and Species Rules; the development of the Draft Forest and Protected Areas Policies for T&T; national state
of environment reporting in Trinidad and Tobago; research on wetland in Trinidad and Tobago undertaken by the
Institute of Marine Affairs; and undergraduate and postgraduate research at the University of the West Indies and the
University of Trinidad and Tobago.
Because of the value that assessments such as The Northern Range Assessment could have for national planning, it
is important that emphasis be given to promoting this type of approach in other national research and planning
initiatives.
Prepared by: The Cropper Foundation July 2010
One important project which has been developed in Trinidad and Tobago and applies the ecosystemservice based approach to management is the Nariva Swamp Restoration, Carbon Sequestration and
Livelihoods Project (Box 3.7). In 2008, and with funding from the World Bank, work began to track
GHG emissions in the swamp and to revegetate regions of the swamp thereby enhancing carbon
sequestration functions, and reducing methane emissions. In February 2009, the World Bank, acting as a
trustee for the BioCarbon Fund, signed an Emissions Reduction Purchase Agreement with the EMA and
the GoRTT, for carbon credits earned under the Nariva Project. This is being done under the Clean
Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC and it is the first of its kind in the
Caribbean. T&T is therefore set to engage in the global carbon market. In March 2010, a further grant
from the Green Fund in T&T was certified to allow for expansion of this project. The Nariva project is
hailed as an example of the type of project that should be encouraged to address biodiversity and
environmental-related problems in T&T because of the extent to which it addresses and includes
mainstreaming considerations.
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BOX 3.7: NARIVA, HOME OF A GROUND BREAKING ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT

August 15th 2008 was a ground breaking day for the Ministry of Planning Housing and the Environment, the
Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources as well as the Environmental Management Authority (EMA),
as they launched the Nariva Restoration and Carbon Sequestration project. This revolutionary project will see the
replanting of 1,300 hectares of the Nariva Swamp in areas that were formerly deforested by large-scale rice farmers
more than a decade ago. The launch, which took place at the Ministry of Agricultures station in Plum Mitan,
brought out Minister of Planning, Housing and the Environment Senator Dr. the Honorable Emily Dick-Forde,
Attorney General Senator the Honorable Bridgid Annisette-George and members of the Plum Mitan, Kernahan and
Biche communities. It was at this historic location that the Minister got an opportunity to symbolically plant the first
tree to re-establish the natural vegetation.
So why choose Nariva as the site for such a revolutionary project? Nariva has been declared an Environmentally
Sensitive Area under the Environmentally Sensitive Area Rules 2001 and has the most varied vegetation of all
wetlands in Trinidad and Tobago, with distinct zones of swamp forest, palm swamp, herbaceous swamp and
mangrove woodlands. It is home to a large number of waterfowl including migratory species, and it is the wetland in
Trinidad which still sustains the Anaconda, the re-introduced Blue and Golden Macaw and the endangered Manatee.
Nariva was also recognized globally when it was declared a Wetland of International Importance in 1992 under the
Ramsar Convention. The Forestry Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources have spearheaded
the long process to have the threats to Nariva Swamp removed and the ecology of the area restored. Restoration and
management plans were drawn up with the assistance of Canadian NGO Ducks Unlimited and the Institute of
Marine Affairs.
Today, the Nariva Restoration and Carbon Sequestration project is a collaborative effort of the Forestry Division,
the EMA and the University of the West Indies. One of the pioneers of the project, University of the West Indies
lecturer and former Chairman of the Environmental Management Authority Professor John Agard, assured the
gathering at Plum Mitan that this venture would benefit the residents in and around Nariva as it will provide job
opportunities for those who possess the skills required. It is proposed that the facilitating of the nurseries and the replanting process will be done entirely by residents of the nearby villages over a five year period. More importantly
Professor Agard maintained that a project of this magnitude, scope and possibility will be an asset to Trinidad and
Tobago. The replanting of approximately 1,300 hectares with native species of trees to restore the ecology of the
area is only a part of this historic project. A first for Trinidad and Tobago will be the carbon sequestration focus of
capturing carbon dioxide in the trees and vegetation through the natural growth of these plants.
This concept has gained popularity due to the effects of climate change, largely caused by the increase of Carbon
Dioxide in the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels. Reforestation is seen as one of the methods of
capturing some of this excess Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere and holding or sequestering it in the tissues of
plants. This project falls directly in line with the EMAs mandate to provide effective leadership in attaining an
environmental healthy community and conserving healthy ecosystems for present and future generations. In this
regard the project will be coordinated by the Authority with the technical implementation of the Forestry Division.
The EMA is utilizing a grant from the World Bank in the formulation and initial implementation of the project. It is
the hope of all stakeholders involved that this project would be a model for similar projects in the Caribbean region.
The pilot phase commenced on September 22nd 2008.
Source: Press Release from EMA 2008
3.3.1.4 Education and Awareness

In education, there are notable efforts to integrate biodiversity into both the formal and informal sectors.
Primary and secondary curricula now have a greater environmental component. One significant
advancement has been an effort by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) a regional examining
body to better include environmental components into its science curricula at both the ordinary and
advanced levels. There is also now an Environmental Sciences syllabus at the advanced level which
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recognizes the need for greater emphasis to be placed on the links between humans and the environment
rather than the traditional, more ecocentric approach which was traditionally the case. This subject is
gaining popularity in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Ministry of Education in T&T, the EMA, and a number of NGOs such as the Pointe-a-Pierre
Wildfowl Trust, The Cropper Foundation, and Environment Tobago (to name a few) are involved in the
development of biodiversity-related learning materials for schools, as well as the provision of
opportunities for capacity building through workshops and outdoor experiences. Box 3.8 outlines a
selected example of an effort in Tobago to address the needs of teachers and students at the secondary and
primary levels, including students who may not be academically inclined.
BOX 3.8: ENVIRONMENT TOBAGO AN IMPORTANT PLAYER IN ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION IN TOBAGO
In 2001 Environment Tobago succeeded in winning the BPTT Youth in Education Leader Award for an
innovative education programme that sought to improve student learning and achievement in the academic field.
The award provides funding for non-governmental organizations that offer educational support outside the
mainstream system. The original proposal that was put forward concerned the newly established Secondary Centres.
These schools aimed to provide an alternative education programme, in order to address the special needs of those
children who had not performed well in the Secondary Entrance Exam. Children who do not achieve their full
potential in mainstream schools often have different learning styles and are stimulated by more practical activities,
rather than the more traditional chalk and talk teaching often found in classrooms. An innovative teaching
methodology and curriculum was needed to address the needs of these children. Environment Tobago saw an ideal
opportunity to develop a pilot programme in the three Secondary Centres in Tobago using environmental education
as a tool for interdisciplinary hands-on teaching across the curricular. A number of teachers were trained, who
responded very positively to the programme and started to incorporate environmental education into their own
teaching practice. Environment Tobago then adapted this programme for Tobagos Primary schools. The goal was to
develop a methodology and teaching guide for infusing environmental education across the Primary school
curricular that can then be published and issued to schools. It is vital that, from an early age, children acquire a good
knowledge and understanding of their surroundings and the natural resources of their bountiful island. Only then
will they gain respect for the environment and a desire to take care of it. This is the key to a sustainable future for
Tobago. Though environmental education is very important in itself, there is also a great potential to use it to teach
standard curricular. Nature can be a great teaching tool to deepen childrens understanding of science, mathematics,
language, arts and social studies. The emphasis was on using environmental education as a tool for interdisciplinary
hands-on teaching. At a young age, education should be experiential, interactive and creative in order to stimulate
interest in and excitement about learning. Only then will children gain the motivation, confidence and independence
necessary to achieve their full potential.
Adapted from Environment Tobagos website:
http://www.scsoft.de/et/et2.nsf/KAP1View/F28CA2DDDE482B4304256C60005062F8?OpenDocument
3.3.1.5 Sustainable Financing for Biodiversity Management

There is one initiative which is worth mentioning in respect of sustainable financing for biodiversity
management. In 2004, the Government established a Green Fund which is to be used for stipulated
biodiversity-related initiatives (Box 3.9). Though the actualization time for the Fund was protracted, three
grants have been disbursed from it to date all in early 2010.
118
BOX 3.9: FINANCING BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT THROUGH A GREEN FUND

The Green Fund was established under the Finance Act 2004, Part XIV Green Fund Levy by the
Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT). The Fund is capitalised by a tax on the
gross sales and receipts of corporate companies operating in Trinidad and Tobago. The Fund has had a
long journey to operationalisation, and its actualisation has taken close to seven years.
Instituted in 2004, the Green Fund is a small grant facility available to Community Based Organisations
(CBOs) and NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) or according to the legislation any other body
incorporated by or under a law other than the Companies Act. CBOs are organisations based within a
particular community while NGOs may be described as not for profit private sector organisations. The
Funds monies are distributed by an agency established for that purpose (the Green Fund Executing
Unit) under the supervision of an advisory committee. Groups qualifying for funding must be involved
in activities focusing on environmental conservation, reforestation or remediation. In this context;
1. Remediation is defined under the EM Act of 2000 in Part VII Section 72.c as the restoration of
environmentally degraded sites, containment of any wastes, hazardous substances or other
environmentally dangerous conditions, or other appropriate precautionary measures to prevent
significant adverse effects on human health or the environment.
2. Reforestation is the direct humaninduced conversion of nonforested land to forested land through
planting, seedling and/or the humaninduced promotion of natural seed sources, on land that was
forested but that has been converted to nonforested land. (Source: UNFCCC 2001)
3. Conservation a series of measures required to maintain or restore the natural habitats and the
populations of species of wild fauna and flora to a favourable status. (Source: UNFAO 1992)
Source: http://phe.gov.tt/home/images/stories//green%20fund%20handbook.pdf
3.3.2 Main Challenges in Mainstreaming Biodiversity
The main challenges to mainstreaming biodiversity are no different from those faced in NBSAP
implementation (Chapter 2). To date, mainstreaming has been constrained mainly by political priority and
support, lack of effective collaboration and coordination, capacity, and financing. This section will focus
on the two main challenges which serve as the roadblocks in effective mainstreaming- political priority
and support, lack of proper collaboration and coordination.
3.3.2.1 Political Priority and Support
Balancing development and environmental considerations has been a tremendous challenge in decisionmaking in Trinidad and Tobago at the policy level. As a rapidly developing country, the environment has
more often been treated as a hindrance to development rather than as a core element which is required for
sustaining growth and well-being. This is perhaps best reflected in the fact that not a single new
environmental law or policy was passed in T&T since 2001.
In fact, there is one relatively recent, documented example of where environmental law was disabled in
order to enable development activities namely quarrying (Box 3.10). What was of most concern in this
case is that the amendment was not supported by scientific evidence and it went against the guiding
principles outlined in the National Environmental Policy for Trinidad and Tobago which are:
Respect and care for the community of life
Keep within the countrys carrying capacity
Empower communities to care for their own environment
Polluter pays principle
Precautionary principle
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BOX 3.10: AMENDMENTS OF THE CEC RULES

In 2007, a significant change to the CEC Rules Designated Acticities Order. The CEC (Designated
Activities) Order, which lists and describes the forty-four activities regulated by the CEC Rules, was
amended by the then Minister of Public Utilities and the Environment under Activity 23 - the
Establishment of a facility for non-metallic mining and processing more commonly known as
quarrying. Since the amendment, the establishment, modification, expansion, decommissioning or
abandonment (inclusive of associated works) of a facility for the mining, processing, or storage of clay,
andesite, porcellanite, limestone, oilsand, sand(s), gravel or other non-metallic minerals only now
requires a CEC if the facility occupies an area that is one hundred and fifty acres or greater. With this
amendment, quarry activities on land area smaller than one hundred and fifty acres could only be
regulated by the EMA if they include any one or combination of activities under Designated Activity 8:
a. The clearing excavation, grading or land filling of an area of more than 2 hectares (4.94 acres)
during a two-year period;
b. The clearing of more than one-half a hectare (1.24 acres) of forested area during a two-year
period;
c. The clearing, excavation, grading or land filling of any area with a gradient of 1:4 or more.
In December 2008, a further amendment was made because of the above-listed loopholes in the law
which still restricted quarry development to some extent. The regulation of quarrying activities was at
that time completely removed from the CEC Rules, and the CEC Designated Activities Order was
amended under Activity 8. The amendment to the CEC Rules means that the establishment or
modification of quarries is now largely unregulated by the EMA. The amendment to the CEC Order
was met by opposition from community members who expressed that quarrying was having a serious
impact on their well-being of their community, and that the amendment to the legislation would only
serve to exacerbate the problem. These protests were never addressed and lobbyers never received a
response to their concerns.
In recent times, there are clear signs that Government intends to more fully integrate environment and
development in national policy and planning. In this regard, urgent action is now required to address the
following deficiencies:
Environmental policies and laws remaining in draft form for several years; and not being given
adequate/equal attention by Cabinet for implementation.
Environmental laws, where they exist, not being enforced
Environmental projects and activities underfinanced and understaffed
Emphasis often placed on issues of relatively lower importance with many issues of high priority
being unaddressed
3.3.2.2 Collaboration and Coordination

Despite the establishment of the EMA to perform a coordinating role in environmental management, it
appears that collaboration and coordination in support of biodiversity management has not been as
effective as it needs to be. This view was clearly and forcefully expressed at the stakeholder consultations
undertaken as part of the process to prepare this 4th national report. It has also been articulated in a
number of national studies for several years. The EMA has drafted several Memoranda of
Agreement/Understanding (MOAs/MOUs) with other agencies/ institutions to facilitate better exchange,
but many of these have not been signed and/or are not being effectively utilized. In 2009, the EMA
120
committed itself to revisiting these MOUs with a view to ensuring that greater emphasis is placed on
fostering partnerships in support of its work. And while this is a positive step, there is the need to ensure
that such initiatives are done within a wider and more comprehensive framework.
Another area of concern is the stability in the overarching institutional arrangements within the public
service for dealing with environment policy and related matters. Figure 3.3 chronicles the shifts in
portfolio responsibility for the environment since 1999. In the more recent changes, responsibility shifted
from the Ministry Public Utilities and the Environment in 2007 to the Ministry of Planning, Housing and
the Environment, then to the Ministry of Housing and the Environment in 2010. Whatever the
configuration in terms of portfolio responsibility for environmental matters, the key is to ensure proper
integration and mainstreaming of environmental (including biodiversity) issues in national development
policy and planning.
It is evident that decision-making about environmental/biodiversity-related matters is still largely
undertaken on a sectoral basis with limited cross-sectoral interaction and integration. What is necessary to
enhance collaboration and coordination is the establishment of a mechanism which will allow for greater
collaboration and coordination firstly between the EMA and the Ministry responsible for the
Environment, and then between these and:
1. public agencies /government departments (whose activities affect or are affected by
environmental/biodiversity issues)
2. the public sector and the private sector
3. non-governmental stakeholders with interest in biodiversity management (research institutions,
NGOs, CBOs, civic society)
FIGURE 3.2: CHANGES IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE MINISTRY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
ENVIRONMENT (1999 2010)
Greater coordination is also required in the development, implementation and enforcement of laws,
policies, strategies and plans. The 50+ odd pieces of legislation, policies, strategies and plans which relate
121
to biodiversity management represent a patchwork of efforts, and are not collectively facilitating effective
management of the countrys biological resources. There is an urgent need to rationalize the legislative
framework in order that it is made more comprehensive and thus better protective of biodiversity. One
selected example relating to marine turtles helps to illustrate the nature of inconsistencies in local
legislation which requires addressing (Box 3.11).
BOX 3.11: AN EXAMPLE OF AN INCONSISTENCY IN LOCAL LEGISLATION RELATING
TO BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT
During 2005, preparatory work required for proposing the designation of five species of marine turtles
under the Environmentally Sensitive Species Rules 2001 brought attention to the fact that there are
inconsistencies in two pieces of legislation which existed before the ESS Rules - the Fisheries Act
(revised 1980) and the Conservation of Wildlife Act (revised 1980):
According to the Fisheries Act, turtles are considered as fish and can be hunted at certain times of
the year
With respect to the Conservation of Wildlife Act, once a turtle has landed and is on dry ground, it
is considered a protected species
These types of issues create loopholes in the law and reduce the effectiveness with which certain laws are
implemented.
Trinidad and Tobago has ratified several multilateral environmental agreements from as far back as
1940 (see Table 3.2). However, the approach to biodiversity management to date implies that there has
been inadequate integration of international and regional laws and treaties into the local legislative and
policy framework. Table 3.3 shows the level of integration of the CBD Thematic Programmes and Crosscutting issues into NBSAP activities and sectors in T&T; and it is evident from this that the overall level
of integration is low.
122
TABLE 3.2 BIODIVERSITY-RELATED INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS WHICH ARE OF RELEVANCE TO TRINIDAD AND
TOBAGO
TREATY
Convention on Nature Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider
Caribbean
Date Signed by
Trinidad and Tobago
12.10.1940
Status
24.07.1969 (Ratified)
Constitution of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)
16.10.1945
International Plant Protection Convention

International Plant Protection Convention New revised text approved by Resolution
12/97 of the 29th Session of the FAO Conference in November 1997 Declaration
06.12.1951
Convention on Fishing and Conservation of the Living Resources of the High Seas
29.04.1958
11.05.1966 (Ratified)
Convention on the Continental Shelf
29.04.1958
10.08.1968 (Ratified)
International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants of 2nd December 1961
International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants of 2nd
December 1961, as revised at Geneva on10 November 1972, and 23rd October 1978
02.12.1961
30.01.1998 (Accession)
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat
02.02.1971
21.04.1993 (Ratified)
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
03.03.1973
10.07.1974 (Ratified)
United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS)

Amendment for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10th December 1982 relating to the Conservation
and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks
Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations
Convention of the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS)
Convention for the Protocol and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider
Caribbean
10.12.1982
1986 (Ratified)
123
04.03.1991
30.12.1997
04.08.1995
10.10.1994
24.03.1983
11.10.1986 (Ratified)
TREATY
Date Signed by
Trinidad and Tobago
Status
Protocol concerning Cooperation in Combating Oil Spills in the Wider Caribbean
24.03.1983
11.10.1986 (Ratified)
International Tropical Timber Agreement
18.11.1983
09.05.1986 (Ratified)
Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer 1988
22.03.1985
26.11.1989 (Ratified)
Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer
16.09.1987
1989 (Ratified)
Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer
(London Amendment)
29.06.1990
25.11.1992
Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer,
adopted at the ninth meeting of the Parties
17.09.1997
Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Waste and

Their Disposal
03.12.1999
22.03.1989
12.01.2000 (Ratified)
Amendment to the Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of

Hazardous Waste and Their Disposal
06.11.1998
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 1992
09.05.1992
1994 (Ratified)
Convention on Biological Diversity 1992
11.06.1992
01.08.1996 (Ratified)
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Experiencing Serious

Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa 1994
17.06.1994
2000 (Ratified)
124
TREATY
Date Signed by
Trinidad and Tobago
14.05.1996
30.03.1999 (Adherence)
Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
1997
11.12.1997
1999 (Ratified)
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity
24.05.2000
International Cocoa Agreement 2001
02.03.2001
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants 2001
22.05.2001
International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
06.06.2002
World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
27.08.2003
19.08.2004
International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT Convention)
125
Status
TABLE 3.3: LEVEL OF INTEGRATION OF CBDS THEMATIC PROGRAMMES AND CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES WITHIN THE
STRATEGIES OUTLINED IN T&TS NBSAP (2001) AND ACROSS SECTORS
CBD COP Thematic
Programmes and
Cross- Cutting Issues
Strategies Outlined Within the NBSAP

Education/
Awareness
Legislation/
Enforcement
Institution/
Capacity
Information/
Research
Main Sectors
Policy
/commitment
Agriculture
Fisheries
Forestry
Tourism
Energy/
mining
Thematic Programmes
Agricultural
Biodiversity
Dry and Sub-Humid
Lands Biodiversity
Forest Biodiversity
Inland Waters
biodiversity
Island Biodiversity
Marine/Coastal
Biodiversity
Mountain
Biodiversity
Low
Low
Med
Med
Low
Med
Low
Low
Low
Low
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Med
Low
Low
Low
Med
Low
Med
Med
Med
Low
Low
Low
N/A
Med
High
Low
Med
Low
Low
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
Low
Med
Med
Med
Low
Low
Low
Med
Low
Med
Med
Low
Med
Med
Low
Med
Med
Low
Low
Med
Low
Low
Low
Med
Med
Low
Cross-cutting issues
2010 Biodiversity
Target
Access to genetic
resources/benefit
sharing
Biodiversity for
Development
Climate Change and
Biodiversity
Communication,
Education and Public
Awareness
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Med
Low
High
Low
Low
Low
N/A
Med
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Med
Low
Low
Low
Low
Med
Low
Med
Med
Low
126
CBD COP Thematic

Programmes and
Cross- Cutting Issues
Economics, Trade
and Incentive
measures
Ecosystem Approach
Global Strategy for
Plant Conservation
Global Taxonomy
Initiative
Impact Assessment
Identification,
Monitoring,
Indicators and
Assessments
Invasive Alien
Species
Liability and
Redress-Art. 14(2)
Protected Areas
Sustainable use of
Biodiversity
Tourism and
Biodiversity
Traditional
Knowledge,
Innovations and
Practices Article
8(j)
Technology transfer
and cooperation
Strategies Outlined Within the NBSAP
Main Sectors
Education/
Awareness
Low
Legislation/
Enforcement
Low
Institution/
Capacity
Low
Information/
Research
Low
Policy
/commitment
Low
Agriculture
Fisheries
Forestry
Tourism
Med
Low
Low
Med
Energy/
mining
Low
Med
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Med
Med
Low
Low
Low
Med
Low
Low
Med
Low
Med
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Med
Low
Low
Low
Med
Low
Low
Low
Low
Med
Low
Med
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Med
Low
Med
Low
Med
Low
Med
Low
Med
Low
Low
Low
Low
Med
Low
Med
Low
Low
Med
N/A
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Med
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Med
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
High
Low
Low
Med
Low
Low
Med
High
Low
Low to
Med
High
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Med
Med
Med
Low
Low
Med
Low
Low
Low
Low
Med
Med
Med
Med
Med
127
Low
3.3 Measures to Improve Mainstreaming of Biodiversity

It is recognized that mainstreaming biodiversity in a manner that is meaningful and makes the best use of
resources will not be an easy task. There are a few key steps which must be addressed urgently in order
that T&Ts efforts to manage biodiversity are more effective. This can only be achieved through thinking
strategically but acting specifically:
(a) Defining roles and responsibilities: It is important to address the need for better coordination and
collaboration amongst stakeholders involved in biodiversity management, including the definition of
roles and responsibilities for achieving a joint work programme. It is unlikely that more effective
management will be achieved if this enabling mechanism is not established. Figure 3.4 graphically
illustrates the coordinating role which has been defined for the EMA within the EMAct, and the
EMA with the support of the Government should take measures to fully establish itself in this role as
soon as possible.
FIGURE 3.4: THE EMA AS A COORDINATING AGENCY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT IN T&T
What might be most effective to achieve better coordination is the development of a Programme of
Work which is operationalised through the establishment of Working Groups based on stakeholder
clusters e.g. Public Agencies; NGOs and CBOs; Research Institutions; Private Sector; and Other
128
interest groups. Working Groups, whose scope of work is defined in specific Terms of Reference
(TORs), could then meet occasionally and exchange through electronic means (e.g. an intranet) so as
to avoid stakeholder fatigue. In addition to these Working Groups which will be set up based on
stakeholder clusters, there could also be the formation of specialist groups to address specific issues
which may arise from time to time. This will ensure greater coherence in efforts.
But such a set up requires commitment, and Government will need to establish means (including
incentives) to ensure ongoing participation. Within the public sector, such involvement should be
institutionalized so that involvement is not seen as an add on. For other stakeholders, incentives
both financial (to cover time and support project activities) and otherwise could be offered.
(b) Setting priorities: It will not be feasible to address all biodiversity-related problems at once. What is
urgently and critically needed is the establishment of a set of priorities which are in keeping with the
guiding principles of the National Environmental Policy and which address the current problems
being faced by the country- in some order of priority. Some recommendations include:
Deal with the most pressing problems such as flooding first
Identification of problems with a common cause and common solution. As was discussed in
Chapter 1, many of the driving forces affecting biodiversity are related to land use. The
development of a Land Use Policy could therefore be useful and relevant in guiding plans and
strategies for future development. This one action could then have a multiplier effect because
it is the root cause of so many environmental problems and disasters; and it could also help to
offset or more effectively manage potential more longer-term effects of phenomena such as
climate change
Existing environmental legislation and policies (even those which exist in draft) should be
revisited to determine a plan of action for updating and implementing the legislative and
policy frameworks. In this regard, emphasis should be placed on ensuring that there is
coherence and agreement among the various instruments, and again, these should be guided
by a set of defined priorities for management
Research should also be done within a comprehensive, policy-relevant framework to allow
for better identification of critical data and information gaps. In this regard, the development
of a national agenda for environmental research is being recommended in which biodiversity
needs are clearly articulated (this will be dealt with in more detail in Chapter 4).
Despite the long-established role of Environmental Impact Assessments in development
planning activities, Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) have not taken root in
Trinidad and Tobago. EIAs are most often done on a project by project basis, and little
emphasis to date has been placed on examining impacts in a broader national planning
framework. Emphasis should therefore be placed on contextualizing EIAs within an SEA
framework so that data and information could be more effectively used by Government in
planning processes
Priorities should not be (solely) determined by those which are defined at the regional and
international levels. But it is necessary that Trinidad and Tobago consider how best
guidelines and frameworks provided by International Laws, Agreements and Treaties might
best be used to guide national decision-making.
(c) Allocating resources: The allocation of resources (human, financial and physical) should be guided
by the process of priority setting. As a small island developing state, Trinidad and Tobago will
continue to face problems of capacity. Emphasis should therefore be placed to the fullest extent
possible on the best orientation and use of existing entities and resources to achieve optimal output
and not on the establishment of separate and new entities to address different environmental issues.
129
Recommendations have been made, for example, for the establishment of a Sustainable
Development Council for T&T (Northern Range Assessment 2005) and an Authority for Forestry
and Protected Areas Management (Box 3.12). There will be need to determine the most efficient and
effective mechanisms for achieving integrated management. It is not suggested that this will be easy,
but through proper coordination and prioritization, it is likely that there will be better progress than
is currently being achieved.
BOX 3.12: PROPOSED ROLE FOR A FORESTRY AND PROTECTED AREAS

MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
The Draft Forest Policy and Draft Protected Areas Policy recommend that a Forestry and Protected
Areas Management Authority be established to manage forests and terrestrial, coastal and marine
protected areas. This Authority will:
serve as the national focal point for relevant regional and international agreements concerning
forest and PAs and so assist in coordinating and managing the countrys response to agreements;
make recommendations for the rationalisation of policies, laws and regulations, and
administrative arrangements for the management of forest and PAs;
attempt to resolve conflicts among policies and prompt the development of overarching land-use
policies such as a national land-use policy by:
addressing any areas of conflict with existing and proposed policies and programmes
(e.g. land use planning policy, energy policy) by establishing appropriate Cabinetappointed committees to advise the Government on mechanisms to resolve conflicts;
integrating the provisions of this National Protected Areas Policy into existing and
proposed policies (e.g. National Physical Development Plan, National Action
Programme to Combat Land Degradation, Energy Policy, Quarry Policy and Tourism
Policy);
addressing gaps and areas of overlap with existing policies (e.g. National Action
Programme to Combat Land Degradation, draft National Forest Policy) to ensure
coherence and complementarity.
ensure that issues and needs relating to forest and PA management are integrated into national
policies and plans, including the integration of the provisions and intent of this National
Protected Areas Policy into the National Physical Development Plan, local land use plans and all
physical development permitting processes and any relevant national socio-economic
development policies and processes (e.g. Tourism Policy, poverty alleviation strategies, energy
policies and quarry policies).
Source:
http://190.213.5.22:81/policy/docs/Issues%20Paper%202%20Policyand%20Legislative%20Framework%
2018%206%209.pdf
130
CHAPTER 4
ASSESSMENT OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGOS

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION
AND PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING THE
2010 BIODIVERSITY TARGET
Photo courtesy Robyn Cross
131
4.1 Overview
This section will (1) draw on information presented in the preceding chapters to provide an overall
assessment of Trinidad and Tobagos progress towards meeting the 2010 Target; (2) consider the
effectiveness of implementation of the CBD in T&T; and (3) summarise some of the steps which are
being considered/need to be considered as Trinidad and Tobago begins to look beyond 2010.
4.2 Measuring T&Ts Progress Towards Meeting the 2010 Target - The 2010 Indicators
The assessment of status, trends and threats presented in Chapter 1 has provided an understanding of
progress in areas such as:
Trends in extent of selected biomes, ecosystems and habitats
Trends in abundance and distribution of selected species
Changes in status of threatened species
Trends in genetic diversity of species of agricultural importance
Marine Trophic Index
Connectivity-fragmentation of ecosystems
Water quality (inland freshwater and coastal)
Trends in invasive alien species
What has not been covered are issues such as:
Coverage of Protected Areas
Ecological Footprint
Status of local knowledge and its importance in biodiversity
The following section will first provide information on indicators for which no data/information has yet
been presented; and it will then present an overall qualitative assessment of T&Ts progress in meeting
the 2010 Target under each of the 2010 Indicators.
4.2.1 Indicators Not Yet Addressed in Previous Sections of This Report
4.2.1.1 Coverage of Protected Areas
As reported by the Forestry Division in 2009, the extent of protected areas in different categories in
Trinidad and Tobago is given in Table 4.1. A significant area is protected for production forests or forests
for timber harvesting. Much less land is currently protected for soil and water protection (protective
forests and watersheds); and conservation of biological diversity (wildlife sanctuaries and nature
reserves).
TABLE 4.1: PROTECTED AREAS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Category of Protected Area
Area(ha)
Purpose of Protected Area
Watersheds
Nature reserves
8334
458
Wildlife Sanctuaries
19004
National Parks
Production forests
Protective forests
Total reserve and unproclaimed
reserve
5002
75,875
42,986
143,324.70
132
Protection of soil and water

Conservation of biological
diversity
Conservation of biological
diversity
Social Services
Production
Protection of soil and water
----
As is shown in Figure 4.1, the proportion of marine and terrestrial areas protected in T&T is relatively
low less than 10% as at 2008 (IUCN 2010). In addition, there has been no change to the area of land/sea
protected in the country since 1992. These are both areas for concern. However, what this figure does not
represent is that management regimes in certain protected areas have improved significantly especially
since the designation of the Environmentally Sensitive Areas since 2004. In the Aripo Savannas Strict
Nature Reserve, the Nariva Swamp Managed Resource Protected Area and the Matura National Park,
there has been more concerted effort to improve research, community involvement and conservation
efforts (such as replanting) all towards more effective management of the ecosystems.
Percentage of marine and terrestrial

area protected (%)
FIGURE 4.1: PROPORTION OF MARINE AND TERRESTRIAL AREAS PROTECTED IN

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (1990 2008)
12.00
10.00
8.00
6.00
4.00
2.00
0.00
Year
Source: IUCN 2010
Note: This includes territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles
4.2.1.2 Ecological Footprint and Related Concepts

The most up-to-date available information on Trinidad and Tobagos ecological footprint is for the year
2005. Data are not available for 2006 (Ewing et al 2009). The data for 2005 indicate that (as at 2005),
Trinidad and Tobagos ecological footprint was -0.08 global hectares (gha), which would make the
country an ecological debtor - ie. an ecological footprint that exceeds biocapacity (Global Footprint
Network 2008). Much of this was on account of the countrys large carbon footprint (see Chapter 1).
Changes in land use since 2005 (notably extensive urbanization and infrastructural development), as well
continuing increases in carbon dioxide emissions would most probably contribute to a higher footprint
today (2010).
There is one local proxy dataset which might indicate the general trend in T&Ts ecological footprint
since 2005. Applications for development-related activities (including new initiatives, and extensions or
modifications to old developments) under the Certificates of Environmental Clearance (under the EMAct
see Chapter 3) since 2006 have shown a significant change in the proportion of energy versus nonenergy applications (Figure 4.2). Whereas in 2006, energy applications accounted for 74% of all
applications, by 2009, they only accounted for 30%. Many of the non-energy applications were related to
infrastructural development (houses, roads, buildings) and to a lesser extent, agricultural expansion.
133
Relative Proportions of Enery

and Non-energy Related CECs
(%)
FIGURE 4.2: RELATIVE PROPORTIONS OF ENERGY AND NON-ENERGY-RELATED CEC

APPLICATIONS BY YEAR (2005 2009)
120
Non-enery
Energy
100
26
55
58
58
45
42
42
70
80
60
74
40
30
20
0
2005
2006
2007
2008
Year
Source: Environmental Management Authority 2010
2009
With respect to T&Ts ecological footprint, there is one very significant development which is worth
noting. International recognition for Trinidad and Tobagos role in phasing out ozone depleting substances was
gained in September 2007 with the receipt of an Implementers Award at the Twentieth Anniversary Ozone
Protection Awards in Montreal, Canada (the award recognises extraordinary contributions by national ozone
units or individuals, whose work at the country level has helped to make the Protocol's phase-out goals a
reality). The country has managed to maintain this status (zero importation and use of ozone depleting
substances) since.
4.2.1.3 Status of Local Knowledge and its Importance in Biodiversity
There does not appear to be a strong (or clear) link between linguistic diversity/numbers of speakers of
indigenous languages, and biodiversity management in Trinidad and Tobago. The population of original
settlers in Trinidad and Tobago (the Amerindians Caribs and Arawaks) is today very small and their
role in biodiversity management especially from the point of view of linguistics is not significant or
well documented. During the compilation of this report however, one researcher noted that the different
names used to describe the same species across Trinidad and Tobago can sometimes make identification
and comparison difficult, albeit interesting. This diversity in nomenclature represents to a great extent the
cultural and ethnic diversity of the country (Box 4.1).
BOX 4.1: A RESEARCHERS EXPERIENCE IN THE ROLE OF LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY
IN BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT
The various dialects of English, Patois, Hindi, African and other cultural influences have inspired the
names of various fauna. As a researcher in Aquatic Biology, on many occasions I have interviewed
persons of various races and cultures within Trinidad. I have in turn learnt of the many different names
that people in different parts of the islands use to refer to the same fish species. I draw on the example
of Hypostumus robinii, which is called teta, mama teta and aero plane fish, in different parts of
Trinidad. Kenny (1997), Ramjohn (1999; 2000), Phillip and Ramnarine (2001) and Mohammed et al
(2010) outline a range of names for local freshwater species of fish.
Provided by: Ryan Mohammed (2010)
134
4.2.2 Progress Assessment

On the basis of all data and information presented throughout this report, Table 4.2 provides an overall
assessment of T&Ts progress towards meeting the 2010 Biodiversity Target. This assessment is
presented in the context of individual 2010 Indicators, and represents an attempt to overlay the expanded
assessment in Chapter 1 with the CBD template presented in the guidelines for preparation of national
reports. It is important to note that T&T has not established a set of national indicators for biodiversity
and national indicators therefore do not appear in Table 4.2.
The overall conclusion based on the assessment is that Trinidad and Tobago has not made significant
progress in meeting the 2010 Target. However, as the country attempts to address some of the
deficiencies identified, there are a few measures which are considered as the immediate next steps. They
are:
a. Revision of the NBSAP which is expected to begin in 2011
b. Updated Forest Inventory:
Up-to-date and accurate information on the extent and integrity of T&Ts forests is long overdue.
Accordingly, in 2006, the GoRTT commissioned a project to map the extent and integrity of forest
cover in T&T. This project is being undertaken by the USDA Forest Service, the International
Institute of Forestry (IITF), the EMA and the Forestry Division of Trinidad and Tobago. It is
anticipated that the forest cover maps will serve as the first phase of an updated National Forestry
Inventory of Trinidad and Tobago, which is expected to be completed by February 2011. This
mapping, which is being done using remote sensing and will be submitted in a GIS system, will
provide information on the extent and distribution of the following in both Trinidad and Tobago:
vegetative forest formations on both state and private lands
wetlands
plantations
c. Revision of key Policies:
The Draft Forest Policy for T&T (2010), the Draft Protected Areas Policy for T&T (2010), the
Draft Climate Change Policy for T&T (2010), the Draft Hillside Development Policy for T&T
(2004), and a revised Fisheries Policy for T&T (2007) are all in various stages of
revision/development. These polices, along with revised policies for agriculture, local government,
tourism and physical development are expected to significantly enhance local management of
biodiversity once effectively implemented. The Draft Forest Policy is noted as being particularly
successful in integrating the ecosystem service approach into planning considerations, and in
making recommendations.
c. Continued implementation of the Environmentally Sensitive Species and Areas (ESSA) Rules 2001:
Three species have so far been designated under the ESS Rules based on conservation priority - the
Trinidad Piping Guan or Pawi (Pipile pipile), the White-tailed Sabre Wing Hummingbird
(Campylopterus ensipennis) and the West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus). Recognizing that
there is need to focus on other species of conservation priority, the EMA held discussions between
2003 and 2007 to identify other animals which should receive designation ESS. They include:
Five species of marine turtles, including Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Green
(Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricate), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys
olivacea) and Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)
Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
Golden Tree Frog (Phyllodytes auratus)
Silky Anteater (Cyclopes didactylus)
135
Bloody Bay Poison Frog (Mannophryne olmonae)

Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber)
All orchids
Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara)
River Otter or Neotropical Otter (Lontra longicaudis)
Stony Corals (Scleractinia)
Black Coral (Antipathes atlantica)
Research has already begun on some of these species in order that the relevant documentation
might be prepared for designation proposals. Significant progress has so far been made on the
Golden Tree Frog Phyllodytes auratus (Box 4.2) which is likely to be the next species to be
proposed as an ESS.
BOX 4.2: RESEARCH ON THE GOLDEN TREE FROG
For the last year (2009/2010), a research team established for collecting data on the Golden Tree Frog
(Phyllodytus auratus) has been successfully able to determine four main access routes of El Tucuche,
which is one of the two known localities of the frog. The Environmental Management Authority has been
engaged in this project, to raise awareness of the status of P. auratus in Trinidad, and to lend support to
their desire to designate the Golden Tree Frog as an Environmentally Sensitive Species. Further, the
research team has been able to use social networking sites to develop a successful volunteer programme,
recruiting university undergraduate students, high school students and general conservationists to assist
with the project, in the process educating them on the status of amphibians in Trinidad and Tobago.
The team has yet to complete the:
mapping of bromeliads (preferred habitats of the
frog) on the northern and eastern slope of the
Northern Range
collection of model bromeliads
behavioural study of the captive golden tree frogs
swabbing of more frogs for the chytrid fungus
(Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis)
the development of educational materials (to be
distributed within the formal school system)
Team members and hikers on a trail to the

summit of El Tucuche
Extracted from Progress report: Determination of the population size, status and distribution of the
critically endangered endemic golden tree frog (Phyllodytes auratus) by Lena Dempewolf and Jahson
Alemu I (June 2010).
As stated in Chapters 2 and 3, there are three Environmentally Sensitive Areas currently designated
in Trinidad and Tobago the Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve, the Nariva Swamp Managed
Resource Protected Area and the Matura National Park. A number of other areas have been
identified as proposed ESAs (shown in Figure 4.3). One such is the Buccoo Reef where efforts have
been underway by a number of stakeholders to improve understanding and management of the
ecosystem. It was designated a protected area in 1973 under the Marine Areas (Preservation and
Enhancement) Act No.1 of 1970. In 1994, The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) completed a
management plan commissioned by Tobago House of Assembly (THA) for the Reef. In 2005,
Buccoo Reef was declared a Ramsar site. In 2007, the EMA began work on the reef to define its
boundaries based on the scientific High Water Mark (HWM). The definition of the boundary is an
important step in efforts to advance discussions about the declaration of this site as an ESA, but the
136
ability to define static boundaries is affected by factors such as climate change, which is resulting in
effects such as sea level rise.
FIGURE 4.3: EXISTING AND PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
THROUGHOUT TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Source: EMA 2008
During the consultations for preparation of this report, efforts being undertaken by non-Government
entities to improve biodiversity management were also highlighted. The University of the West Indies and
the University of Trinidad and Tobago are becoming more heavily involved in policy-relevant
biodiversity-related research; NGOs such as Environment Tobago, Buccoo Reef Trust, The Cropper
Foundation, the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI), and Nature Seekers have been
contributing to research and on-the-ground initiatives; CBOs such as the Fondes Amandes community,
SAD for Toco and Matura to Matelot have been working at the local level to improve biodiversity
management. The problem with these initiatives however is that they are not well-coordinated nor have
they attained critical mass. One selected example of an initiative led by a non-government entity to
promote more sustainable land management practices is given in Box 4.3. What is recognized is that
137
greater collaboration among these various interest groups could help to improve the overall output and
impact.
BOX 4.3: LOCAL EFFORTS TO IMPROVE AQUACULTURE PRACTICES
The Aquaculture Association of Trinidad and Tobago (aQuaTT) is now promoting the use of tank culturing
systems to reduce the utilization of large parcels of land for agriculture. This will allow farmers to have greater
control over his fish crop, reduce the risk of escapees and allow for better waste management. The association is
also advocating the use of aquaponic systems where the biological and chemical filter for the fish growing
component of the system is the vegetable crop unit. This system produces no nitrogenous waste and is has no
impacts on ground water or associated water ways. For farmers utilizing earthen ponds, the association now has
the policy of utilizing waste water catchment ponds where aquatic leaf crops such as water crest and dasheen
would be used to remove the excess nitrogenous and ammonia waste from the water before this is allowed into
the natural water ways.
Provided by: Ryan Mohammed (2010).
138
TABLE 4.2: ASSESSMENT OF T&TS PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING THE 2010 TARGET
Goals and targets
Relevant indicators
T&Ts progress in
addressing the issue
Current Status
Important
Trends
Main steps to address

the issue
Protect the components of biodiversity

Goal 1. Promote the conservation of the biological diversity of ecosystems, habitats and biomes
Target 1.1: At least
10% of each of the
worlds ecological
regions effectively
conserved.
Target 1.2: Areas of

particular importance
to biodiversity
protected
Coverage of protected
areas
Trends in extent of
selected biomes,
ecosystems and habitats
Trends in abundance and

distribution of selected
species
Trends in extent of selected

habitats
species
Coverage of protected areas
T&T has not achieved

10% protected area
coverage, and many
areas that are
currently considered
PAs are not being
managed effectively
Most ecosystems are

not in good condition
- both in terms of
reduction in extent
and greater
fragmentation of
habitats
(forests/coastal
ecosystems);
freshwater and coastal
waters are showing
signs of pollution
Important ecosystems
such as forests and
coastal systems are
declining in extent
and integrity, and the
effects are
increasingly
becoming evident
(e.g. flooding in lowlying areas). Many
species are showing
signs of declining
populations (size and
distribution)
T&T has developed a

draft Protected Areas
Policy (2010), and is
continuing
implementation of the
Environmentally Sensitive
Areas and Species Rules
There has been fair

progress in this
respect, but much
more is needed: T&T
has developed the
Environmentally
Sensitive Areas Rules
and Environmentally
Sensitive Species
Rules. However, only
three ESAs and three
ESSs so far declared.
Most ecosystems are

not in good condition
- both in terms of
reduction in extent
and greater
fragmentation of
habitats
(forests/coastal
ecosystems);
freshwater and coastal
waters are showing
signs of pollution
Important ecosystems
such as forests and
coastal systems are
declining in extent
and integrity, and the
effects are
increasingly
becoming evident
(e.g. flooding in lowlying areas). Many
species are showing
signs of declining
populations (size and
distribution)
T&T is continuing
Areas and Species Rules,
and has developed a draft
Protected Areas Policy
(2010)
There has been fair
T&T has not seen a
Species vulnerability
T&T is continuing
Goal 2. Promote the conservation of species diversity

Target 2.1: Restore,
139
Goals and targets
maintain, or reduce
the decline of
species
populations of species Change
in
status
of selected taxonomic
threatened species
groups.
Target 2.2: Status of
threatened species
improved.
T&Ts progress in
Relevant indicators
Change in status of
threatened species

species
Coverage of protected
areas
Important
Trends
is increasing.

the issue
but slow progress in

this area.
reduction in the
number of vulnerable
species. Only 3 ESSs
so far declared.
No significant
changes in status of
vulnerable species
T&T has not seen a

reduction in the
number of vulnerable
species. Only 3 ESSs
so far declared.
Species vulnerability
is increasing
especially on account
of land use changes,
but also because of
overharvesting,
pollution, climate
change and alien
invasive species.
T&T is continuing
Species Rules, and is
continuing enforcement of
the Wildlife Act and
CITES
There has been limited

progress in this
respect.
Genetic diversity
Genetic diversity of
agricultural species
being lost, others
being enhanced.
The Ministry of Food

Production, Land and
Marine Resources is
currently in the process of
updating and revising
various agriculture
policies, and the issue of
genetic diversity will be
addressed in these
revisions
There has been limited

progress in this
respect.
On account of
unsustainable
management, the
integrity of
There are continuing

declines in the
integrity of key
ecosystems and
These issues are being

dealt with in the
revision/updating of a
number of policies, laws
of
Current Status
Species Rules, and is
continuing enforcement of
the Wildlife Act and
CITES.
Goal 3. Promote the conservation of genetic diversity

Target 3.1: Genetic
diversity of crops,
livestock, and of
harvested species of
trees, fish and wildlife
and other valuable
species conserved,
and associated
indigenous and local
knowledge
maintained.
Trends in genetic diversity

of domesticated animals,
cultivated plants, and fish
species of major socioeconomic importance
Biodiversity used in food

and medicine (indicator
under development)

species
Promote sustainable use

Goal 4. Promote sustainable use and consumption.
Target 4.1:
Area of forest, agricultural
Biodiversity-based
and aquaculture ecosystems
products derived from
under sustainable
sources that are
management
140
Goals and targets
Relevant indicators
sustainably managed,
and production areas
managed consistent
with the conservation
of biodiversity.
Proportion of products
derived from sustainable
sources (indicator under
development)
species
Marine trophic index
Nitrogen deposition
Water quality in aquatic
ecosystems
Ecological footprint and
related concepts
Target 4.2.
Unsustainable
consumption, of
biological resources,
or that impacts upon
biodiversity, reduced.
T&Ts progress in
Current Status
ecosystems and
ecosystem services is
compromised:
Marine fish stocks
are being depleted
Terrestrial species
are under threat
Freshwater and
coastal waters are
being polluted
Very little progress

made in this respect.
T&T is considered an
ecological debtor, and
its high ecological
footprint is mainly on
account of carbon
emissions.
Important
Trends
ecosystem services
T&Ts ecological
footprint appears to
be getting larger
there continues to be
a high carbon
footprint and the
countrys built up
land is increasing
rapidly
There continues to be
progress in the
protection of
endangered species.
Target 4.3: No species Change in status of There has been

Fewer species
of wild flora or fauna
progress made in this
endangered by
threatened species
endangered by
respect
international trade in
international trade.
T&T
Address threats to biodiversity
Goal 5. Pressures from habitat loss, land use change and degradation, and unsustainable water use, reduced.
Target 5.1. Rate of
Key ecosystems
Natural habitats
Trends in extent of selected There has not been
loss and degradation
significant progress in (terrestrial, coastal,
continue to be
of natural habitats
this respect
inland freshwater) are degraded by a
habitats
decreased.
showing signs of
combination of
degradation.
human activities (See
Chapter 1).
species
141

the issue
and plans. Many of the
corrective measures are
summarized in this
Section of the report
(Section 4.2).

dealt with in the
summarized in this
(Section 4.2).
T&T continuing
implementation of CITES

dealt with in the
summarized in this
(Section 4.2).
Goals and targets
Relevant indicators
T&Ts progress in
Current Status
Important
Trends

the issue
Goal 6. Control threats from invasive alien species

Target 6.1. Pathways
for major potential
alien invasive species
controlled.
Trends in invasive alien

species
There has not been

significant progress in
this respect
There are a number of

alien species in
Trinidad and Tobago
some of which are
naturalized, but others
which are invasive
and are threatening
local biodiversity.
The problem of alien

invasive species
appears to be getting
worse (though not
rapidly so)
Efforts are currently

underway to seek to
address the problems
being caused by specific
alien species
Target 6. 2.
Management plans in
place for major alien
species that threaten
ecosystems, habitats
or species.
Trends in invasive alien

species
There has not been

significant progress in
this respect
Alien invasive species

are threatening certain
local species
The problem of alien

invasive species
appears to be getting
worse (though not
rapidly so)
Efforts are currently

underway to seek to more
effectively manage
problems being caused by
specific alien species
Species are already

showing signs of
degradation due to
climate change (coral
reefs)
The vulnerability of
species to climate
change is expected to
get worse
Many aquatic
ecosystems (inland
freshwater and
coastal) are polluted
Pollution problems
are generally not
getting better, and in
certain areas
(especially highly
developed areas)
water quality
The country has

developed a Draft Climate
change Policy, and
protection of biodiversity
from the effects of climate
change is addressed in a
number of
policies/plans/programmes
currently under
development
There are several efforts
which are currently being
developed to address
water quality problems.
The Water Pollution Rules
help to regulate harmful
effects.
Goal 7. Address challenges to biodiversity from climate change, and pollution

Connectivity/fragmentation There has been little
Target 7.1. Maintain
of ecosystems
and enhance resilience
respect
of the components of
biodiversity to adapt
to climate change.
Target 7.2. Reduce

pollution and its
impacts on
biodiversity.
Nitrogen deposition
ecosystems
There has been little

respect
142
Goals and targets
Relevant indicators
T&Ts progress in
Current Status
Maintain goods and services from biodiversity to support human well-being

Goal 8. Maintain capacity of ecosystems to deliver goods and services and support livelihoods
Target 8.1. Capacity
Biodiversity used in food This issue is not being Capacity of
of ecosystems to
ecosystems to deliver
and medicine (indicator sufficiently addressed
deliver goods and
services is
under development)
services maintained.
compromised in all
major biomes
ecosystems
Incidence of Humaninduced ecosystem failure
Target 8.2. Biological Health and well-being of There has been
There is now greater
resources that support
involvement of
communities who depend progress in this
sustainable
communities in the
directly on local ecosystem respect, but much
livelihoods, local food
more is needed.
management of their
goods and services
security and health
resources
Biodiversity used in food
care, especially of
and medicine (indicator
poor people
under development)
maintained.
Protect traditional knowledge, innovations and practices
Goal 9 Maintain socio-cultural diversity of indigenous and local communities
Target 9.1. Protect
Not applicable
Status and trends of Not applicable
traditional knowledge,
linguistic diversity and
innovations and
numbers of speakers of
practices.
indigenous languages
Additional indicators to be
developed
Target 9.2. Protect the Indicator to be developed
Not applicable
Not applicable
rights of indigenous
and local communities
over their traditional
knowledge,
innovations and
practices, including
their rights to
143
Important
Trends
continues to decrease

the issue
There continue to be
declines in the
capacity of
ecosystems to deliver
critical services
Efforts are underway to

begin addressing these
problems in a more
integrated and concerted
manner see previous
sections of this table and
report
Certain areas
throughout the
country are being
more effectively
managed through
community
participation
Efforts are ongoing to

promote greater
participation, and create
mechanism that support
sustainable livelihood
practices
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Goals and targets
Relevant indicators
T&Ts progress in
Current Status
Important
Trends

the issue
benefit-sharing.
Ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of genetic resources
Goal 10. Ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of genetic resources
Target 10.1. All
access to genetic
resources is in line
with the Convention
on Biological
Diversity and its
relevant provisions.
Indicator to be developed
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Target 10.2. Benefits

arising from the
commercial and other
utilization of genetic
resources shared in a
fair and equitable way
with the countries
providing such
resources in line with
the Convention on
Biological Diversity
and its relevant
provisions
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Ensure provision of adequate resources

Goal 11: Parties have improved financial, human, scientific, technical and technological capacity to implement the Convention
Target 11.1. New and
additional financial
resources are
transferred to
developing country
Official development
assistance provided in
support of the Convention
Not applicable
Not applicable
144
Not applicable
Not applicable
Goals and targets
Relevant indicators
T&Ts progress in
Current Status
Important
Trends

the issue
Parties, to allow for

the effective
implementation of
their commitments
under the Convention,
in accordance with
Article 20.
Target 11.2.
Technology is
transferred to
developing country
Parties, to allow for
the effective
implementation of
their commitments
under the Convention,
in accordance with its
Article 20,
paragraph 4.
Not applicable
Not applicable
145
Not applicable
Not applicable
4.3 Overall Progress in Implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity in T&T

Trinidad and Tobago has not fully utilized/capitalized on the opportunities made available through the
Convention on Biological Diversity to improve local management of biodiversity. Chapter 3 (Table 3.3)
has already indicated that there is a low level of integration and mainstreaming of the CBDs Thematic
programmes and Cross-cutting issues. Table 4.3 indicates Trinidad and Tobagos progress in meeting the
goals and objectives of CBDs strategic plan. The overall assessment is that progress has generally not
been good, and that much more is needed.
TABLE 4.3: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGOS PROGRESS IN ADDRESSING AND MEETING THE
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN
Strategic goals and objectives
Possible indicators
Trinidad and Tobagos

Progress
Goal 1: The Convention is fulfilling its leadership role in international biodiversity issues.
1.1 The Convention is setting the global
CBD provisions, COP decisions and
Not applicable
biodiversity agenda.
2010 target reflected in workplans of
major international forums
1.2 The Convention is promoting cooperation
Not applicable
between all relevant international instruments
and processes to enhance policy coherence.
1.3 Other international processes are actively
Not applicable
supporting implementation of the Convention,
in a manner consistent with their respective
frameworks.
1.4 The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is
T&T acceded on 24th May
widely implemented.
2000 but this Protocol is
not being effectively
implemented.
1.5 Biodiversity concerns are being integrated
Possible indicator to be developed:
Not applicable
into relevant sectoral or cross-sectoral plans,
Number of regional/global plans,
programmes and policies at the regional and
programmes and policies which
global levels.
specifically address the integration of
biodiversity concerns into relevant
sectoral or cross-sectoral plans,
programmes and policies
Application of planning tools such as
strategic environmental assessment to
assess the degree to which biodiversity
concerns are being integrated
Biodiversity integrated into the
criteria of multilateral donors and
regional development banks
1.6 Parties are collaborating at the regional and Possible indicator to be developed:
Trinidad and Tobago is
subregional levels to implement the
Number of Parties that are part of
Party to the Cartagena
Convention.
(sub-) regional biodiversity-related
Convention, and the
agreements
Convention in being
implemented locally.
Trinidad and Tobago hosts
the Regional Activity
Centre for the LBS
Protocol of the Cartagena
Convention. Through the
Caribbean Community
(CARICOM), the
146

Progress
Association of Caribbean
States (ACS - hosted in
T&T), the Organisation of
Eastern Caribbean States
(OECS), AOSIS, the
Barbados Plan of Action
(BPOA), T&T contributes
to various efforts related to
the management of
biodiversity.
Goal 2: Parties have improved financial, human, scientific, technical, and technological capacity to implement
the Convention.
2.1 All Parties have adequate capacity for
One of the main problems
implementation of priority actions in national
being faced by T&T in the
biodiversity strategy and action plans.
NBSAP is capacity both
in terms of number of
persons, and in terms of
the necessary expertise.
2.2 Developing country Parties, in particular
Official development assistance
T&T does not have access
the least developed and the small island
provided in support of the Convention
to sufficient financial
developing States amongst them, and other
(OECD-DAC Statistics Committee)
resources to implement all
Parties with economies in transition, have
biodiversity-related
sufficient resources available to implement the
activities required. In order
three objectives of the Convention.
to address this problem, at
least in part, the country
has established a Green
Fund to help finance
projects related to
remediation, restoration
and conservation
(including research and
capacity building)
2.3 Developing country Parties, in particular
No progress made in this
the least developed and the small island
respect.
developing States amongst them, and other
Parties with economies in transition, have
increased resources and technology transfer
available to implement the Cartagena Protocol
on Biosafety.
2.4 All Parties have adequate capacity to
Insufficient capacity to
implement the Cartagena Protocol on
implement the Protocol.
Biosafety.
2.5 Technical and scientific cooperation is
Indicator to be developed consistent
Contribution not
making a significant contribution to building
with VII/30
significant.
capacity.
Goal 3: National biodiversity strategies and action plans and the integration of biodiversity concerns into
relevant sectors serve as an effective framework for the implementation of the objectives of the Convention.
3.1 Every Party has effective national
Number of Parties with national
T&T has begun to put
strategies, plans and programmes in place to
biodiversity strategies
measures in place to more
provide a national framework for implementing
effectively manage
the three objectives of the Convention and to
biodiversity. But there is
Possible indicators
147
Possible indicators
set clear national priorities.
3.2 Every Party to the Cartagena Protocol on

Biosafety has a regulatory framework in place
and functioning to implement the Protocol.
3.3 Biodiversity concerns are being integrated
into relevant national sectoral and crosssectoral plans, programmes and policies.
3.4 The priorities in national biodiversity

strategies and action plans are being actively
implemented, as a means to achieve national
implementation of the Convention, and as a
significant contribution towards the global
biodiversity agenda.

Progress
need for more concerted
effort and priority to be
placed on biodiversity.
This has not been
developed.
To be developed
Percentage of Parties with relevant
national sectoral and cross-sectoral
plans, programmes and policies in
which biodiversity concerns are
integrated
To be developed
Number of national biodiversity
strategies and action plans that are
being actively implemented
This is not being

adequately addressed.
Biodiversity
mainstreaming still very
limited.
Not all priorities are
currently being
implemented. It is
envisaged that the revision
of the NBSAP will allow
for the identification of a
new set of priorities which
will set the stage for more
effective action.
Goal 4: There is a better understanding of the importance of biodiversity and of the Convention, and this has led
to broader engagement across society in implementation.
4.1 All Parties are implementing a
Possible indicator to be developed:
There have been
communication, education, and public
Number of Parties implementing a
significant advancements
awareness strategy and promoting public
communication, education and public
in the implementation of
participation in support of the Convention.
awareness strategy and promoting
CEPA activities related to
public participation
biodiversity. There is now
Percentage of public awareness
a heavier environmental
programmes/projects about the
component within the
importance of biodiversity
formal school system
Percentage of Parties with biodiversity from the primary to the
on their public school curricula
tertiary level. And CEPA
activities are also evident
in the informal system.
4.2 Every Party to the Cartagena Protocol on
Biosafety is promoting and facilitating public
awareness, education and participation in
support of the Protocol.
4.3 Indigenous and local communities are
effectively involved in implementation and in
the processes of the Convention, at national,
regional and international levels.
4.4 Key actors and stakeholders, including the
private sector, are engaged in partnership to
implement the Convention and are integrating
biodiversity concerns into their relevant
sectoral and cross-sectoral plans, programmes
and policies.
This is not being

implemented effectively.
To be developed by the Ad Hoc Openended Working Group on Article 8(j)
There is now much more

significant involvement of
local communities in
biodiversity management
Partnerships in support of
biodiversity management
in T&T are not as well
established as they should
be. Much better
coordination and
To be developed
Indicator targeting private sector
engagement,
e.g. Voluntary type 2 partnerships in
support of the implementation of the
Convention
148
Possible indicators

Progress
collaboration is required in
support of biodiversity
management.
For more effective implementation of the Convention in T&T, further attention needs to be paid, and
emphasis placed on:
Integrating and mainstreaming the goals and objectives of the strategic plan, as well as the
Thematic Programmes and Cross-cutting Issues outlined within the CBDs Articles across
sectors and activities
Meeting reporting deadlines set by the CBD
Ensuring that the data and information provided to the CBD through reporting processes are
useful within the CBD context
Ensuring that the experiences offered by the CBD for capacity development are capitalized on
and shared with stakeholders within Trinidad and Tobago
Making better use of the networks and expertise provided through the CBD for meeting T&Ts
obligations and for designing and implementing activities related to biodiversity management
4.4 Summary of Recommendations for Going Forward
In Chapter 3, recommendations for improving mainstreaming were presented in three main blocks of
issues (1) Defining Roles and Responsibilities; (2) Setting Priorities and (3) Allocating Resources. With
these in mind, the following section provides a summary of the main considerations which are necessary
as Trinidad and Tobago begins to look beyond 2010.
4.4.1 Government Involvement and Leadership the Backbone
National efforts to improve biodiversity can only be successful if Government is fully supportive and
involved in management. The Ministry responsible for the Environment has already initiated steps to
ensure that it plays a greater role in biodiversity/environmental management, and the Prime Minister of
Trinidad and Tobago has articulated the need for and commitment to more concerted effort in support of
effective environmental management9.
4.4.2 Improved Collaboration and Coordination
The EMA and the Ministry responsible for the Environment must play a greater role in promoting the
coordination of efforts related to biodiversity management. This should be encouraged within and
between:
1. public agencies /government departments
2. the public sector and the private sector
3. non-governmental stakeholders with interest in biodiversity management (research institutions,
NGOs, CBOs, civic society)
Better use should also be made of the Biodiversity Clearinghouse established by the Government because
this could be used as a mechanism to promote and enhance data exchange and discourse related to
biodiversity matters.
http://www.caricom.org/jsp/speeches/31hgc_persad_bisessar.jsp
149
4.4.3 Better Integration of Biodiversity Considerations into all National Plans, Policies and Programmes
The framework for biodiversity management needs to be more cohesive and comprehensive, and there is
a need to ensure that biodiversity considerations are mainstreamed into national planning processes. The
revision of the NBSAP is a key step in this process and its revision will need to pay greater attention to
the integration of CBDs Thematic Programmes and Cross-cutting issues.
4.4.4 Research as a Crucial Step in Biodiversity Planning
One of the issues raised by a number of stakeholders during the stakeholder consultations organized as a
part of the process to prepare this Fourth National Report is that research and information are key in
helping to map the way forward in biodiversity management. It is recognized and accepted that
monitoring of T&Ts biodiversity is not done within a comprehensive or systematic framework, the
results of which are that:
there are major gaps in our understanding of the local biodiversity some aspects are well
understood and others are not;
many datasets are out-of-date and therefore not indicative of the current situation;
there are no established indicators which could be used to consistently track changes in
biodiversity, resulting in limited data and information on trends. It is imperative that a list of key
biodiversity indicators be developed for the purpose of monitoring and evaluation
in some cases, it is difficult to gain consensus on the status and trends in local biodiversity
because of conflicting information from different data sources indicating a lack of coordination
and collaboration
information on biodiversity is not (readily) available, especially in a form to support national
decision-making and reporting processes (such as the State of the Environment Report). These
would include information on valuation and tradeoff analyses and matrices
One of the issues which must therefore be given priority is the development of a research agenda for
biodiversity. In addition to being designed to address the above-mentioned deficiencies, it should also
clearly identify the roles of different agencies in research and monitoring. One crucial role which must be
established is that of a coordinating institution some agency/ organization/ institutional body which
would take responsibility for ensuring that the agenda is being pursued in a coherent manner. The EMA
is proposed as the lead agency in this respect.
4.4.5 Funding and Developing Capacity as Key Supporting Mechanisms
It goes without saying that the identification and appropriation of funds to encourage and support
biodiversity-related initiatives is important to facilitate action. The Government will need to consider how
it might best allocate funding to allow for the most effective and efficient use of national funds in
biodiversity management. Some considerations include:
Applying a process of prioritization to ensure that the most critical issues are dealt with urgently
Placing greater emphasis on revising the Green Fund legislation so that NGOs who play a role in
biodiversity but who are currently unable to access the Fund because of legal constraints can
become eligible. This would significantly expand the scope for the inclusion of a greater number
of entities in undertaking biodiversity work. In addition, the Green Fund would need to focus on
the development of an Action Plan which sets out a framework for the projects that it supports.
Placing more emphasis on working with the private sector to encourage support for
environmental/biodiversity-related activities within a common framework
Supporting non-governmental entities as they strive to mobilize funding and support from
external sources for use in biodiversity management
150
It is also appreciated that more integrated and policy-relevant research and action would only be possible
if there is sufficient capacity in the country to be allocated to achieving these objectives. The Government
will need to consider the ways in which it can play a role in supporting the enhancement of local capacity
to undertake the work that is required. Such might include:
Improving collaboration with NGOs/CBOs and research institutions so that the expertise within
these non-governmental entities are effectively incorporated into activities
Seeking out opportunities with the CBD and international organization/ institution which might
be able to offer capacity development exercises for nationals
Promoting more public awareness campaigns on biodiversity to raise the level of interest in and
support for achieving greater sustainability
4.5 Concluding Remarks
Trinidad and Tobago, has not been successful in meeting the 2010 Biodiversity Target. In fact, as is the
case with many other countries, most aspects of T&Ts biodiversity have continued to show signs of
decline, in some cases significantly so. Certain aspects of the natural environment, such as flood
regulation are far more compromised and in urgent need of attention than others, and it is clear that the
economic and social costs of inaction are beginning to take effect.
Data and information on the main direct driving forces in Trinidad and Tobago are also in keeping with
those outlined in the 3rd Global Biodiversity Outlook, and are given in the following order of priority:
Habitat loss
Unsustainable use and overexploitation of resources
Pollution
Climate change
Invasive alien species
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has has shown interest in committing to the protection of the
countrys biodiversity. Having defined a Plan for future development of the country, the Government will
need to lay the necessary foundations and initiate the necessary activities to ensure that there is more
sustainable use of the countrys biological resources.
151
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171
APPENDIX I INFORMATION CONCERNING REPORTING PARTY AND PREPARATION

OF NATIONAL REPORT
A. Reporting Party
Contracting Party
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

NATIONAL FOCAL POINT
Full name of the institution

Name and title of contact officer
Mailing address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail
CONTACT OFFICER FOR NATIONAL REPORT (IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE)
Full name of the institution
Name and title of contact officer
Mailing address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail
SUBMISSION
Signature of officer responsible
for submitting national report
Date of submission
172
B. Process of preparation of national report

The process for preparing the Fourth National Report of T&T to the CBD included three main
considerations:
Participatory: it was fully inclusive of stakeholder views and inputs
Scientific credibility: it drew on published literature and other verifiable sources of information
and data; it included expert judgment; and it included a peer review process
Legitimacy: the work was guided by and Advisory Committee, and was approved by the
Government of the country
The following were the main steps in the process:
1. Convening an Advisory Committee to provide technical leadership and oversight to the work.
The Committee was comprised of 6 key individuals with expertise in biodiversity management
issues. The Terms of Reference for the Advisory Committee are given as follows:
Assist in the identification of data and information sets to be included in the Report
Ensure that analysis and assessment of data/information is technically sound
Provide inputs into the identification of key stakeholders
Assist in making contact with key stakeholders (including Government Ministries)
especially where this proves to be difficult
Accompany team members from The Cropper Foundation to small focused meetings
with stakeholders where appropriate
Assist in providing intellectual leadership to the national stakeholder consultations
2. Organizing stakeholder consultations at an early stage in the process to gather stakeholder
inputs. Originally, it was envisaged that two national stakeholder consultations would be
organized one in Trinidad and another in Tobago. However, on the basis of advice received
from the Advisory Committee, it was agreed that there would be several smaller focus group
meetings with the following clusters of stakeholders:
Research institutions (approximately 30 representatives)
Non-governmental organization and Community-based organizations (approximately 30
representatives)
Public agencies (approximately 30 representatives)
All Tobago stakeholders (15 representtaives)
Selected private sector companies were individually contacted by phone.
The objectives of the national stakeholder focus group meetings were to provide an opportunity
for:
Stakeholders to review a very rough draft of the Fourth National Report with a view to:
- Providing technical feedback and inputs towards improvement of the Report
- Identifying any programmes and projects being undertaken by stakeholders which
are important but not included in the report
- Identifying additional sources of data and information which should be included
in the report
Discussion about the challenges and needs with respect to biodiversity management in
Trinidad and Tobago
Identification of specific activities and mechanisms required to improve inter-agency and
cross-sectoral integration and collaboration in support of biodiversity management
173
Sharing of perspectives and promoting networking amongst stakeholders involved in

biodiversity management in Trinidad and Tobago
3. Preparing a first draft of the Report based on desktop research and stakeholder inputs.
4. Performing a first round of internal peer review
5. Revising the document to include comments and additional information/data.
6. Subjecting the document to a second round of external review
7. Finalization and submission.
174
APPENDIX II FURTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Please see Bibliography for sources of information.
175
APPENDIX III - PROGRESS TOWARDS TARGETS OF THE GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR PLANT CONSERVATION AND
PROGRAMME OF WORK ON PROTECTED AREAS
A. Progress towards Targets of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation

Target
No.
1.
Target Goals
Progress of Trinidad and Tobago to date
A Widely accessible working list of known

An inventory of plant species for the
plant species, as a step towards a complete world country has been completed (under the
flora
Darwin Initiative) as is soon to be
published. This is considered a major step
in improving local knowledge about plant
species.
2.
A preliminary assessment of the conservation

status of all known plant species, at national,
regional and international levels.
There have been preliminary assessments

of plant conservation status in T&T but
these have not been comprehensive
3.
Development of models with protocols for plant

conservation and sustainable use, based on
research and practical experience.
This has not progressed significantly.
4.
At least 10 per cent of each of the worlds

ecological regions effectively conserved
5.
Protection of 50 per cent of the most important

areas for plant diversity assured
6.
At least 30 per cent of production lands

managed consistent with the conservation of
plant diversity
Trinidad and Tobago has not yet achieved a

protected area coverage of 10% (Figure
4.1), and
This has not been achieved. But through
the ESA Rules and other mechanisms,
certain key areas are now being afforded
better protection
This has not been achieved, but efforts are
underway to attempt to improve
management.
7.
60 per cent of the worlds threatened species
This has not been achieved locally, but
176
Target
No.
Target Goals
conserved in situ.
through the Environmentally Sensitive

Species Rules, the Wildlife Act and various
other laws, policies and programmes,
progress (albeit slow) is being made
The National Herbarium and a few other
institutions have been active in this area
and have been seeking to establish
programmes for better collection and
restoration of plant species
8.
60 per cent of threatened plant species in

accessible ex situ collections, preferably in the
country of origin, and 10 per cent of them
included in recovery and restoration
programmes
9.
70 per cent of the genetic diversity of crops and

other major socio-economically valuable plant
species conserved, and associated indigenous
and local knowledge maintained.
This has not been achieved.
10.
Management plans in place for at least 100

major alien species that threaten plants, plant
communities and associated habitats and
ecosystems
Progress has been slow in this respect.

However a recent incident with the Red
Palm Mite has renewed interest in the area
of alien invasive species, and the
Government is now actively involved in
trying to implement more effective
management measures
11.
No species of wild flora endangered by

international trade.
The implementation of CITES in T&T has

significantly reduced this risk.
12.
30 per cent of plant based products derived

from sources that are sustainably managed
This has not been achieved, but there are a

number of efforts underway to promote
more sustainable management of
production areas (agriculture and forestry)
13.
The decline of plant resources, and associated

indigenous and local knowledge innovations and
This has not been achieved. Plant resources

continue to decline.
177
Target
No.
Target Goals
practices, that support sustainable livelihoods,

local food security and health care, halted.
14.
The importance of plant diversity and the need

for its conservation incorporated into
communication, education and public awareness
programmes.
This is being done. However, much more is

required.
15.
The number of trained people working with

appropriate facilities in plant conservation
increased, according to national needs, to
achieve the targets of this Strategy.
This issue is being addressed. But there is

need for more effective and targeted
training programmes in support of plant
conservation
16.
Networks for plant conservation activities

established or strengthened at national, regional
and international levels.
There is need to enhance networks in

support of plant conservation, especially at
the regional and international levels
178
B. Progress towards the Targets of the Programme of Work on Protected Areas

Goals
Target
1.1. To establish and

strengthen national and
regional systems of
protected areas integrated
into a global network as a
contribution to globally
agreed goals.
By 2010, terrestrially, and

2012 in the marine area, a
global network of
comprehensive,
representative and
effectively managed
national and regional
protected area system is
established as a
contribution to (i) the goal
of the Strategic Plan of
the Convention and the
World Summit on
Sustainable Development
of achieving a significant
reduction in the rate of
biodiversity loss by 2010;
(ii) the Millennium
Development Goals
particularly goal 7 on
ensuring environmental
sustainability; and (iii) the
Global Strategy for Plant
Conservation
By 2015, all protected
areas and protected area
systems are integrated
into the wider land- and
seascape, and relevant
sectors, by applying the
ecosystem approach and
1.2. To integrate protected

areas into broader landand seascapes and sectors
so as to maintain
ecological structure and
function.
Description of T&Ts Progress in

Achieving/ Contributing to Target
In early 2010, T&T developed a Draft
Protected Areas Policy which is meant to
guide the approach to management of
protected areas in T&T. It is anticipated that
this policy will provide a framework for
selection, designation and management of all
PAs at the national level in the terrestrial,
coastal and marine environments.
The Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules
also help to support the protection of
critical/important habitats. There is need for
greater emphasis on the designation of a
number of additional ESA to enhance
protection capability.
There has been progress in achieving better

management of Protected Areas in T&T
through the Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Rules 2001 which promote an ecosystembased approach. Only three systems
designated to date. There is need to put
emphasis on the designation of other
179
Goals
1.3. To establish and

strengthen regional
networks, transboundary
protected areas (TBPAs)
and collaboration between
neighbouring protected
areas across national
boundaries.
1.4. To substantially
improve site-based
protected area planning
and management.
Target
taking into account
ecological connectivity
and the concept, where
appropriate, of ecological
networks.
Establish and strengthen
by 2010/2012
transboundary protected
areas, other forms of
collaboration between
neighbouring protected
areas across national
boundaries and regional
networks, to enhance the
conservation and
sustainable use of
biological diversity,
implementing the
ecosystem approach, and
improving international
cooperation
All protected areas to
have effective
management in existence
by 2012, using
participatory and sciencebased site planning
processes that incorporate
clear biodiversity
objectives, targets,
management strategies
and monitoring
programmes, drawing

important areas.
Trinidad and Tobago has made very little

progress in this respect.
The EMA, along with a number of partners,

has embarked on a process to develop a
participatory and science-based approach to
management of ESAs (See Box 2.2). It is
envisaged that this approach will be
introduced to all ESAs before 2012.
The model which is currently being developed
will also be extended to support the
management of all PAs under the (Draft)
Protected Areas Policy, but it is unlikely that
all PAs in T&T will be fully integrated into
this process by 2012.
180
Goals
1.5. To prevent and

mitigate the negative
impacts of key threats to
protected areas.
2.1. To promote equity

and benefit-sharing.
2.2. To enhance and

secure involvement of
communities and relevant
stakeholders.
Target
upon existing
methodologies and a longterm management plan
with active stakeholder
involvement
By 2008, effective
mechanisms for
identifying and
preventing, and/or
mitigating the negative
impacts of key threats to
protected areas are in
place.
Establish by 2008
mechanisms for the
equitable sharing of both
costs and benefits arising
from the establishment
and management of
protected areas
Full and effective
participation by 2008, of
communities, in full
respect of their rights and
recognition of their
responsibilities, consistent
with national law and
applicable international
obligations, and the
participation of relevant
stakeholders, in the
management of existing,

This was not achieved. There have been

recent attempts to address this issue,
especially through the development of a
National Protected Areas Policy.
This was not achieved.
This was not achieved in full by 2008, but

there is an ongoing process to ensure that this
is being improved.
181
Goals
3.1. To provide an
enabling policy,
institutional and socioeconomic environment for
protected areas.
3.2. To build capacity for

the planning,
establishment and
management of protected
areas
3.3. To develop, apply and

transfer appropriate
technologies for protected
areas.
Target
and the establishment and
management of new,
protected areas
By 2008 review and
revise policies as
appropriate, including use
of social and economic
valuation and incentives,
to provide a supportive
enabling environment for
more effective
establishment and
areas and protected areas
systems.
By 2010, comprehensive
capacity-building
programmes and
initiatives are
implemented to develop
knowledge and skills at
individual, community
and institutional levels,
and raise professional
standards
By 2010 the development,
validation, and transfer of
appropriate technologies
and innovative approaches
for the effective
areas is substantially
improved, taking into

This was not achieved. The Draft Protected

Areas Policy was developed earlier this year
(2010). But the Policy is not yet finalized.
There has been progress in this respect

especially at the community level facilitated
by the Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Rules. Much more is required however.
This is currently under development.
182
Goals
3.4. To ensure financial

sustainability of protected
areas and national and
regional systems of
protected areas.
3.5. To strengthen
communication, education
and public awareness.
4.1. To develop and adopt

minimum standards and
best practices for national
and regional protected
area systems.
Target
account decisions of the
Conference of the Parties
on technology transfer
and cooperation.
By 2008, sufficient
financial, technical and
other resources to meet
the costs to effectively
implement and manage
systems of protected areas
are secured, including
both from national and
international sources,
particularly to support the
needs of developing
countries and countries
with economies in
transition and small island
developing States.
By 2008 public
awareness, understanding
and appreciation of the
importance and benefits
of protected areas is
significantly increased
By 2008, standards,
criteria, and best practices
for planning, selecting,
establishing, managing
and governance of
systems of protected areas

This issue is currently being addressed in the

development of the National Protected Areas
Policy.
There was progress made in this respect,

especially under the Environmentally
Sensitive Areas Rules, but it is recognized
that much more is required.
This was not achieved in full. The

Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules have
been putting measures in place to address the
issue.
183
Goals
4.2. To evaluate and

improve the effectiveness
of protected areas
management.
4.3. To assess and monitor

protected area status and
trends.
4.4 To ensure that

scientific knowledge
contributes to the
establishment and
effectiveness of protected
areas and protected area
systems.
Target
are developed and
adopted.
By 2010, frameworks for
monitoring, evaluating
and reporting protected
areas management
effectiveness at sites,
systems, and
transboundary protected
area levels adopted and
implemented by Parties
By 2010, national and
regional systems are
established to enable
effective monitoring of
protected-area coverage,
status and trends at
national, regional and
global scales, and to assist
in evaluating progress in
meeting global
biodiversity targets
Scientific knowledge
relevant to protected areas
is further developed as a
contribution to their
establishment,
effectiveness, and
management

These are currently under development.
This has not yet been achieved at a national

level, but efforts are now in train to address
these problems through the development of a
Protected Areas Policy.
Both the ESA Rules and the Draft PA Policy

provide a framework for this. Within the
ESAs so far designated as well as some which
have been proposed for designation, ongoing
research, monitoring and evaluation has been
underway. It is recognized however that much
more is required in this respect, and issues
such as financing and capacity will need to be
addressed in order to achieve greater progress.
184

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b

FOURTH NATIONAL REPORT OF

The Cropper Foundation

Land Use/Land Cover Change

Status and Trends of the

Positive (but slow)

Positive (but slow)

Unsustainable use and overexploitation of resources

Chapter 1: Trinidad and Tobagos Biodiversity: Status, Trends and Threats

1.1 Main Ecosystems Types Found in Trinidad and Tobago

Chapter 2: Trinidad and Tobagos National Biodiversity Strategy and Action

Chapter 3: Mainstreaming of Biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago

3.3.1 Success Stories in Mainstreaming Biodiversity

Characterisation of the Main Ecosystem Services Provided by Biodiversity in

Soil Loss For an Annual Average Rainfall of 161.7cm Under Varying

Forest Cover Data for Trinidad and Tobago

Assessment of The Status of T&Ts Vegetation (1994)

Land Use/Land Cover Change in The Nariva Swamp (1942-2003)

Numbers of Species in Trinidad and Tobago

Coral Abundance by Species as a Percentage of Total Coral Cover in Tobago in

Summary Assessment of The Status and Trends in Key Biodiversity Related

Status of The Diversity of Major Crops in Trinidad and Tobago

Forest Fire Data for Trinidad and Tobago (1998 2008)

Land-Based Sources of Pollution and Activities in Trinidad and Tobago

Severity of Impacts of Land-Based Sources of Pollution on Various Aspects of

Summary of Status of, Trends in and Threats to Major Biomes/Ecosystems in

Summary Assessment of the Main Challenges and Implementation Status of

Table Summarising The Main Progress and Challenges in Implementing

Summary of The Status of Implementation of The Main National Laws,

Biodiversity-Related International Agreements Which are Relevant to Trinidad

Level of Integration of CBDs Thematic Programmes and Cross-cutting Issues

Assessment of T&TS Progress Towards Meeting The 2010 Target

Freshwater Abstraction From Different Sources as a Percentage of Total

Estimated Value of Landings by Site in Trinidad (1995 2008)

Economic Contribution of Coral Reefs in Tobago (2006)

Vulnerable Land and Shoreline Protection by Coral Reefs in Tobago

Land Cover Change in The Nariva Swamp (1942 and 2003)

Surface Water Quality in Trinidad and Tobago (1999)

Map of Trinidad and Tobago Showing Land Use Types, Physicochemical

Summary of Abstraction Levels From Surface Water Sources Throughout

Frequency Distribution of Abstraction Levels From Surface Water Sources

Assessment of The Abundance of Birds in Trinidad and Tobago (2007)

Numbers of Threatened Species in Trinidad and Tobago in Categories (2008,

Flood Locations in Trinidad Based on Flood Recurrence Intervals (2007

Land Use/Land Cover Map of Trinidad (1994)

Map Showing Industrial Sites and Road Networks in Trinidad

Land Use/Land Cover Map of Tobago

Numbers of Quarries Throughout Trinidad and Tobago

Removal of Sawnlog From Natural Forests in Trinidad and Tobago as a

Proportion of Terrestrial Sediments in Coastal, Sediment Traps From Selected

Trinidad and Tobago Offshore Concession Map

Reported Oil Spills in Trinidad and Tobago (2005 -2008)

Total Numbers of Wildlife Animals Hunted Annually (1999 2008)

Individual Numbers of Wildlife Species Harvested Annually (1999 2008)

Estimated Landings by Fleet From The Marine Capture Fisheries in Trinidad

Mean Annual Air Temperature in Trinidad (1975 2008)

Trinidad and Tobagos Carbon Dioxide Emissions Based On Global Monitoring

Carbon Intensity of Trinidad and Tobago Compared with Other Developing

Invasive Species in Trinidad and Tobago

Real GDP Growth For Trinidad and Tobago (1997 2009)

Population Distribution in Trinidad

Assessment of The Effects of Multiple Driving Forces on Tobagos Coral Reefs

Simplified Coordinating Mechanism for Implementation of NBSAP