Forest and Protected Areas of Trinidad and Tobago

Following the conduct of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices surveys in communities surrounding pilot protected areas in Matura and Tobago, a similar exercise was carried out in communities surrounding the Caroni Swamp.

These surveys provide some insight on how the local people value these sites and their views on the protected area designation that is applied to the sites.  Additionally, the survey is able to uncover knowledge gaps and learn what is known about the area by those who live in close proximity to the sites.

Summarized information from the survey undertaken around the Caroni Swamp shows that people are knowledgeable about the Swamp and the threats that impact on its viability.  Many understand its ecological importance and others its economic value, and others shared views on how its management can be improved.

Read more about these findings at this link.

One particular issue has emerged in discussions on management of protected areas in each of the IFPAM project’s Subcommittees; this issue is: how is the situation of private lands within a protected area to be addressed?  People enjoy the benefit of their land ownership in various ways.  The private lands that are located within six pilot sites of the IFPAM project demonstrate the multitude of uses by which the landowners exercise their right of ownership.

Are these uses harmonious with the protected status of the lands that they adjoin?  Are there circumstances directly linked with the land use that may impact negatively on the protected areas?  What is the best way to resolve negative impacts and create ‘win-win’ scenarios for all involved?

These questions and more are addressed in the latest issue of the Information Leaf entitled “Can private lands exist in protected areas”.

Learn about the issue at this link.

Where do most people go to find out the most current news and updates?  Social media has a growing crowd of followers, people who need to share, need to know and need to network.  There was no hesitation in bring forest and protected area “to the people” via social media platform Facebook, on the auspicious date of 21 March 2017, the International Day of Forests.

Learn more about project activities, the work of other forest and protected area stakeholder groups and organizations and more.  Follow us on Facebook and share with friends today!

You can find us at: www.facebook.com/protectedareastt

The team of participants taking part in the Interpretive Trail Design and Maintenance Course led by Dr. Claus Eckelmann, completed the third course module at the end of March 2017, covering study visits to trails in diverse locations in Tobago. 

Learn more about some of the trail designs they encountered in this brief report.