The document discusses the occurrence of cyanobacteria in southwest Tobago, which has caused skin infections in people bathing in the affected areas. It has been seen covering the waters from Flying Reef to Castara since July-August 2010, most severely impacting Mt. Irvine Bay and Buccoo Bay. Cyanobacteria thrive in nutrient-rich waters, suggesting sewage or other domestic waste may be contributing to its growth. Its toxins can harm humans, fish and other marine life. Short term solutions proposed include closing beaches temporarily and increased water sampling and testing.
Environment TOBAGO is a non-profit environmental organization founded in 1995. It campaigns against negative environmental activities in Tobago through community outreach programs. The organization held an event on May 22nd to commemorate International Day for Biological Diversity, where over 60 people learned about Tobago's biodiversity. Environment TOBAGO also participated in Science Week in June and hosted a summer camp for children in July to promote environmental education.
Environment Tobago hosted its annual "Keep a Clean School" competition prize giving ceremony, which aims to educate youth about solid waste issues through activities focused on reducing, reusing, and recycling, and was sponsored by Methanex Trinidad Limited. The top 5 schools were awarded prizes, and special awards were given for categories like best composting and recycling initiatives. Environment Tobago thanked Methanex and the Division of Education for their continued support of the competition.
Mrs. Fay Narcise Gaston has returned from completing her diploma in environmental education in England. She continues her work promoting environmental stewardship in St. Lucia schools. A group of students participated in a cleanup of the Forestiere Forest Reserve. A delegation of 23 people from St. Vincent visited natural sites in St. Lucia to learn about eco-tourism as a conservation tool and nature-based tourism.
Our Planet:Renewable Energy - Generating power, jobs and developmentAndy Dabydeen
The document summarizes Germany's successful policies for renewable energy that have led to rapid growth. Key points:
- Germany's Renewable Energy Sources Act established long-term and consistent support for renewables through fixed feed-in tariffs.
- Renewables have tripled in Germany to over 14% of electricity and also contribute to heat and fuel. The goal is 30% of electricity by 2020.
- This major growth in renewables has significantly reduced Germany's CO2 emissions while creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and economic growth through a thriving renewable industry.
This document summarizes how UK music festivals are addressing their environmental impacts and reducing their carbon footprints. It discusses how festivals are incentivizing public transport, charging for reusable cups, powering stages with solar panels, and increasing recycling. Glastonbury is highlighted as making strides in powering with solar, reducing on-site waste, and changing audience behaviors. While travel and waste remain challenges, festivals are engaging attendees and moving towards more sustainable practices.
The document provides the agenda for various committee meetings of the Senate of the Virgin Islands scheduled between June 22 and July 3, 2009. The first committee meeting on June 22 will consider a Major Coastal Zone Management Permit, with various experts invited to testify. Subsequent meetings will discuss the Virgin Islands lottery, renewable energy bills, labor issues, and public safety bills, among other topics. The calendar also announces a Senators' summit on pension issues and notes that July 3 is a holiday.
The Colobus Trust is a conservation organisation designed to promote the conservation, preservation and protection of primates like the rare Angolan Colobus monkey (Colobus angolensis palliatus) and its coastal forest habitat in southern Kenya. The Trust was established in 1997 in response to an outcry from local residents about the high number of deaths of the Colobus in the Diani area. Now the Trust has numerous projects concerning the wildlife and the citizens of Kenya, including animal welfare, biological/ecological research, community development and education, forest protection and enrichment and eco-tourism awareness programs.
For More information visit:
http://www.colobustrust.org/
http://colobus.wildlifedirect.org/
Environment TOBAGO is a non-profit environmental organization founded in 1995. It campaigns against negative environmental activities in Tobago through community outreach programs. The organization held an event on May 22nd to commemorate International Day for Biological Diversity, where over 60 people learned about Tobago's biodiversity. Environment TOBAGO also participated in Science Week in June and hosted a summer camp for children in July to promote environmental education.
Environment Tobago hosted its annual "Keep a Clean School" competition prize giving ceremony, which aims to educate youth about solid waste issues through activities focused on reducing, reusing, and recycling, and was sponsored by Methanex Trinidad Limited. The top 5 schools were awarded prizes, and special awards were given for categories like best composting and recycling initiatives. Environment Tobago thanked Methanex and the Division of Education for their continued support of the competition.
Mrs. Fay Narcise Gaston has returned from completing her diploma in environmental education in England. She continues her work promoting environmental stewardship in St. Lucia schools. A group of students participated in a cleanup of the Forestiere Forest Reserve. A delegation of 23 people from St. Vincent visited natural sites in St. Lucia to learn about eco-tourism as a conservation tool and nature-based tourism.
Our Planet:Renewable Energy - Generating power, jobs and developmentAndy Dabydeen
The document summarizes Germany's successful policies for renewable energy that have led to rapid growth. Key points:
- Germany's Renewable Energy Sources Act established long-term and consistent support for renewables through fixed feed-in tariffs.
- Renewables have tripled in Germany to over 14% of electricity and also contribute to heat and fuel. The goal is 30% of electricity by 2020.
- This major growth in renewables has significantly reduced Germany's CO2 emissions while creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and economic growth through a thriving renewable industry.
This document summarizes how UK music festivals are addressing their environmental impacts and reducing their carbon footprints. It discusses how festivals are incentivizing public transport, charging for reusable cups, powering stages with solar panels, and increasing recycling. Glastonbury is highlighted as making strides in powering with solar, reducing on-site waste, and changing audience behaviors. While travel and waste remain challenges, festivals are engaging attendees and moving towards more sustainable practices.
The document provides the agenda for various committee meetings of the Senate of the Virgin Islands scheduled between June 22 and July 3, 2009. The first committee meeting on June 22 will consider a Major Coastal Zone Management Permit, with various experts invited to testify. Subsequent meetings will discuss the Virgin Islands lottery, renewable energy bills, labor issues, and public safety bills, among other topics. The calendar also announces a Senators' summit on pension issues and notes that July 3 is a holiday.
The Colobus Trust is a conservation organisation designed to promote the conservation, preservation and protection of primates like the rare Angolan Colobus monkey (Colobus angolensis palliatus) and its coastal forest habitat in southern Kenya. The Trust was established in 1997 in response to an outcry from local residents about the high number of deaths of the Colobus in the Diani area. Now the Trust has numerous projects concerning the wildlife and the citizens of Kenya, including animal welfare, biological/ecological research, community development and education, forest protection and enrichment and eco-tourism awareness programs.
For More information visit:
http://www.colobustrust.org/
http://colobus.wildlifedirect.org/
This document summarizes Environment Tobago's (ET) activities for World Wetlands Day 2010 and their partnership with BP Trinidad and Tobago LLC for an art competition. It discusses ET launching postcards featuring artwork by local students on the theme of "Caring For Wetlands" to raise awareness of wetlands and promote young artists. It also describes ET celebrating the winners of their "My Heritage; My Future" art competition launched with BPTT last year about the Main Ridge Forest Reserve.
Environment Tobago is a non-profit environmental organization founded in 1995. It has over 418 members from diverse backgrounds and professions who support its mission of conserving Tobago's natural resources through education and advocacy. While most members are locally based, it also has 153 international members, many from the UK and US. Members include students, educators, tourism professionals, attorneys and more. Volunteers have contributed greatly to ET's projects over the years through research and ideas. The organization's success is largely due to the loyalty and contributions of its diverse membership base.
The document discusses a fuel cell, which generates electricity through a chemical reaction rather than combustion, producing only water as a byproduct. It describes the basic components and operation of a fuel cell, noting they were discovered in 1838 but are still not widely utilized in Trinidad and Tobago despite their potential for powering vehicles, electronics, buildings and off-grid communities. Examples are given of current applications including powering water heaters and a recent installation as an alternative energy source.
The document discusses a fuel cell project in Belle Garden, Tobago where local residents received training to become eco-tour guides and provide tours of the local wetland to visitors. The training covered topics such as wetland ecology, tour guiding skills, developing tour packages, and learning about the local flora and fauna. The project aims to help conserve the wetland and provide an alternative source of income for community members through eco-tourism.
This document summarizes Environment TOBAGO's (ET) activities for the International Year of Biodiversity and the results of their annual Keep A Clean School competition.
[1] ET hosted a three-day exhibition highlighting biodiversity and organized a beach cleanup where students removed over 21 bags of garbage. [2] The winning school of the competition was North Regional SDA school, with Charlotteville Methodist and Montgomery Government Primary placing second and third. [3] Special prizes were awarded for best initiatives in beautification, composting, gardens, reuse of materials, and community awareness.
The document discusses environmental issues and activities conducted by the Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) of Tabaco National High School in Tabaco City, Philippines. It outlines the objectives of YES-O which include promoting environmental awareness, designing projects, disseminating information, and instilling environmental values. It then describes various environmental activities conducted by YES-O students, such as coastal, river, and canal cleanups, as well as tree planting and global warming seminars. The document emphasizes the importance of preserving the environment and motivating community involvement in environmental conservation efforts.
Mercy for Earth seeks to increase public awareness, educate and mobilize the community by understanding environmental issues through research, the media and educational programs.
Environmental Education is facing new challenges. Despite significant achievements, from institutional agencies and others, it must be strengthened and project its expansion, thereby eliminating the slow bureaucratic aspects, creating new strategies of action, further opening of the social agencies and pursuing broader international commitments. Deepening in Environmental Education is the surest path to planetary transformation and survival of the human race.
The 2012 National Landcare Conference brought together over 900 people involved in the Landcare movement across Australia and internationally. Keynote speakers including David Suzuki and Tim Flannery gave inspiring talks on environmental issues. Many presentations focused on using social media to promote Landcare's message and the successes of the Victorian Landcare program. Conference attendees found the farmer-led research presentations and displays on controlling weeds and soil health most memorable. The gala dinner celebrated the National Landcare Award winners and was attended by notable Australians like Bob Hawke and Jack Thompson.
The document discusses two projects underway in St. Lucia's Department of Forestry. The first is an alien invasive species project working to control non-native plants and animals threatening biodiversity. It also aims to increase public awareness and establish policies to prevent future invasions. The second summarizes upgrades to the Millet Nature Trail and Enbas Saut forest trail, including new facilities and training for community members, with the goal of promoting sustainable tourism.
Mercy for Earth is a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit founded by Ignacio Barsottelli to create awareness about environmental issues through education. Its mission is to educate society about caring for the environment and improving human relationships with nature. The organization is producing a documentary featuring experts like Ingrid Newkirk of PETA to further its outreach goals. Donations to Mercy for Earth are tax deductible and support its advocacy work.
The document summarizes a landcare project in Popua Village, Tonga initiated by several Rotary Clubs. The project established 20 home gardens and 20 poultry shelters to improve food security and nutrition. The local community participated in planning, building, and maintaining the gardens and shelters. A workshop was later held where participants reviewed the project, shared knowledge, and identified additional activities like tree planting and mangrove rehabilitation. The project aims to register as Tonga's first official Landcare group and serve as a model for other villages.
The document summarizes activities related to the Pacific Year of Biodiversity in 2010-2011, which was established to raise awareness of biodiversity conservation issues across Pacific island countries and territories. Key events included the launch of a regional biodiversity campaign with partnerships between different organizations, highlighting links between biodiversity, climate change, and food/nutrition. Activities culminated at the CBD COP10 conference in Japan, where Pacific island priorities around invasive species, climate change, coastal/marine biodiversity, and financing received attention. The document showcases some successes of the Pacific Year of Biodiversity in increasing appreciation of island biodiversity as integral to local lives and cultures.
This document summarizes Timor-Leste's Initial National Communication submitted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It provides an overview of Timor-Leste's national circumstances, a greenhouse gas inventory, an assessment of vulnerability to climate change impacts, and recommendations for adaptation actions. Key findings include that climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, affect water availability, and raise risks of diseases like dengue and malaria. Adaptation priorities include improving water management, strengthening institutional and community capacity for managing climate risks, and increasing climate resilience in agriculture.
Mercy for Earth is a non-profit organization founded and directed by Ignacio Barsottelli, a veteran of the environmental conservation movement.
In 1997, Ignacio Barsottelli founded the non-profit organization “Yo Limpio a Puerto Rico” (I Clean PR). The organization partnered with the Puerto Rican department of education to institute environmental education in schools and establish additional programs to educate the community about various conservation methods – initiatives that continue to influence the community today.
This document provides information about the National Association for Environmental Education (NAEE). It states that NAEE is a charity managed by teachers to support environmental education. It relies on membership fees, donations, and grants as it receives no government funding. The document promotes NAEE's journal which is published 3 times a year and provides resources for teachers. It also notes that NAEE works to reconnect young people with nature both in and outside of school. It provides contact information for those interested in getting involved or joining NAEE.
Tech talk October 2013 - Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical AdvisersPablo Ruiz Amo
The newsletter provides updates on Rotary Foundation's Cadre of Technical Advisers, including:
1) New technical coordinators beginning three-year terms to provide guidance in sectors such as maternal and child health, education, economic development, and water/sanitation.
2) A site visit summary describing challenges implementing a water/sanitation project on remote Remba Island in Kenya, emphasizing thorough preparation and sustainability planning.
3) Thanks to outgoing technical coordinators and welcome to new coordinators who will utilize their expertise to support Rotary grants.
This document discusses innovation for sustainable development in Africa, focusing on local case studies. It begins with an introduction that provides context on innovation and sustainable development challenges in Africa. It then presents 10 case studies grouped under five themes: enhancement of agriculture and fisheries, water management, protection of ecosystems, health improvement, and sustainable tourism. The case studies highlight innovative local solutions that address sustainable development issues. They also draw lessons on factors for success, such as linking environmental and economic goals, utilizing local knowledge, ensuring community involvement, and employing self-sustaining business models.
The Pacific-American Climate Fund (PACAM) awarded six grants totaling $2.3 million to projects in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Vanuatu. Three of these projects in Fiji and Samoa were formally launched in October and December 2015. PACAM's third grant cycle generated 130 concept papers and 27 full applications are under review. The newsletter provides updates on several projects funded by PACAM grants, including improving ecosystem management in Fiji, building disaster preparedness in Samoa, promoting climate change storytelling in Papua New Guinea, and enhancing climate-resilient agriculture in Papua New Guinea.
The document outlines the agenda for a Green Talk 101 Ecoventure event from 2:30-7:00pm. It discusses the goals of service-learning projects, including meeting community needs through service while allowing youth to self-develop through learning. The document also briefly describes the six principal UN organs and the mission of the UN Environment Programme to encourage environmental protection and sustainable development.
Ecotourism is defined as responsible travel that conserves the environment and improves livelihoods. Its key principles are minimizing impacts, raising environmental awareness, and providing benefits like conservation funding and community empowerment. A tourism operation can be considered ecotourism if it meets benchmarks regarding conservation, community support, and environmental interpretation. While Fiji has successful ecotourism examples, not all nature-based or community tourism qualifies, and the term should not be diluted. Operations should adhere to international standards of the three benchmarks to legitimately call themselves ecotourism.
Coral reefs around Tobago are experiencing widespread bleaching due to unusually high sea surface temperatures, threatening the health and survival of the reefs and the tourism industry that relies on them; Environment Tobago is working with other organizations to monitor the bleaching and promote sustainable management to aid the reefs' recovery; The document discusses the ongoing conflict between tourism development and biodiversity conservation on the island.
The document summarizes the key discussions and announcements from Environment TOBAGO's 15th annual general meeting, including an overview of the organization's activities and finances over the past year, as well as new partnerships and funding opportunities that will allow the organization to be self-sufficient going forward. It also briefly describes generous donations of books and DVDs from the US and Australian embassies to support Environment TOBAGO's environmental education programs.
This document summarizes Environment Tobago's (ET) activities for World Wetlands Day 2010 and their partnership with BP Trinidad and Tobago LLC for an art competition. It discusses ET launching postcards featuring artwork by local students on the theme of "Caring For Wetlands" to raise awareness of wetlands and promote young artists. It also describes ET celebrating the winners of their "My Heritage; My Future" art competition launched with BPTT last year about the Main Ridge Forest Reserve.
Environment Tobago is a non-profit environmental organization founded in 1995. It has over 418 members from diverse backgrounds and professions who support its mission of conserving Tobago's natural resources through education and advocacy. While most members are locally based, it also has 153 international members, many from the UK and US. Members include students, educators, tourism professionals, attorneys and more. Volunteers have contributed greatly to ET's projects over the years through research and ideas. The organization's success is largely due to the loyalty and contributions of its diverse membership base.
The document discusses a fuel cell, which generates electricity through a chemical reaction rather than combustion, producing only water as a byproduct. It describes the basic components and operation of a fuel cell, noting they were discovered in 1838 but are still not widely utilized in Trinidad and Tobago despite their potential for powering vehicles, electronics, buildings and off-grid communities. Examples are given of current applications including powering water heaters and a recent installation as an alternative energy source.
The document discusses a fuel cell project in Belle Garden, Tobago where local residents received training to become eco-tour guides and provide tours of the local wetland to visitors. The training covered topics such as wetland ecology, tour guiding skills, developing tour packages, and learning about the local flora and fauna. The project aims to help conserve the wetland and provide an alternative source of income for community members through eco-tourism.
This document summarizes Environment TOBAGO's (ET) activities for the International Year of Biodiversity and the results of their annual Keep A Clean School competition.
[1] ET hosted a three-day exhibition highlighting biodiversity and organized a beach cleanup where students removed over 21 bags of garbage. [2] The winning school of the competition was North Regional SDA school, with Charlotteville Methodist and Montgomery Government Primary placing second and third. [3] Special prizes were awarded for best initiatives in beautification, composting, gardens, reuse of materials, and community awareness.
The document discusses environmental issues and activities conducted by the Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) of Tabaco National High School in Tabaco City, Philippines. It outlines the objectives of YES-O which include promoting environmental awareness, designing projects, disseminating information, and instilling environmental values. It then describes various environmental activities conducted by YES-O students, such as coastal, river, and canal cleanups, as well as tree planting and global warming seminars. The document emphasizes the importance of preserving the environment and motivating community involvement in environmental conservation efforts.
Mercy for Earth seeks to increase public awareness, educate and mobilize the community by understanding environmental issues through research, the media and educational programs.
Environmental Education is facing new challenges. Despite significant achievements, from institutional agencies and others, it must be strengthened and project its expansion, thereby eliminating the slow bureaucratic aspects, creating new strategies of action, further opening of the social agencies and pursuing broader international commitments. Deepening in Environmental Education is the surest path to planetary transformation and survival of the human race.
The 2012 National Landcare Conference brought together over 900 people involved in the Landcare movement across Australia and internationally. Keynote speakers including David Suzuki and Tim Flannery gave inspiring talks on environmental issues. Many presentations focused on using social media to promote Landcare's message and the successes of the Victorian Landcare program. Conference attendees found the farmer-led research presentations and displays on controlling weeds and soil health most memorable. The gala dinner celebrated the National Landcare Award winners and was attended by notable Australians like Bob Hawke and Jack Thompson.
The document discusses two projects underway in St. Lucia's Department of Forestry. The first is an alien invasive species project working to control non-native plants and animals threatening biodiversity. It also aims to increase public awareness and establish policies to prevent future invasions. The second summarizes upgrades to the Millet Nature Trail and Enbas Saut forest trail, including new facilities and training for community members, with the goal of promoting sustainable tourism.
Mercy for Earth is a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit founded by Ignacio Barsottelli to create awareness about environmental issues through education. Its mission is to educate society about caring for the environment and improving human relationships with nature. The organization is producing a documentary featuring experts like Ingrid Newkirk of PETA to further its outreach goals. Donations to Mercy for Earth are tax deductible and support its advocacy work.
The document summarizes a landcare project in Popua Village, Tonga initiated by several Rotary Clubs. The project established 20 home gardens and 20 poultry shelters to improve food security and nutrition. The local community participated in planning, building, and maintaining the gardens and shelters. A workshop was later held where participants reviewed the project, shared knowledge, and identified additional activities like tree planting and mangrove rehabilitation. The project aims to register as Tonga's first official Landcare group and serve as a model for other villages.
The document summarizes activities related to the Pacific Year of Biodiversity in 2010-2011, which was established to raise awareness of biodiversity conservation issues across Pacific island countries and territories. Key events included the launch of a regional biodiversity campaign with partnerships between different organizations, highlighting links between biodiversity, climate change, and food/nutrition. Activities culminated at the CBD COP10 conference in Japan, where Pacific island priorities around invasive species, climate change, coastal/marine biodiversity, and financing received attention. The document showcases some successes of the Pacific Year of Biodiversity in increasing appreciation of island biodiversity as integral to local lives and cultures.
This document summarizes Timor-Leste's Initial National Communication submitted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It provides an overview of Timor-Leste's national circumstances, a greenhouse gas inventory, an assessment of vulnerability to climate change impacts, and recommendations for adaptation actions. Key findings include that climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, affect water availability, and raise risks of diseases like dengue and malaria. Adaptation priorities include improving water management, strengthening institutional and community capacity for managing climate risks, and increasing climate resilience in agriculture.
Mercy for Earth is a non-profit organization founded and directed by Ignacio Barsottelli, a veteran of the environmental conservation movement.
In 1997, Ignacio Barsottelli founded the non-profit organization “Yo Limpio a Puerto Rico” (I Clean PR). The organization partnered with the Puerto Rican department of education to institute environmental education in schools and establish additional programs to educate the community about various conservation methods – initiatives that continue to influence the community today.
This document provides information about the National Association for Environmental Education (NAEE). It states that NAEE is a charity managed by teachers to support environmental education. It relies on membership fees, donations, and grants as it receives no government funding. The document promotes NAEE's journal which is published 3 times a year and provides resources for teachers. It also notes that NAEE works to reconnect young people with nature both in and outside of school. It provides contact information for those interested in getting involved or joining NAEE.
Tech talk October 2013 - Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical AdvisersPablo Ruiz Amo
The newsletter provides updates on Rotary Foundation's Cadre of Technical Advisers, including:
1) New technical coordinators beginning three-year terms to provide guidance in sectors such as maternal and child health, education, economic development, and water/sanitation.
2) A site visit summary describing challenges implementing a water/sanitation project on remote Remba Island in Kenya, emphasizing thorough preparation and sustainability planning.
3) Thanks to outgoing technical coordinators and welcome to new coordinators who will utilize their expertise to support Rotary grants.
This document discusses innovation for sustainable development in Africa, focusing on local case studies. It begins with an introduction that provides context on innovation and sustainable development challenges in Africa. It then presents 10 case studies grouped under five themes: enhancement of agriculture and fisheries, water management, protection of ecosystems, health improvement, and sustainable tourism. The case studies highlight innovative local solutions that address sustainable development issues. They also draw lessons on factors for success, such as linking environmental and economic goals, utilizing local knowledge, ensuring community involvement, and employing self-sustaining business models.
The Pacific-American Climate Fund (PACAM) awarded six grants totaling $2.3 million to projects in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Vanuatu. Three of these projects in Fiji and Samoa were formally launched in October and December 2015. PACAM's third grant cycle generated 130 concept papers and 27 full applications are under review. The newsletter provides updates on several projects funded by PACAM grants, including improving ecosystem management in Fiji, building disaster preparedness in Samoa, promoting climate change storytelling in Papua New Guinea, and enhancing climate-resilient agriculture in Papua New Guinea.
The document outlines the agenda for a Green Talk 101 Ecoventure event from 2:30-7:00pm. It discusses the goals of service-learning projects, including meeting community needs through service while allowing youth to self-develop through learning. The document also briefly describes the six principal UN organs and the mission of the UN Environment Programme to encourage environmental protection and sustainable development.
Ecotourism is defined as responsible travel that conserves the environment and improves livelihoods. Its key principles are minimizing impacts, raising environmental awareness, and providing benefits like conservation funding and community empowerment. A tourism operation can be considered ecotourism if it meets benchmarks regarding conservation, community support, and environmental interpretation. While Fiji has successful ecotourism examples, not all nature-based or community tourism qualifies, and the term should not be diluted. Operations should adhere to international standards of the three benchmarks to legitimately call themselves ecotourism.
Coral reefs around Tobago are experiencing widespread bleaching due to unusually high sea surface temperatures, threatening the health and survival of the reefs and the tourism industry that relies on them; Environment Tobago is working with other organizations to monitor the bleaching and promote sustainable management to aid the reefs' recovery; The document discusses the ongoing conflict between tourism development and biodiversity conservation on the island.
The document summarizes the key discussions and announcements from Environment TOBAGO's 15th annual general meeting, including an overview of the organization's activities and finances over the past year, as well as new partnerships and funding opportunities that will allow the organization to be self-sufficient going forward. It also briefly describes generous donations of books and DVDs from the US and Australian embassies to support Environment TOBAGO's environmental education programs.
The document discusses three main topics: biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental law. It notes that while humans have the biggest impact on the planet, we are not the center of it. Climate change poses a major threat that future generations will suffer from due to current inaction. It also discusses how ancient humans understood ecology due to their nomadic lifestyle, but settling into agriculture led to issues around ownership and laws that prioritized landholders over the environment. For the future, laws may need to change to consider the well-being of all versus private property rights if climate change threatens humanity.
Alexander F. Skutch was an American ornithologist who spent most of his life studying birds in Costa Rica from a farm he purchased called Los Cusingos. He and his wife lived a reclusive life on the farm, collecting plants and growing their own food. Skutch became renowned for his studies of the breeding and life histories of many neotropical bird species. Living year-round on his farm allowed him to make many observations of nesting birds that other short-term visitors had not seen. His book A Naturalist in Costa Rica details his experiences over many years at his farm and other areas of Costa Rica, providing valuable information about the natural history and birds of the region.
1) Archie Carr was a naturalist who lived and studied in Florida for over 50 years, publishing works on Central America, the West Indies, and Africa. He is particularly known for bringing attention to the decline of sea turtle populations.
2) Carr's book A Naturalist in Florida is a collection of his writings over 50 years studying the unique ecology of Florida, particularly the transition zone around the Suwanee River. The book covers many species but has a focus on reptiles like alligators, snakes, and turtles.
3) Alligators play an important role in shaping Florida's wetland ecosystems through their digging and nutrient distribution. Carr saw alligator populations decline due to overhunting but
Bertrand Bhikarry, a Tobago farmer and environmentalist, discusses the unprecedented bushfires in Tobago that have burned much of the landscape. He believes the fires are a result of a prolonged drought brought on by the El Nino effect, which meteorologists say will last 4 more years. This will devastate Tobago's biodiversity and agriculture. As an environmentalist, he advocates for balancing development with sustainable use of the land, and spreading agricultural pressures across the Caribbean region to protect small island ecosystems. He predicts that Tobago will become as dry as other Caribbean islands in the coming years unless action is taken.
The document discusses the Global Positioning System (GPS) which uses 24 satellites to enable navigation anywhere in the world. It describes how GPS works and notes receivers must have a clear view of the sky. Waypoints are reference points defined by latitude and longitude that allow users to mark and navigate to locations. Routes can be created by linking waypoints. The document outlines several common uses of GPS for marine navigation including marking fishing grounds and navigating between ports.
This editorial makes the case for re-electing the incumbent Labour Party in St. Kitts and Nevis' upcoming national election. It argues that the Labour Party has a strong record of achievements over the past fifteen years, including economic diversification and development, while the opposition has not achieved anything substantial in that time and is only capable of criticism without solutions. Voters are urged to consider which party is best qualified to lead the country through current challenges and vote based on accomplishments rather than empty talk.
Labour is a delivery service that prides itself on getting packages to customers on time. They have a fleet of vans and drivers to transport items from warehouses to homes and businesses across the country. Labour aims to offer reliable and affordable delivery for both individuals and companies.
The document discusses Prime Minister Douglas defending his government's management of St. Kitts and Nevis amid calls for change from the opposition. It argues the government's policies have protected the country from the economic impacts seen elsewhere in the Caribbean, leading to continued growth in tourism, education, agriculture, and social services. While change may be desired, the author says this is not the time for unplanned change that could threaten the stability and prosperity the current government has secured.
Eugene Hamilton, the Deputy Political Leader of the People's Action Movement in St. Kitts/Nevis and General Manager of British American Insurance Company, has stepped aside from trying to secure hundreds of millions of dollars owed to depositors that has been jeopardized by failed investment strategies. British American's parent company, CL Financial, is in financial difficulties that have spread to its subsidiaries. The board of British American, including Hamilton, acknowledges in a report that the company is insolvent, trading insolvently, being sued by policyholders for over $15 million, and will collapse within days unless regulators intervene, leaving over $130 million owed to depositors in St. Kitts/Nevis at risk of being lost
This document summarizes the political situation in St. Kitts/Nevis, focusing on the opposition party PAM.
- PAM has no real platform and relies on "fluff" rather than substantive policies or programs. They criticize the government but offer no meaningful alternatives.
- PAM leaders have sought and obtained foreign citizenship abroad, which could allow them a safe haven if the economy fails, unlike ordinary citizens who must remain. The government is strengthening laws requiring MPs to renounce foreign citizenship.
- PAM's constant legal challenges have further delayed elections and frustrated citizens, who are tired of the legal wrangling and want resolution rather than empty slogans like "Time for Change." Overall PAM
This document summarizes a needs assessment of the cocoa and coffee industries in Trinidad and Tobago. It finds that both industries are in decline and in danger of disappearing despite government efforts to rejuvenate them. Key recommendations include immediately liberalizing coffee trade and gradually liberalizing cocoa trade. It also recommends modifying cocoa quality and pricing systems, developing farmer associations, emphasizing extension programs, integrating market-oriented research, and conducting industry surveys. The assessment provides a historical overview and analyzes the organization, markets, production levels, stakeholders and government support structures for cocoa and coffee in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Main Ridge Rainforest of Tobago is unique as it was once connected to South America millions of years ago, allowing plants and animals to migrate. It has been legally protected since 1776, making it the oldest protected forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere. This was due to the efforts of an English scientist and politician who recognized the importance of forests for rainfall. However, Hurricane Flora devastated 75% of the forest in 1963. While this was damaging, the forest has since recovered over the past 40 years due to the forest's natural ability to regenerate following disturbances.
Environment TOBAGO is a non-profit environmental advocacy group in Tobago. This newsletter describes negative environmental impacts over 12 days, including the clearing of protected land and mangroves for development, drainage projects damaging reefs, and unsustainable hunting threatening wildlife. It also warns about the invasion of the predatory lionfish to the Caribbean which could wipe out fish stocks if not controlled.
This document summarizes the report of a UNDP mission to assess opportunities for multi-stakeholder dialogue in Trinidad and Tobago. The mission found high levels of distrust between sectors due to past consultations seen as "talk only" with little follow through. However, interest remained in dialogue as a way to rebuild trust. The report shares the different perspectives encountered and suggests ways UNDP could support renewed dialogue efforts, with the goal of advancing the conversation started by the UNDP Resident Representative.
This document outlines the policies and procedures for Environment Tobago's volunteer programme. It details the organization's mission to protect and conserve the natural environment of Tobago through various environmental activities. The volunteer program aims to involve community members through defined volunteer roles and management processes covering recruitment, training, supervision, evaluation and recognition of volunteers. Key aspects include maintaining volunteer records, orientation and training, standards of performance, and reimbursing volunteer expenses. The overall goal is for volunteers to support Environment Tobago's work while gaining skills and experience.
हिंदी वर्णमाला पीपीटी, hindi alphabet PPT presentation, hindi varnamala PPT, Hindi Varnamala pdf, हिंदी स्वर, हिंदी व्यंजन, sikhiye hindi varnmala, dr. mulla adam ali, hindi language and literature, hindi alphabet with drawing, hindi alphabet pdf, hindi varnamala for childrens, hindi language, hindi varnamala practice for kids, https://www.drmullaadamali.com
How to Make a Field Mandatory in Odoo 17Celine George
In Odoo, making a field required can be done through both Python code and XML views. When you set the required attribute to True in Python code, it makes the field required across all views where it's used. Conversely, when you set the required attribute in XML views, it makes the field required only in the context of that particular view.
This presentation was provided by Steph Pollock of The American Psychological Association’s Journals Program, and Damita Snow, of The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), for the initial session of NISO's 2024 Training Series "DEIA in the Scholarly Landscape." Session One: 'Setting Expectations: a DEIA Primer,' was held June 6, 2024.
Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering.pptxDenish Jangid
Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering
Syllabus
Chapter-1
Introduction to objective, scope and outcome the subject
Chapter 2
Introduction: Scope and Specialization of Civil Engineering, Role of civil Engineer in Society, Impact of infrastructural development on economy of country.
Chapter 3
Surveying: Object Principles & Types of Surveying; Site Plans, Plans & Maps; Scales & Unit of different Measurements.
Linear Measurements: Instruments used. Linear Measurement by Tape, Ranging out Survey Lines and overcoming Obstructions; Measurements on sloping ground; Tape corrections, conventional symbols. Angular Measurements: Instruments used; Introduction to Compass Surveying, Bearings and Longitude & Latitude of a Line, Introduction to total station.
Levelling: Instrument used Object of levelling, Methods of levelling in brief, and Contour maps.
Chapter 4
Buildings: Selection of site for Buildings, Layout of Building Plan, Types of buildings, Plinth area, carpet area, floor space index, Introduction to building byelaws, concept of sun light & ventilation. Components of Buildings & their functions, Basic concept of R.C.C., Introduction to types of foundation
Chapter 5
Transportation: Introduction to Transportation Engineering; Traffic and Road Safety: Types and Characteristics of Various Modes of Transportation; Various Road Traffic Signs, Causes of Accidents and Road Safety Measures.
Chapter 6
Environmental Engineering: Environmental Pollution, Environmental Acts and Regulations, Functional Concepts of Ecology, Basics of Species, Biodiversity, Ecosystem, Hydrological Cycle; Chemical Cycles: Carbon, Nitrogen & Phosphorus; Energy Flow in Ecosystems.
Water Pollution: Water Quality standards, Introduction to Treatment & Disposal of Waste Water. Reuse and Saving of Water, Rain Water Harvesting. Solid Waste Management: Classification of Solid Waste, Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Solid. Recycling of Solid Waste: Energy Recovery, Sanitary Landfill, On-Site Sanitation. Air & Noise Pollution: Primary and Secondary air pollutants, Harmful effects of Air Pollution, Control of Air Pollution. . Noise Pollution Harmful Effects of noise pollution, control of noise pollution, Global warming & Climate Change, Ozone depletion, Greenhouse effect
Text Books:
1. Palancharmy, Basic Civil Engineering, McGraw Hill publishers.
2. Satheesh Gopi, Basic Civil Engineering, Pearson Publishers.
3. Ketki Rangwala Dalal, Essentials of Civil Engineering, Charotar Publishing House.
4. BCP, Surveying volume 1
ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, and GDPR: Best Practices for Implementation and...PECB
Denis is a dynamic and results-driven Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a distinguished career spanning information systems analysis and technical project management. With a proven track record of spearheading the design and delivery of cutting-edge Information Management solutions, he has consistently elevated business operations, streamlined reporting functions, and maximized process efficiency.
Certified as an ISO/IEC 27001: Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) Lead Implementer, Data Protection Officer, and Cyber Risks Analyst, Denis brings a heightened focus on data security, privacy, and cyber resilience to every endeavor.
His expertise extends across a diverse spectrum of reporting, database, and web development applications, underpinned by an exceptional grasp of data storage and virtualization technologies. His proficiency in application testing, database administration, and data cleansing ensures seamless execution of complex projects.
What sets Denis apart is his comprehensive understanding of Business and Systems Analysis technologies, honed through involvement in all phases of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). From meticulous requirements gathering to precise analysis, innovative design, rigorous development, thorough testing, and successful implementation, he has consistently delivered exceptional results.
Throughout his career, he has taken on multifaceted roles, from leading technical project management teams to owning solutions that drive operational excellence. His conscientious and proactive approach is unwavering, whether he is working independently or collaboratively within a team. His ability to connect with colleagues on a personal level underscores his commitment to fostering a harmonious and productive workplace environment.
Date: May 29, 2024
Tags: Information Security, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Artificial Intelligence, GDPR
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Find out more about ISO training and certification services
Training: ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security Management System - EN | PECB
ISO/IEC 42001 Artificial Intelligence Management System - EN | PECB
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - Training Courses - EN | PECB
Webinars: https://pecb.com/webinars
Article: https://pecb.com/article
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more information about PECB:
Website: https://pecb.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pecb/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PECBInternational/
Slideshare: http://www.slideshare.net/PECBCERTIFICATION
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17Celine George
An import error occurs when a program fails to import a module or library, disrupting its execution. In languages like Python, this issue arises when the specified module cannot be found or accessed, hindering the program's functionality. Resolving import errors is crucial for maintaining smooth software operation and uninterrupted development processes.
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdfTechSoup
"Learn about all the ways Walmart supports nonprofit organizations.
You will hear from Liz Willett, the Head of Nonprofits, and hear about what Walmart is doing to help nonprofits, including Walmart Business and Spark Good. Walmart Business+ is a new offer for nonprofits that offers discounts and also streamlines nonprofits order and expense tracking, saving time and money.
The webinar may also give some examples on how nonprofits can best leverage Walmart Business+.
The event will cover the following::
Walmart Business + (https://business.walmart.com/plus) is a new shopping experience for nonprofits, schools, and local business customers that connects an exclusive online shopping experience to stores. Benefits include free delivery and shipping, a 'Spend Analytics” feature, special discounts, deals and tax-exempt shopping.
Special TechSoup offer for a free 180 days membership, and up to $150 in discounts on eligible orders.
Spark Good (walmart.com/sparkgood) is a charitable platform that enables nonprofits to receive donations directly from customers and associates.
Answers about how you can do more with Walmart!"
Strategies for Effective Upskilling is a presentation by Chinwendu Peace in a Your Skill Boost Masterclass organisation by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan on 08th and 09th June 2024 from 1 PM to 3 PM on each day.
LAND USE LAND COVER AND NDVI OF MIRZAPUR DISTRICT, UPRAHUL
This Dissertation explores the particular circumstances of Mirzapur, a region located in the
core of India. Mirzapur, with its varied terrains and abundant biodiversity, offers an optimal
environment for investigating the changes in vegetation cover dynamics. Our study utilizes
advanced technologies such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Remote sensing to
analyze the transformations that have taken place over the course of a decade.
The complex relationship between human activities and the environment has been the focus
of extensive research and worry. As the global community grapples with swift urbanization,
population expansion, and economic progress, the effects on natural ecosystems are becoming
more evident. A crucial element of this impact is the alteration of vegetation cover, which plays a
significant role in maintaining the ecological equilibrium of our planet.Land serves as the foundation for all human activities and provides the necessary materials for
these activities. As the most crucial natural resource, its utilization by humans results in different
'Land uses,' which are determined by both human activities and the physical characteristics of the
land.
The utilization of land is impacted by human needs and environmental factors. In countries
like India, rapid population growth and the emphasis on extensive resource exploitation can lead
to significant land degradation, adversely affecting the region's land cover.
Therefore, human intervention has significantly influenced land use patterns over many
centuries, evolving its structure over time and space. In the present era, these changes have
accelerated due to factors such as agriculture and urbanization. Information regarding land use and
cover is essential for various planning and management tasks related to the Earth's surface,
providing crucial environmental data for scientific, resource management, policy purposes, and
diverse human activities.
Accurate understanding of land use and cover is imperative for the development planning
of any area. Consequently, a wide range of professionals, including earth system scientists, land
and water managers, and urban planners, are interested in obtaining data on land use and cover
changes, conversion trends, and other related patterns. The spatial dimensions of land use and
cover support policymakers and scientists in making well-informed decisions, as alterations in
these patterns indicate shifts in economic and social conditions. Monitoring such changes with the
help of Advanced technologies like Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems is
crucial for coordinated efforts across different administrative levels. Advanced technologies like
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
9
Changes in vegetation cover refer to variations in the distribution, composition, and overall
structure of plant communities across different temporal and spatial scales. These changes can
occur natural.
How to Setup Warehouse & Location in Odoo 17 InventoryCeline George
In this slide, we'll explore how to set up warehouses and locations in Odoo 17 Inventory. This will help us manage our stock effectively, track inventory levels, and streamline warehouse operations.
How to Setup Warehouse & Location in Odoo 17 Inventory
ET News December 2010
1. Environment TO BAGO new slett er
E n vi r on m e n t TO-
BAGO (ET) is a non-
government, non-profit, vol-
unteer organisation , not
Volume 5 Issue 3 September 2010
subsidized by any one group, Environment TOBAGO’s 15th AGM
corporation or government
body.
Founded in 1995, ET is a
proactive advocacy group that Environment TOBAGO’s 15th AGM took place on the 28th July at the Bo-
campaigns against negative tanic Gardens Conference Room in Scarborough, and was attended by 30 members.
environmental activities
throughout Tobago. We
The meeting commenced with the chairman’s welcome and opening speech and
achieve this through a variety prayer by Mr. Kamau Akili.
of community and environ- Madam President, Mrs. Patricia Turpin, welcomed all those present and proceeded
mental outreach programmes. with her annual report. She first addressed the issue of minimal investment in the
Environment TOBAGO is conservation of the natural capital; she then proceeded to inform that with the newly
funded mainly through grants elected government, more optimistic times may follow. The effect of the economic
and membership fees. These
funds go back into implement- downturn upon Environment Tobago was also addressed – Mrs. Turpin highlighted
ing our projects. We are the impact that this had on the organisation’s operating capital and staffing budget.
grateful to all our sponsors
over the years and thank
The report then proceeded to reveal an unexpected turn in the organisation’s
them for their continued bleak economy – an alliance request from a large corporate sponsor. Mrs. Turpin
firstly thanked the unrelenting efforts of the girls in the office for organising the fund-
W hat’s inside ing requests and then explained that with such an exciting development, Environment
Tobago should be able to stand on its own for a long time.
ET’s 15th AGM 1 She then went on to extend gratitude to Ms Bridgette Laptiste for her single-
Book & DVD donation by US 2 handed management of ET’s administration; and then to Mr Bertrand Bhikarry for his
and Australian Embassies management and upkeep of the website, to Mr Gervais Alkins for running the ET Sun-
Charlotteville’s Community 3 day Hikes and to Ms Hema Singh for her
Awareness Day efforts in promoting awareness through the
Cyanobacteria in SW Tobago 4 Environmental Education Programme. At this
point in her report Mrs. Turpin also ex-
Biodiversity Lecture - J 6
David Hardy tended gratitude to ET’s new partner (the
Ecology Notes
Environmental Lawyers) Renee Gift-
7
Ramlogan & Co for assisting to push the
Telling it as it is 7 EMA to conform to the EIA process as re- The current ET Board of Directors, left to
The ubiquitous plastic bag 9 quired for different development projects on right, Shirley McKenna (Treasurer), Patricia
the island; to British volunteer Ms Zoe C Turpin (President), Wendy Austin (Secretary)
Rare corals discovery 10
Mason for her indefinite assistance in the of- and Bertrand Bhikkary (Vice President)
Tobago Megawatershed 11 fice and on the educational projects; and then
structure explained
to the Australian Embassy for their very generous donation of eighty seven new
Interview with David Rooks 12 books for the ET Library.
- Pt 2
The report proceeded to list the accomplishments of ET’s Education pro-
Traffic on Courland Greens 16 gram, to brief proposed projects for future implementation and to disclose the re-
Book Review 18 cently formed partnerships with the media, Coral Cay Conservation NGO, DNRE,
20
Garifuna Ltd, UNESCO, Piranha International and UWI.
What’s Happening @ ET
Treasurer, Mrs. Shirley McKenna, explained that in 2009 well over 93% of
Notes to contributors 22
2. Page 2 Environment TOBAGO newsletter
ET’s immediate funding was derived from special projects: from UNDP for the Wet-
lands project and Belle garden Wetland Project; from BPTT for the Rainforest Educa-
tion Programme; From Petrotrin, NLCB and BHP for the Keep a Clean School Compe-
tition; From CDF for the Summer Eco Camp; and from UTC for a beach cleanup. She
September 2010 also extended thanks to the J.D Fernandes Group for the recurrent funding of
$123,000. . She proceeded to stress that heightened emphasis must be placed on areas
that will generate income for recurrent purposes; for example forming strategic alli-
Editor:
Jo-Anne Nina Sewlal ance partnerships, focussing on sponsorship, advertisement and the employment of a
Assistant Editor: CEO. She concluded her report by emphasising the need for fundraising in order to
Christopher K. Starr keep the organisation alive.
Design & Layout: The meeting concluded by returning Madam President, Ms. Patricia Turpin, ex-
Jo-Anne Nina Sewlal
tending her congratulations to the new Board of Directors; she thanked Ms Janet Parks
Technical Support:
Jerome Ramsoondar for her role as Returning Officer and to Ms Bridgette Laptiste for assisting. She ex-
Enid Nobbee tended her hopes for the year ahead and thanked all for their support.
Contributors:
Jo-Anne Nina Sewlal
Christopher K. Starr
Bertrand Bhikkary
Zoë Charlotte Mason
Stuart Sampson The US and Australian Embassies support Environmental Education
Environment Generous donations of books and DVDs were provided to Environment To-
TOBAGO
Photographs: bago for the Education Centre Update
Jeff Canfield
Duncan Young Earlier this year we, Environment Tobago (ET), embarked on a new project to
Stuart Sampson update our existing library resources. The aim of this project was simply to acquire
Zoë Charlotte Mason
cutting edge books to help us expand our resource base and better serve our commu-
Environment
TOBAGO nity. With the generous support of the US and Australian Embassies this project pro-
posal was made a reality – a reality that serves to better Tobago’s Environmental Edu-
cation for years to follow.
Our existing library has been up and running for public use since the year 2000,
offering a wide range of reading material covering biological, oceanographic and geo-
Board of Directors graphic sciences as well as published re-
2010-2012 search papers; though due to lacking finan-
cial resources we were unable to expand
President:: the centre to satisfy the growing need of
Patricia Turpin the public. Last year, ET was able to pur-
Vice-President:
Bertrand Bhikkary chase approximately twenty books on the
Secretary: Logos II ship, which visited the island. This
Wendy Austin was the first time in over three years, in
Treasurer: which our organization was able to add
Shirley Mc Kenna
books to our library.
Committee members:
Kamau Akili With an array of new information
William Trim becoming available on environmental issues,
Fitzherbert Phillips concerns, solutions, technology etc we felt From left to right, Hema Singh (former Education
Geoffrey Lewis that this update was not only critically Officer, Wendy Austin (Secretary), Naette Lee
Rupert McKenna
Claudette Allard
needed but also long overdue. Teachers (US Embassy Librarian), Patricia Turpin (ET Presi-
David Antoine were continuously asking for more informa- dent)
Gervais Alkins tion on environmental issues, especially as
Darren Henry Environmental Studies and Wetlands are now a part of the secondary and primary
Zoë Charlotte Mason schools’ curriculum. This gap we needed to fill.
The US and Australian Embassies answered our prayers and to them we ex-
3. Volume 5 Issue 3 Page 3
tend eternal gratitude. The Australian Embassy generously provided us with a grand
eighty-seven book collection, covering a variety of genres: environmental, marine, bio-
logical, environmental management and sustainability to name a few. This delivery has
been a huge asset to our library collection and we are confident that scholars, tour
guides, students and the general public will seek to benefit from this new resource. In
addition to this wonderful donation, we received an unexpected call from the US Em-
bassy last week offering ET a selection of Marine books and DVDs. Combined with The
Australian Embassy’s donation; we are now closer to filling the gap that existed in our
library.
We thank both Embassies very much and now welcome all to visit our new li-
brary collection! As previous only ET members may loan the books, so please come on
up to 11 Cuyler Street, Scarborough and join us in our pursuit of promoting Environ-
mental Education for a more sustainable future.
From the people to the people—Environment Tobago helped TRHA set
president with Charlotteville’s Community Awareness day
Environment Tobago (ET) was one of the several groups that participated in
Tobago Regional Health Authority’s (TRHA) Community Awareness event in Char-
lotteville on Thursday 27th August. Other groups participating were: The Breast Can-
cer Screening Centre; The THA Social Services Department providing information on
mental health, substance misuse& abuse and also shelter management; The Commu-
nity Emergency Response Team (CERT); and The Red Cross who were providing in-
formation on sexual health and wellbeing.
The day proved to be a great success,
with a large number of visitors from the village
and from further afield getting involved; asking
questions, collecting information packs and sup-
porting the respective organisations. ET’s re-
ception was wonderfully encouraging; with
many taking interest in the organisation, our
mission and merchandise. As 2010 is the United
Nations International Year of Biodiversity
(IYOB) ET took this opportunity to provide
visitors with information on Tobago’s biodiver-
sity: its importance, its decline, how negative Visitor getting information at one of the
booths at Charlotteville’s Community
behaviours concerning the environment can
Awareness day.
directly impact on our health, and ways in
which we can all help to restore and preserve the island’s natural wonders.
By far the most important message to arise from this event was the impera-
tive need for more community collaboration drives to occur across the island. At ET
we deem understanding the direct effect of environmental degradation and disregard
on human health with utmost importance, particularly when you consider the existing
Dengue outbreaks, excessive flooding, and a seeming surge in water pollution island-
wide. The need is now greater than ever for information to be made easily accessible
to the public. In a forum such as the Charlotteville Community Awareness day this
objective was made achievable and ET would be delighted to make such occasions a
frequent feature across the island communities.
4. Environment TOBAGO newsletter Page 4
Preliminary Report on the Occurrence of Cyanobacteria in SouthWest
Tobago
Environment TOBAGO
The Problem
During the months of July-August 2010, dive operators on the southwest coast
of Tobago reported the presence of a cyanobacteria - this manifested as a red filament
(it looks like a spiders web) covering an area from Flying Reef in the south as far north
as Castara. The worst hit areas are Mt. Irvine Bay and Buccoo Bay. In Buccoo Bay, it is
severe.
The Plant
Considering the bacteria's ability to thrive in the local environment, the pres-
ence of a consistent single (or multiple source) of the factors which contribute to its
existence is suggested. Since it only grows in nutrient rich waters, the presence of sew-
age (e-coli) and other household or domestic waste may be evident on sampling.
Cyanobacteria can be found in almost every conceivable environment, from
oceans to fresh water to bare rock to soil. They can occur as planktonic cells or form
phototrophic biofilms in fresh water and marine environments, they occur in damp soil,
or even temporarily moistened rocks in deserts. A few are endosymbionts in lichens,
plants, various protists, or sponges and provide energy for the host. Some live in the
fur of certain animals, providing a form of camouflage.
Aquatic cyanobacteria are probably best known for the extensive and highly
visible blooms that can form in both freshwater and the marine environment and can
have the appearance of scum. The association of toxicity with such blooms has fre-
quently led to the closure of recreational waters when blooms are observed.
Certain cyanobacteria produce cyanotoxins including anatoxin-a, anatoxin-as,
aplysiatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, domoic acid, microcystin LR, nodularin R (from
Nodularia), or saxitoxin. Sometimes a mass-reproduction of cyanobacteria
results in algal blooms such as the red tide event. These toxins can be neurotoxins,
hepatotoxins, cytotoxins, and endotoxins, and can be toxic and dangerous to humans
and animals. Several cases of human poisoning have been documented on the global
level.
Level of Impact
Interviews with dive operators, guesthouse owners, small hotel operators, as
well as several repeat visitors who are familiar with southwest Tobago indicate their
concern for personal safety and of the health of their families, especially the young and
the elderly. There have been complaints of boils, swellings and skin rashes, treatment
of which have been confirmed by two general practitioners.
If the bacteria persists, the marine life in the area will be impacted by eutrophi-
cation. This is an increase in the concentration of nutrient content to an extent that
increases the primary productivity of the water body.
In other terms, it is the "bloom" or great increase of phytoplankton in a water
body. Negative environmental effects include particularly anoxia, or loss of oxygen in
the water with severe reductions in fish and other animal populations. Other species
5. Page 5 Environment TOBAGO newsletter
(such as jellyfish- an increase in and the presence of
Portuguese Man-o-War jelly fish seen at Grange Bay
due to a change of winds to North Easterly over a 2
day period in the 2nd week August- Visitors a locals
were seriously impacted) may experience an in-
crease in population that negatively affects other
species in the local ecosystem.
This cyanobacteria is toxic to fish and subse-
quently Humans. This will impact the fishing industry
and the tourism and restaurant industries and is a
matter of concern- the Bon Accord Lagoon and Cyanobacteria
mangroves being large nurseries for pelagic fish.
Probable causes (anecdotal)
The reports of skin infections, rashes and ear infections at Mt Irvine Bay has
been documented and can be verified in the present term by several people who
have had treatment subsequent to bathing there.
The lack of similar numbers in the Buccoo Bay/Bon Accord area may be at-
tributed to bathers less prone to infections since fishermen and acclimatized locals
tend to have less broken skins from mosquito bites and sandflies. Also less people
sea-bathe on a regular basis in the waters of Buccoo/Bon Accord Lagoon. No ques-
tions about infections were asked of bathers in the Pigeon Point area.
That there was a sustained algal bloom this year (2010 may prove to be the
hottest year on record. Water temperatures on the COVE reef were recorded in the
second week of August at 31C), may have contributed to the problem on such a
scale.
It seems cyanobacteria has found a suitable environment for sustained life.
“ To many people t hes e t all pe aks mak e for a challe ngi ng but sce nic hike. B ut t hey are not j ust anot her t all mount ai n to clim b. ”
The area was already under stress - Tobago SW suffers from nutrient enrichment
due to growing populations wastewater, malfunctioning sewerage plants
(It was reported in the first week of August, that the Mt. Pleasant Credit Un-
ion sewage plant- which also takes effluent from Coco Reef Hotel and Store Bay
Beach facilities was malfunctioning- outflow pipes had been opened into drains at the
corner of Anthony and Alfred Crescents, raw sewage had been flowing into these
drains for 2 months- this has subsequently been repaired), open sewage lines cesspit/
blackwater runoff and environmental hazards such as vehicle / highway / agricultural
pollutants.
Probable solutions
In the short term;
• Close beaches for bathing
• Close on rainy days
• Sample three times daily, test same (WASA and Division of Health to do this moni-
toring and make results available to the public)
• Open beaches for limited periods – when water testing shows that this can be
done.
• Offer free medical support to those affected
In the long term:
6. Volume 5 Issue 3 Page 6
• Use GIS mapping being done by Coral Cay Conservation/ Environment Tobago to fa-
cilitate visual signs of the presence of the bacteria in Tobago waters and on the reefs.
This will point to affected areas and will aid in identifying causes).
• Institute the National Action Plan
• Expedite an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan.
Of Note and Concern
The proposed WASA sewage system will place an outfall pipe in 30M of water
on the SW near Flying Reef. It will disperse nutrient which at certain times of the year
can detrimentally enrich the shallow waters off the Kilgywn Coast/Canoe Bay/Lambeau.
It is of note and concern that cyanobacteria and other problems that affect the natural
environment (which includes people) will proliferate on the Tobago SE coast also.
The Courland Bay already suffers from severe enrichment due to the hotel
laundry and the Plymouth Village runoff. The drainage from the baths and the pools at
YMCA will add to the problem to the point the entire south coast may prove unsafe to
the sea-bather. All such facilities need monitoring (See EMA Water Pollution Rules
Biodiversity, Extinction, and the Natural Heritage of the Island
of Tobago—Mr. J. David Hardy presents forty years of work on the threat-
ened biological heritage of Tobago
On July 15th July Mr. J. David Hardy gave a one-hour presentation on the biodi-
versity of Tobago. This lecture was held at Mt. Irvine Bay Hotel Environment Tobago and
The Tobago House of Assembly’s Department of
Education.
A resident of the United States, Mr. Hardy
(known locally as ‘Snake-Man’) has been a regular
visitor to Tobago since the early 1960’s. His life’s
work has been to inventory the biological riches
of Tobago. This work has culminated in an anno-
tated list of the biota of Tobago, as well as an in-
valuable library and biography of 7500 references
on the natural history of Tobago. Mr. Hardy is mak-
ing a special trip to the island to share his knowl- Orville London -Chief Secr. THA offers
edge of, and words of thanks for Hardy's presentation
passion for
Tobago and its rich natural heritage.
“Tobago has a high level of endemism” says Mr.
Hardy. Endemic species are animals and plants that
are found in only one area or island. “There are
rare endemic species, like the white-tailed sabre
winged hummingbird, and common ones, such as
the cocrico. These endemic species make Tobago a
special place for biodiversity”.
Dave Hardy about Tobago endemism and
biotic uniqueness
7. Page 7 Environment TOBAGO newsletter
ECOLOGY NOTES
What are Supernormal Stimuli?
Jo-Anne Nina Sewlal
Dept of Life Sciences, University of the West Indies
Supernormal stimulus or superstimulus is an exaggerated form of stimulus
which gets a stronger response than if a stimulus of a normal type was used. In order
to get such a response organisms have developed certain mechanisms which include
larger than normal appendages and colourful markings.
However, this concept is best explained using examples. The fiddler crab is one
such organism that utilises supernormal stimulus where the males have one normal
claw and while the other can be 2 to 3 times larger. This large claw is used as a shield
when battling other males to be selected by females for mating. Also, besides acting as
an effective shield, females also rate the health of the male according to the size of the
claw. So the larger the claw the healthier the male because he would have to be capa-
ble of getting enough food to support a large body and carry the weight of this claw.
Also he would have to have a good immune system and a good fighter to ward off
other males and predators to survive so long to get a claw that size.
But, there is a disadvantage to having such a large claw. For one thing it weighs
a lot and to a small animal like a crab it slows it down when it is retreating from preda-
tors. It also makes it easier for predators to spot it.
Supernormal stimuli are not only employed in order to attract mates, but also
as a form of parasitism by some bird species. Here the parasite species lays its egg
among that of the host species. The parasite egg is usually much larger than the host’s
egg. Again here size is taken as an indication of the health of the chick inside. When it
hatches, the host parent birds feed it more as it is larger therefore it will stand a better
“ To many people t hes e t all pe aks mak e for a challe ngi ng but sce nic hike. B ut t hey are not j ust anot her t all mount ai n to clim b. ”
chance than the other offspring of surviving, reproducing and carrying on what they
think is “their” genetic lineage.
Therefore we can see that this evolutionary tactic like others has both advan-
tages and disadvantages.
ARTICLES
Telling it as it is. Derive results by giving results
Bertrand Bhikarry
Environment TOBAGO
It's arguable that since mankind started living in groups, there has always been a
class of scientists, as there were public speakers, or communicators. It is increasingly
interesting to consider which group made the bigger impact on the paths civilization
chose over the last thousand years. Smart money says the talkers make the difference.
every time.
It's not a trivial consideration, especially if the eventual goal is to change the
norms of a culture. As is the task the environmental lobby worldwide faces daily. It's
obvious that the naturalists have not made the big a dent in the collective conscious-
8. Volume 5 Issue 3 Page 8
ness that's needed. Evidence of profligate lifestyles in most countries point to that sad
fact.
Our own country, Trinidad and Tobago offers no more comfort, even if the
national literacy rate averages over eighty percent. People simply aren't getting the
message that their failure to preserve the ecological balance of our natural environ-
ment will be detrimental in the extreme to one of the most valued forms of life - our
own flesh and blood, human families.
It's time for the talkers to come out and do their thing. The scientists have al-
ready done theirs - who in the academic community isn't aware of the vast amount of
studies done in our coastal waters, in our reefs, throughout our forests, and among the
agricultural sectors? Sustainable development? Reduce, Reuse, Recycle? All old hat, all
stale news among that enclave. Yet it would be remarkable indeed if the messages
were to take hold in the wider population. Yet there could be hope. As the urgency of
the situation grows (among the aware), messaging solutions are taking shape. The ubiq-
uitous survey is one of these tools.
However, amazingly, among the environmental research community, the ran-
dom survey is not always immediately recognized as an actual educational or opinion-
shaping tool. Those piles of questions, as useful as they can be to prove and confirm
some project objective, are also key to creating public awareness and appreciation
about the resource in question. It can be pivotal at showing relevance to the local
situation. It also substantiates the intuitive cries from the heart emanating from the old
tree-hugger groups, as some questions are posed for the emotional take.
Politicians and their spin doctors know how to use surveys to their advantage;
as we've seen from the media blitzes attendant to election campaigns in the last few
decades. The ecologist, typically coming out of the science community, may not be as
adept in using a survey’s results beyond its singular purpose, but only maybe because
he sees no importance to report to anyone other than his funders. So if by observa-
tion, politicians accept their prime target as Joe Public, and always report, if at times
selectively, to them; then it's time for the scientists to zero in to that same public via
direct communication, even if it's 'only' survey results, and in a timely manner.
Can it really be that simple? For instance, is it only a matter of getting the com-
munity interested in results of the thirty odd research projects which passed through
the Buccoo Reef in as many years, to effect their 'buy-in'? Will the reef-boat operators,
the fishermen, and the Tobago housewives treat Buccoo as a delicate and living organ-
ism such as the scientists have come to know it? Will the acquisition of similar knowl-
edge impact positively elsewhere in our country if the Learned Ones deign to share
what they are gifted when they survey the communities during their work?
It could be so, as mentioned earlier. Time (and comparison of active member-
ship and participation) between faith to science-based charities, has shown the great
impact a gifted communicator may achieve. Sharing their knowledge taken from the
common man has potential for scientists to achieve project goals and create working
partnerships.
9. Page 9 Environment TOBAGO newsletter
The Ubiquitous Plastic Bag
Zoë Charlotte Mason
Environment Tobago
Perhaps one of the longest lasting fashion crazes to surface during the last
century is the plastic bag; appearing in all shapes and sizes, colours and designs, the
plastic bag is by far the most owned and sought after product to hit the market. Or at
least it was.
In 2001 the United States Environmental Protection Agency estimated that
between 500 billion and a trillion plastic bags were consumed across the world annu-
ally. (John Roach, 2003). Of this grand total, over 100 billion beautiful bags were
thrown away by American citizens and approximately 0.6% of all bags produced were
recycled. (World Watch Institute, 2008). Perhaps the most eloquent of descriptions
to illustrate the plastic bags’ presence came from a 2003 National Geographic article:
They sit balled up and stuffed into the one that hangs from the pantry door. They
line bathroom trash bins. They carry clothes to the gym. They clutter landfills. They flap from
“Plastic bags are
trees. They float in the breeze. They clog roadside drains. They drift on the high seas. They
the product of
fill sea turtle bellies. (John Roach, 2003).
intense chemical/
heat manipula-
So yes, the plastic bags were and are (in many countries) everywhere, but
tion and treat-
what exactly is a plastic bag?
ment – and be-
Plastic bags are the product of intense chemical/heat manipulation and treat-
lieve it or not,
ment – and believe it or not, start their existence as basic fossil fuels; crude oil, natu-
start their exis-
ral gas or petrochemicals. So when we become vexed at the state of the large corpo-
tence as basic
rations’ reliance upon and their exploitation of oil and gas, we are bypassing the no-
fossil fuels; crude
tion that much of what we use on a day-to-day basis derives from this source too.
oil, natural gas or
In short, the production of plastic bags produces a multifaceted problem: our
petrochemicals. “
“ To many people t hes e t all pe aks mak e for a challe ngi ng but sce nic hike. B ut t hey are not j ust anot her t all mount ai n to clim b. ”
gross demand and consumption equates to extensive exhausting of already depleting
resources; the production process also emits hazardous pollutants into the environ-
ment. Polyethylene’s standard form does not biodegrade, so even IF the bags reach
landfill they don’t break down without further chemical influence; and finally due to
their light weight, they are susceptible to uncontrollable travelling – which is most
visible in our trees, drainage systems and oceans.
So what? For one, the Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) – the magnifi-
cent prehistoric creature that frequent our beaches here in Tobago to lay their eggs
annually, are dying from congesting our plastic bags. These creatures can consume
twice their body weight (up to 1800kg) in Jellyfish every day but plastic bags floating in
the ocean are often mistaken for jellies. The Leatherbacks have an amazing capability
to “keep warm in cold water, dive over 1000 meters below sea level, travel thousands of
miles and gulp down a Portuguese man-of-war but is threatened by the inert plastic shopping
bag”. (Mrosovky. N, 1987; Cited by Earth Resource, 2004).
Therefore to move forward from our seeming ‘plastic addiction’, what is to
be our rehabilitation recourse? If we are to follow by example, the most achievable
solutions should fall in the form of taxation, eradication and in providing/ offering al-
ternative products:
In the past ten years initial efforts to achieve this have proved successful glob-
ally: In Bangladesh and Bombay, plastic bags were banned following the realisation that
they were the ‘main culprit during the 1988 and 1998 floods that submerged two-
thirds of the country’. (The BBC, 2002; Cited by John Roach, 2003). In Ireland, the
10. Volume 5 Issue 3 Page 10
introduction of taxes at supermarkets of 15cents per bag resulted in a 90% drop in
plastic bag use in the first year. (The BBC, 2002; Cited by John Roach, 2003). And
now, close to seven years on, supermarket taxations continue to exist, promoting the
individual to adopt a heightened sense of ownership and awareness when it comes to
their nonchalant usage- more than anything charging individuals creates an impact as it
now ‘directly affects’ them.
In addition to these financial charges, we have seen the introduction and esca-
lating use of reusable shoppers. The reusable, which was once perceived to be the bag
of the hippy, is now all the rage across much of Europe, South East Asia and America:
Made of cotton, jute, canvas or recycled plastics, the bags are more durable and thus
have a much longer life than the average plastic bag. Though in Tobago, these bags are
seemingly few and far between, with the majority of reusable shoppers being brought
over by expats. This however is about to change.
At present Environment Tobago, the THA Department of Marketing and Mor-
shead grocery have all had produced their own reusable bags for public purchase and
use. So get GREEN- by a reusable bag today; finally you’ll be able to reduce how many
bags you have to lug back from the supermarket; and carry a bag that won’t break with
more than four items inside; most importantly, you’ll be helping to reduce further un-
necessary impact to our environment.
Rare Corals- Discovery- Man-o-War Bay
Stuart Sampson
For Identification purposes I originally contacted Paul Humann of the fish/coral
ID books who could not identify them, he then put me onto Dr Cairnes at the Smith-
sonian who also was unable to recognise them. In turn Dr Cairnes put me onto Prof.
Sanchez who said he also saw them when diving in Tobago in 2009.
What I can do is confirm they are NOT
invasive species, they are found only in Tobago
waters and more specifically ONLY in the North
East Tobago between Sisters and London Bridge.
Most abundantly around the outer edges of the
Man o war bay area In particular, and great abun-
dance at a site called Magnificent (where I believe
only I dive) They habit north facing sheltered walls
and drop offs between 70 and 120 feet.
There are two kinds, one I have called
The Crimson Crown which I first noticed and
photographed in October 2006 at Sisters, the Habitat of Crimson Crown and
other I call the Charlotteville Spray, which seems Charlotteville Sea Spray
to be an orange variant of a black spray common
to Tobago waters, it looks very similar to the golden sea spray found in the north west
Caribbean and inhabits a similar depth etc. but is thicker than the golden sea spray and
that is not found in the northern Caribbean region. Most likely this is a new variation of
a species.
11. Page 11 Environment TOBAGO newsletter
Crimson Crown
Crimson Crown in natural light
Charlotteville Sea Spray
Close up of Crimson Crown
“ To many people t hes e t all pe aks mak e for a challe ngi ng but sce nic hike. B ut t hey are not j ust anot her t all mount ai n to clim b. ”
Tobago megawatershed structure explained
Bertrand Bhikkary
Environment TOBAGO
It was at the Cayman Islands hosted Caribbean Water and Wastewater Asso-
ciation's 10th Annual conference that Robert Bisson made his definitive presentation
on 'Megawatersheds Groundwater Assessment and Recharge Calibration on the Is-
land of Tobago'. The date was October 2001, and the Caribbean was still in the dark
ages where water retrieval technology was concerned.
The events leading to the watershed disclosure in the Caymans had its origins
in the African Rift where the first multi-basin aquifer systems were discovered and
reported around the early 1980's. In the decade before, the geologic feature, that is
fractured bedrock aquifers and aquifer systems, had just become formally acknowl-
edged as sustainable, perennial, and economically feasible groundwater sources.
Geologic features such as the African mega watersheds were considered by
groundwater investigators as the type of 'new' find which only modern methods could
reveal. It was a challenge faced by other resource prospectors. For example, before
1970, the known petroleum fields were limited to what could be shown by conven-
tional hydrological modelling and investigative techniques. Affordable satellite imagery,
12. Volume 5 Issue 3 Page 12
computer modelling based on GIS data, and other modern tools changed the face of
the entire mining industry as the millennium approached.
After 1980, the use of a multi-variant, matrix approach for preliminary assess-
ment was applied to the process used by water detection crews, with a similar result
for the fresh water industry. It turned out the old methods for 'truthing' had caused
the misclassification of the subterranean formations. The results they had generated,
ultimately created the unnecessary shortage for the Africans of the Rift, and similarly
failed to prove adequate groundwater potential in Trinidad and Tobago.
In 1997 Robert Bisson and his team from Earthwater Technology adapted a “Geologic fea-
highly modified approach to gauging preliminary assessments for groundwater availabil- tures such as the
ity in a pilot project in Tobago. He drew heavily on the work of a USAID sponsored African mega wa-
program done in Somalia, where all new factors in the emerging science were added to tersheds were
conventional water finding techniques. For all intents and purposes, they combined the considered by
old knowledge with the new tools and they went looking for fault lines, fractures, and groundwater in-
potential places where water might lie adjacent to previous sources. vestigators as the
The Tobago fault line running roughly along the Tobago Main Ridge from a cen- type of 'new' find
tral point near Moriah, going on past Speyside and outwards under the seafloor to the which only mod-
north. The Fault itself has seven intersects or fractures. These are depicted by the ern methods
black lines. It is along the Fault and its fractures that water derived from rainfall runoff could reveal. “
collect in huge saturated subterranean basins, or mega watersheds.
By the year 2002 the government of Trinidad and Tobago had solid evidence of
the existence of a mega watershed in Tobago at least, with a proven capability to de-
liver a sustained 200 million gallons per day of fresh groundwater from hitherto un-
known sources. Earthwater Technology Inc. actually went home and in the following
year (2003), used the data they had compiled about Caribbean geology to estimate a
'build-out' potential for unmapped and untapped water. The ETI models assert that the
Caribbean islands can produce in excess of 2,000 million gallons of water per day from
the fractured bedrock systems and mega watersheds.
It's important to keep in mind the chronology of events especially in the case of
Trinidad and Tobago. In view of its projected water needs, the TT government at the
time had started looking at the alternatives to rain fed water supplies, specifically de-
salination plants. The eventual path taken for harnessing supplementary water was not
to be the optimization of groundwater. Instead using the state agency WASA, they
went for a Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) desalinization plant.
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF DAVID ROOKS. Part 2. Life in Tobago.
Edited by Christopher K. Starr and Jo‑Anne N. Sewlal
Dept of Life Sciences, University of the West Indies
[We conclude here David Rooks's autobiographical essay, based on an interview con-
ducted at Talparo, Trinidad on 30 December 2009. At the end of Part 1, David had re-
tired from business in Trinidad and moved to Tobago.]
One of the things I miss in Tobago is the regular routine of the Field Naturalists'
Club to which I had become accustomed in Trinidad. When I moved to Tobago in 1985
some naturalists thought I should start one. I rang the president of the Club and asked
that it be discussed at a monthly meeting, with the view that I would found a branch in
13. Page 13 Environment TOBAGO newsletter
Tobago if the Club approved. The Club thought it was a good idea, and and I became
the founding branch president.
However, once we were organised and meeting regularly, we found that no one
else was doing anything for conservation or preservation of the environment. That came
to occupy our time, and eventually we decided that we had to take a separate position.
We were taking all our time for that and not paying attention to being the branch of the
Club. So we called a meeting of the people that were interested in conservation and
formed Environment Tobago (ET).
For a time ET existed parallel to the Tobago branch of the Club, but eventually
we just did not have time for both, so the Club lapsed in Tobago.
In the years between the move to Tobago and the beginning of the Tobago
branch of the Club, I became a tour operator. At first people found out about me and
came to ask me to take them to see specific things or on a hike through the forest. In
time, that led me to make a business of it. It did very well until the tourism fell with the
second recession around 2005. Then the Tobago tourist situation became dire, as it
continues today. We had a meeting with all the foreign agents of Tobago a month or
two ago, and they don't paint a rosy picture for the future. Tobago has got a reputation
“If there is any now as a crime destination, and since the close‑down of the Hilton the airlines are stat-
future for tourism ing that there are not enough rooms to make Tobago an attractive one‑shot destination.
They are at present negotiating with the government for concessions to make it worth-
in Tobago it has
while bringing tourists to Tobago, otherwise they will shut down the Tobago routes. If
to be away from
that happens, the situation will become impossible, as visitors will have to come to Trini-
sending tourists dad first and then find their way to Tobago. I don't know how seriously the government
on the beach to- is taking their warnings. The West Indies in general have a bad name, except for Cuba
ward natural his- and to a certain extent the Dominican Republic
tory. “ Hilton‑style tourism development is of course not the only kind, but at present
it is the only economically viable kind? There are people building cabana‑style develop-
ments, which will attract some tourism, but the airlines like to think that they can take an
aircraft with 300 people to Tobago, and 295 will get off in Tobago. The present reality is
that 295 land in Barbados or Cuba or Antigua, and only the last few continue to Tobago,
“ To many people t hes e t all pe aks mak e for a challe ngi ng but sce nic hike. B ut t hey are not j ust anot her t all mount ai n to clim b. ”
so the airlines don't find it economical.
If there is any future for tourism in Tobago it has to be away from sending tour-
ists on the beach toward natural history. People are concerned about the planet and
what is being done to protect it. That is the area where there is some hope. Tobago
has much to offer, such as the oldest legally protected rain forest on the planet, good
coral reefs and 210 birds. Unfortunately, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) doesn't
seem much interested in orientating tourists towards natural history.
At the peak of my tour‑guiding activity, I had a tour every week and occasionally
as many as three or four in a week. Now there are fewer visitors, so I'm lucky to get
more than one a month. In addition, tours are much smaller now. I am taking two sci-
entists to look for centipedes next month, but that's all I have definitely booked for the
month.
The visitors who engage me as a guide are middle‑class nature lovers who want
to see more conservation around the world and are very much interested in what To-
bago naturally has to offer. One family is a good example. They came on their honey-
moon. They came back and brought their first children when they were old enough to
understand, and last year they brought their grandchildren to go out with me.
There is some scope for harnessing the opinions of these visitors for conserva-
tion politics, but you have to have numbers. You can make some impact if you get some
visitors to write the THA and say how disappointed they were to see this or that hap-
pening, and they hope Tobago would realise what a gift they have and do all they can to
preserve it. Tobago is a gift to mankind. It has too much original about it not to be so.
You can see a variety of land and marine environments, many birds, and much else.
14. Volume 5 Issue 3 Page 14
You can even get very close to the red‑billed tropicbirds to see them on the nest,
one of the most beautiful birds in the world. And we have others, like the blue‑backed
manakins. I have shown my visitors their courtship dancing, up close.
I would have to rate the public awareness of environmental questions in Tobago as
extremely low. I used to write a series of popular articles on Tobago natural history for
the Tobago News. One of the few comments I can remember from the public came af-
ter I wrote that there were 24 species of snakes and none were poisonous. The com-
ment was "That Rooks think he know too much. He saying none of the poisonous
snakes in Tobago, but what about the coral snakes?"
I also got some good compliments. I was passing by a house, and a Rastaman ran
out and asked "You is Rooks?" I said that I was, and he hugged me up and kissed me and
said "Keep writing. I does wait for my Tobago News to read your article."
I get a lot of people asking my opinion, and I want to start writing again. I think I
have a lot to tell the public, because I have experience with nature from both the hunting I also got some
side to the conservation side. And like that man making a remark that I think I know too good compli-
much, that I say “Tobago has no poisonous snakes,” which is a lot of bunk. ments. I was
At a time when agriculture was in decline, the government was receiving a lot of passing by a
requests for shotguns licenses in Tobago, supposedly to protect crops. A researcher from house, and a
the United Nations investigated and concluded 99% of these requests for licences were for Rastaman ran out
hunting, not to protect agriculture. They were using the excuse that they wanted to shoot and asked "You is
parrots that were destroying their cocoa at a time when cocoa was almost closed down. Rooks?" I said
The researcher strongly recommended issuing no more shotgun licenses. that I was, and he
There is room for public argument to stop hunting in Tobago, but it would be very hugged me up
hard politically. Many people tell me privately that it should be stopped. It has been rec- and kissed me
ommended that Tobago become a game reserve, land and marine. There are sanctuaries and said "Keep
in Tobago at present, but there is no one to police them. Among the marine sanctuaries, writing. I does
Buccoo Reef is being badly abused. And there is always hunting going on in the rain forest wait for my To-
reserve. No one tells them it is a sanctuary, and even during the closed season I hear dogs bago News to
when I take tours there. Being an old hunter, I know what those dogs are doing. In To- read your arti-
bago a lot of traps are also used. You see them walking with traps at the side of the road cle."
in the closed season, quite unconcerned, and no one asks them.
On rare occasions I meet people coming out of the forest with guns, and they are
very friendly, not worried that I might be a game warden, as I was. I volunteered as a game
warden, but after a year I realised it was a waste of time. If I am guiding tourists in the for-
ests and see people come out from hunting what do I do? Take out my hand cuffs and put
it on them? Besides, the police are not interested.
If there was full public information, I believe it would demonstrate that Tobago-
nians would benefit more economically from ecotourism than they presently do from
hunting. An analysis of the Caroni Swamp in Trinidad many years ago came to just such a
conclusion and resulted in the present sanctuary. I would encourage a university-level re-
search project on the feasibility of making all of Tobago a wildlife sanctuary.
I would say that the fraction of people who are consciousness of environmental
issues is much the same in Tobago and Trinidad. The difference is that Tobagonians will
not go out and demonstrate against the government, not even if the government is burning
down their house. In Trinidad I see them demonstrating for different things, especially
around the proposed aluminum smelter. I am glad to see these protests, because the
smelter is the worst thing they could allow. It has been proved to be very detrimental in
other countries, which is why those countries won't hear of allowing aluminum smelters,
so they come to Trinidad. It's a very dangerous type of manufacture. And even after the
manufacturing process is finished there is the problem of getting rid of the waste is a prob-
lem. You can't get rid of it here without poisoning the country, and other countries won't
take it.
I have little involvement with ET at the present time, for health reasons. The
stress of organising things affects me, so I'm taking a rest. As a result, I'm not up to date
15. Page 15 Environment TOBAGO newsletter
on ET affairs, but the size of the membership is healthy, some hundreds. However, I don't
find enough members active, and I don't find that we take advantage of the interested for-
eigners as much as we could. I think more writings in foreign natural-history magazines
would serve a useful purpose. I have written for a few.
I have also been writing a book about saving the Earth from human‑made de-
struction. My nephew, Edward Rooks, was a member of the club. He is now an artist
based in the USA and also works as a guide for a big tour company in California. He told
me that in Antarctica the de‑icing is so fast that where he used to take tourists to walk on
ice is now sand, And he says the Great Barrier Reef of Australia is about 1/3 white, it's
bleached. The same thing is happening all over the Caribbean. I subscribe to Scientific
American, which has occasional articles on climate change, and the one this month will
be different to the one next month. One scientist tells me climate change has hap-
pened many times in the geological history of the world, and it will continue for the
next 20 or 50 years and then go to an ice age, so everybody will be talking about it be-
ing too bloody cold. He doesn't seem to share the present excitement about climate
change. We have to cut down on some of the manufacturing that we are doing, but he
says it is not mankind alone that is causing climate change its natural to the environ-
ment and the plan,
“I believe it would On a much more local scale, there are several environmental questions that face
demonstrate that Tobago today. Hunting is definitely one of them. Garbage disposal is another, as it is not
Tobagonians being done in a proper scientific manner. Instead of the garbage degrading, it is becoming
would benefit a garbage mountain. The breakdown products that flow out of it poison the rivers. And
the people who live near the garbage dump complain about illnesses, which arise from
more economi-
gases that they inhale. So, we must have a more scientific approach to garbage disposal in
cally from ecot- Tobago. A more serious attitude is needed.
ourism than they They promised to put in a sewage-disposal system many years and ago, but the
presently do from THA decided it was too expensive. Only one of the proposed plants was ever built and is
hunting. “ still in operation near Scarborough, but the rest of Tobago is relatively untreated.
One area where ET has been active but could be even more so is education, both
in schools and in the general public. I would definitely recommend more articles in
environment‑related magazines abroad and locally. We do not have nearly enough public
education of the environment, how important it is to mankind and what we can do easily
to preserve it and what we can do with our tax money. ET is doing work with the
schools, but what about when the children leave school? We need to be more active in
the society as a whole.
ET has avoided all party alliances and must continue to do so. Those have proven
in the past to be a trap. However, it is definitely acceptable, even recommended, to work
with other NGOs. We have had some initiatives in that direction in the past, but I don't
see any at present. And the churches has potential. The churches sometimes tell their
parishioners to have a good harvest festival and make sure you serve some good wildmeat
to attract the people. They obviously say it in good intention, but the people do not un-
derstand the necessity of conservation. There is no reason not to include that message in
their preaching.
I've been involved in natural history from childhood. It never gave me anything
but pleasure, even when I learnt that I should not be keeping wild animals in cages. It is a
treasure that is given to each country that you did nothing to create. That plant right
there is our national flower, the chaconia. And I just saw a Turkey Vulture go past as we
were talking here. They clean up the environment, and they are very interesting to watch.
If you find a corbeau nest in the forest I guarantee you will run like hell, because you know
what they are feeding on immediately. And the nestlings have a defense method that is
very effective. They shoot vomit at you.
So I think that conservation should be of prime importance in the plan for us to
enjoy the benefit of what we were given.
16. Environment TOBAGO newsletter Page 16
Traffic on the Courland greens
Bertrand Bhikarry
Environment TOBAGO
People are strange. The more access they have to something, the less they ap-
preciate it. This is a pattern of behaviour with which numerous social scientists, house-
wives, and most individuals would agree exists. However the condition goes past our
human relationships. It's apparent in the way we treat with nature. The little wood
near the beach at Courland Bay is under heavy threat by vehicular traffic
As our generation works toward the elusive goals of progress, we need to
bear in mind we are travelling a road already taken, indeed one already questioned by
others. The negatives are in evidence daily as we witness the First World tasting the
bitter fruit of improper development. Daily in the news, we read of their punishments,
suffered many times due to the lack of respect for nature. We note with regret as
some pay the ultimate price for not being more in tune with the patterns for living in
harmony with Earth.
We are lucky here, there's no doubting that as a semi-rural people we are still “Courland Bay
not quite divorced from the pull of nature. Most adults among us can attest to knowing and the sur-
something drawn from a personal experience. While in conversation about it, we can rounding wood is
visualize the emerald shades of Buccoo Reef. During travel we boast about the rainfor- one of the few
est with strong proprietary feelings, and among family we speak in hushed tones about relatively un-
adverse weather as memories of the named storms flash past. modified parts of
In drawing upon experiences gained by interaction with those aspects of na- Tobago, bar the
ture, we are wise; that is if wisdom can be defined as the ability to be in tune, in touch legally protected
with what matters most. So are we really using our knowledge? One way to tell is to forests of the
look around us. Seeing the damage we casually inflict on them, it seems the islands Main Ridge. “
trees are more of a humbug to us, a bothersome threat in the face of increasingly ad-
verse weather, and a source of irritating bugs for those who pass through wooded ar-
eas. In destroying them we use the excuse of 'progress' to take a step backward - in
spite of the bad news from elsewhere.
In late May of this year, a sporting event
was held in the Plymouth area, with the
base of operations set alongside the
tranquil Turtle beach. It should have
been held elsewhere. Why not at Pigeon
Point Heritage Park? That is a suitable
location for family days, sports, weddings
and much more. The well known loca-
tion was bought for public use, has the
built facilities, and needs the return on
the investment to pay for the staff load
Vegetation has given way to tire tracks there.
On the other hand, Courland Bay and
the surrounding wood is one of the few
relatively unmodified parts of Tobago, bar the legally protected forests of the Main
Ridge. It's beautiful, it's convenient for island residents to enjoy a quick communion
with nature, and it's about to be destroyed by vehicular traffic. Already weekend users
trample the roots and the undergrowth with their cars and the wildlife is threatened
with noise pollution from the music systems.
Traffic on the greens of the Courland should be limited to those who walk in
17. Page 17 Environment TOBAGO newsletter
only. Not even bikers should ride while in there, lest they threaten the well-being of
kids, toddlers getting the chance of tuning in to their environment at an early stage, or
lovers speaking soft words. Presently the area is still salvageable for posterity - yet it
can be in constant use as a nature park.
The benefits to the cause are many, if
benign. We speak daily of the ravages of
a growing crime rate, yet we attach little
significance to the need for families to
spend time together in a setting condu-
cive to maintaining social ties. Parks as
public spaces are good in this regard,
since the benefits of festivals like the
Carnival may not serve the same pur-
pose.
Courland Nature Park. It's a fine sound-
ing name, and it needs no funding be-
yond what has already been spent by
the Tobago House of Assembly in pur-
Sparse vegetation at the small woodland near chasing the estate. Community involve-
Courland Bay beach ment can do the little things needed.
Leave out the construction of the 'public
facilities' - it's a short drive to many such
amenities in the area. Leave out the car parking facilities, as the nearby public swimming
pool is sure to include ample parking.
The tree-huggers use the term 'environmental ethics'. It aptly describes the needed
keystone approach for Tobago's development in these days. It is not a bad thing to
have less, as it affects our relationship with nature. The difficulty is being strong enough
to withstand the pressure of new and outside influences. While the main example of
this piece centres around a triathlon and all its hoopla, soon there will be more attrac-
tions of similar description and with destructive potential. They need to be diligently
evaluated.
Already last year, there was a high speed car rally in the Courland estate which
was justified by the House of Assembly as enabling farm roads to the area. The fact
that the existing cart roads of invaluable historical importance were bulldozed was not
factored in the cost. The supposition is that seventy or so motor sport enthusiasts and
their families would create a fillip to the tourism thrust. Something's wrong with the
formula. Are we 'clean, green and serene', or are we suckers for any idea proposed by
outside interests?
Arguments abound for the need to create attractions for tourism, the islands
bread and butter. These actually already exist, as any onlooker would agree. We just
need remain in full appreciation, not take them for granted, nor attempt to recreate
the ill-fated man-made version. Let us learn from the mistakes of others. As it relates
to the Courland Nature Park, keeping to the 'wise' course, the one most in touch with
nature's way, will almost certainly see the people of this island taking Mother Nature's
tantrums in stride when she demands her share of attention. We are a country folk
and we should be proud of it. In the meantime let us show the appreciation we have
for a natural Tobago. She doesn't need us. We need her.