Trinidad and Tobago students have been involved in several environmental projects including the Sandwatch Project, water and air quality testing, beach cleanups, and tree planting. The Sandwatch Project trains students to monitor beaches and collect data on debris, water quality, and physical changes to help manage beaches. On World Environment Day, multiple schools participated in a beach cleanup, march, and sand sculpting competition. Students also tested water quality in rivers to check pollution levels and presented their findings to officials. A new air quality testing project is measuring pollution near schools. Environmental education field trips and the establishment of a school peace park have also helped engage students in environmental protection efforts.

1. N Trinidad & Tobago D Y Presenters : Abraham Fergusson and Rondelle Keller S

2. About Trinidad and Tobago

3. Natural Disasters That Affect Trinidad and Tobago We must get involved to protect our world and be prepared for disasters!

4. How we got involved! Sandwatch Project Water Testing Air Quality Testing Tree planting and Beautification Project Hikes (educational field trips) Influencing Policy Making

6. SandwatchHistory The Sandwatch Project was introduced to Trinidad and Tobago by the teacher, Mr Andy Paul It was formed in collaboration with UNDP Ultimately the project was formed because of the information that was learnt about climate change and its effects on our costal areas.

7. SandwatchObjectives To reduce the level of pollution in the Caribbean Sea To train school children in the scientific observation of beaches through field measurements and data analysis To assist school children, with the help of their local communities, to use the information collected to better manage the region’s beaches

8. SandwatchField Activities Select a beach for observation Describe the beach Measure the beach debris Measure the water quality

9. Record the human activities on the beach Measure and record physical changes in the beach Collect sand samples and record characteristics

10. Measure and record wave characteristics Measure long shore currents Record the animals and plants

20. SandwatchWorld Environment Day On June 5th students from different schools across Trinidad and Tobago came together at Mayaro beach for the observation of World Environment Day. Activities included: beach clean up, environmental march and sand sculpting competition.

21. Beach clean up…….. 22 Schools and 4 CBOs participated Several pounds of various types of debris was found.

25. Environmental March…….. After the beach clean up we took to the streets, marching for the environmental cause and handing out educational material about the environment to residents of Mayaro.

28. Sand Sculpting Competition……. Students formed teams to participate in the sand sculpting competition They had 15 minutes to sculpt using 2011 World Environmental Day theme “Forest: Nature at your service”

31. Environmentally inspired art……….

33. Water Quality Testing On World Water Day (March 22nd) students were engaged in the field operation of testing the water quality of the Lopinot River in Trinidad.

34. Water Quality TestingObjectives To educate students about water quality To train students in the field about determining the pH, turbidity, oxygen levels to deem water safe or unsafe. To check quality of our nation rivers

35. Water Quality Testing Field Activities Select a river site for research Determine the width and depth of the river Determine the velocity of the river Determine the pH, turbidity and oxygen level of the water Describe the river surroundings and rocks, looking particularly at any visible human activity and source of pollution

39. Water Quality TestingResults

41. Air Quality Testing It is a brand new project. The project is being done in collaboration with the University of the West Indies – Atmospheric Investigative Research. It is a two phase project.

42. Phase one of the project involves 36 different secondary schools. Objectives are to measure and record the levels of Ozone and Black Carbon pollution in and around the school area.

43. Phase two involves 6 students from the University. Objectives are to measure and record the levels of Sulphur Dioxide and Ammonia pollution.

44. Already high levels of black carbon pollution was detected around a school located in South Trinidad (an industrialised area). The ultimate objective is to produce data that can be presented to government officials so that laws and governmental action can prevent damage to the environment and students’ health.

47. Tree Planting and Beautification In late 2010 the Chemistry Students of El Dorado East formed an environmental club “Eldo Blue Gone Green” Objectives were to educate, plant trees, take hikes to ultimately stimulate the 1500 student population to action.

50. In December 2010, we created a green area with benches and plants around a big tree on the school compound called “The Peace Park”. The Peace Park was created entirely on the money raised by the club members. It helped to provide relaxation, a place to study and where students loved to take photos.

53. During the school week we took turns in managing the Peace Park and the other trees we planted around the compound We ensured….the park was clean and the plants were healthy and watered.

56. Hikes The students of the Environmental Club went on field trips to have a one on one experience with the environment. We were able to spot monkeys and learn about the different species of plants in the areas we toured. We also learnt our history.

61. Involvement in Policy Making This year we took an active role in policy making. We attended the EMA Green Business Forum and the RBC Water Business Forum. At these meetings we were able to contribute and speak to those people that are in office to make the changes we need.

62. Thank You For Your Attention