Environment Tobago

Along the North side Road, Tobago, close to the Des Vignes Primary School, Runnemede is located a silk cotton or kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra L.). Tropilab Inc. places this species in the Bombacaceae family but it now resides in the Malvaceae family.
This silk cotton tree stands out in the eyes of locals and thousands of visitors, including tourists. The tree is noticeable because:
(1) it has a very wide crown and a merchantable height of about 20.15 m;
(2) large buttresses or winged-roots above which the diameter at breast height (dbh) is 1.05 m; 3). It disperses a myriad wind-borne seeds annually from April to May (these may have a stifling effect on humans and other creatures close-by.
Be mindful that this silk cotton tree is an old tree (a veteran tree as called abroad). Perhaps, it is over one hundred years old (based on informal interviews with some of the senior locals).

Image: Map depicting levels of pollution in the earth's oceans
Nearly half of the world's human population lives within 50 miles of the coastline, but most of us depend on the ocean and the resources it provides, whether it be for food we eat or the oxygen we breathe. The reality is; the ocean provides invaluable benefits and services to our species. Such as :
Climate Regulation: Ocean dynamics strongly affect climate and weather patterns, transferring heat from the equator to the poles and moderating carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
Food: Seafood is a major food staple and protein source. Per capita consumption of seafood is increasing around the globe.
Economy: Ocean-related industry provides revenue through fishing, seafood distribution, tourism, recreation and transportation. Seafood has become one of the most exported items in the global market today.
Transportation: Ocean-bound shipping accounts for more than 90 percent of global trade.
Medicine: Biomedical products derived from marine plant and animal sources provide important medicinal products and health benefits.
Recreation: The often-intangible benefits derived from spending time in and around the ocean are largely immeasurable.

Social Determinants of Health Internship Programme for Caribbean Secondary School Students (2012)

The Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health in conjunction with the University of the West Indies, Faculty of Medical Sciences-St. Augustine Campus, will host a 5-week paid internship for 20 students of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. Selected students will receive training on public health issues, social determinants of health and community-based research. Interested students should apply online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Z63K98H

Who should apply?
Students enrolled in 5th or lower 6th form as of January 1, 2012 who attend one of the programme’s partner schools (see secondary school principal for more details), with 75% or better in Math, Science(s) and health-related subjects and an overall average of 75% or greater.

When will the internship be held?
The internship begins Monday, July 16, 2012 and ends on Friday, August 17, 2012.
Applicants should have a strong interest in public health and such interest in the essay portion of their application. Applicants successfully completing the program will receive $250 USD (post-completion)
Application deadline: Students MUST apply using the above web link no later than April 16, 2012
Additional questions? E-mail program managers at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Unseasonal weather, stormy conditions, smaller and fewer fish. Climate change affects our lives in many ways and it has arrived in Tobago whether you noticed or not. Over the years the water temperatures have been rising and the effects of these differences are causing nature’s delicate balance to shift dramatically.

The stunning island of Tobago is home to what used to be some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs. Sadly they are suffering badly.
Not only do the coral reefs protect the island’s shoreline, but they provide fishermen with their livelihood are major revenue for the tourist industry and are also an integral part of Tobago’s rich and precious natural biodiversity.

Coral Cay Conservation is a London based Not for Profit organisation that studies and monitors the health of the reefs around Tobago. Partnering with Environment Tobago and the Speyside Marine Rangers their aims are to reduce the effects of climate change around this spectacular environment.

The International Year of Forests, 2011 (Forests 2011) web site is a global platform to celebrate people’s action to sustainably manage the world’s forests. The United Nations General Assembly declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests.
There, you will find information regarding events being organised throughout the International Year as well as interactive web tools and resources to promote dialogue on forests.

In the first week of February this year, an EMA team led by Mr. Joth Singh paid Tobago a visit to gauge people's views on the boundaries of the proposed ESA. Those present at the discussions included the usual band of suspects; the NGO Environment Tobago was there, so too was the Buccoo Reef Trust, the Reef Boats Association, and representatives from the state departments. Absent though were the homeowners, property developers and other users of the broader environment that comprise the Buccoo Marine Park area. They should have come, since their assets lie inside the boundaries of the Buccoo Environmentally Sensitive Area.

Mr. Singh met an enlightened group. Everyone in the room was already familiar with the proposed ESA designation, and as such the plans to encompass Southwest Tobago under binding environmental restrictions went along swimmingly well. The EMA boss even hazarded a timeline of around one year before the ESA proposition becomes written into law. Not to throw nutrient enriched water on the idea, but it would be indeed something if it were that easy.  Read more...