Environment Tobago

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...

1. Lowlands- American Widgin, Scaup.
2. Hilton Hotel- Yellow breasted Crake
3. Cuffie River- Blue headed parrot

The Belle Garden Wetland Youth have secured the area for their families. It was achieved by negotiations to benefit all concerned.
Come! Improve your BATNA. Let's talk. You want something, I want something. If a negotiated agreement makes it both easier for us to get closer to our planned outcome then we have a chance to make the Best Alternative to A Negotiated Agreement

It's no longer news that the big countries whose carbon emissions will kill the human species are not going to come to meaningful accord on reducing the volumes produced any time soon. Actually as it concerns sustainable development, it's not in doubt either, that here in Tobago we will surely make a shambles of the island as we go about the daily affairs. It's not that the evidence of our damaging ways is lacking, indeed it's arguable that all the tools for solving our environmental troubles already exist. To an observer, the real sticking point occurs mainly among the people who can make the difference. It seems there is a need to use the BATNA between the ordinary citizen and the State.
Read more on this..