Wild Tobago

An innovative project to estimate interest and build capacity in deep ocean exploration was launched in 2019, piloted by Dr Diva Amon, leading Deep Sea Biologist in ocean exploration and conservation from Trinidad and Tobago. She has recently co-authored and published the results of the study conducted in two island nations, Trinidad and Tobago and Kiribati. Dr Anjani Ganase reports.   This is the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development in which we expect plans for better ocean conservation and management, and better ideas for sustainable blue economies. On paper such ideas seem simple enough, but the concept of sustainability is heavily dependent on the ability to carry out local research to inform plans for protection and sustainable management. Our ocean is our biggest resource, yet it is the least explored, and mostly unknown. It is a major source of provision – food, medicines - but more than this, it regulates our climate and weather patterns crucial for ag...

Dr Anjani Ganase surveys what the world is losing through human activities, and makes an appeal for living within our means in the natural world.   On May 22, we observe the International Day for Biological Diversity. Biodiversity denotes the variety of living organisms that make up the natural world around us. The world as we know it is the culmination of evolution over billions of years, the result of the slowly ever-changing global environment. Organisms evolve and co-evolve with each other and the environment. The biodiversity of ecosystems is the result of balance between competition for resources and external disturbance events that create opportunities for new life. The diversity of habitats and organisms not only sustain biodiversity but is essential to our survival. Plant stocks don’t just supply the fruits and vegetables we eat today but provide the genetic stock for future supplies in a changing climate. The terrestrial and marine habitats provide ...

Research and study are intrinsic to current ecotourism trends; is Tobago ready? The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere designation for Tobago’s Northeast region presents an opportunity for all of Trinidad and Tobago to be forward thinking. Pat Ganase reports on the first steps. What’s in it for me? Is this indeed the response of most Tobagonians when they are told that Northeast Tobago has been designated by UNESCO a Man and the Biosphere (MAB) region, a learning site in nature where research and science and innovation might result in nature-based solutions to improve human lives? Aljoscha Wothke, key technical expert on the Government’s application to the UNESCO MAB governors, believes, “Tobago is beginning to understand. This is the best tool currently available for economic development. There are many international organisations looking at Northeast Tobago. I am very excited for the next steps which include management plans, all aspects of training including g...

Faraaz Abdool has taken up residence within the Northeast Tobago Man and the Biosphere Reserve to document the flora and fauna. Here are some of the creatures he sees after dark.   Photos by Faraaz Abdool Humans have evolved enthralled and terrified of the night. The animals which depend on the world devoid of light seem alien to us. We are predominantly visual creatures. Numerous legends abound, almost always involving some aspect of the perceivable combined with a healthy helping of the imperceptible. Many nocturnal animals have been wrongfully accused, becoming victims of fearful superstitions. Some view them as harbingers of death and misfortune, others believe they are incarnations of evil spirits. As a result, they are often persecuted and chased; and may even be killed on sight. Nocturnal animals are carefully and deliberately adapted to survive in a world that is the opposite of what we are accustomed to. While most of us sleep at night and wake during the day, these an...