Wild Tobago

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...

Now students of all ages are able to explore the coral reefs around Tobago from a smartphone or computer. Dr Anjani Ganase talks with Kelly Mannette Education Officer of the Buccoo Reef Trust about the Maritime Ocean Collection (maritimeoceancollection.com)   After several months of diving to collect the images, and almost a year to apply the technology, the on-line collection of the 360-imagery on Tobago’s coral reefs is available, accessible at maritimeoceancollection.com and through the global collection launched via Google and Underwater Earth.   Viewers can “virtually dive” to explore the reefs and focus on what interests them.   The campers of the Sun, Sea and Science Camp in Tobago, in 2019, were among the first children to be introduced to virtually dive the coral reefs of Tobago, as well as coral reefs all around the world. This month, The Maritime Ocean Collection goes live. It is the first collection featuring 360-degree imagery of Tobago’s coral reefs...