Wild Tobago

Do we know all of Trinidad and Tobago’s Environmentally Sensitive Species? Dr Anjani Ganase suggests wider research and inquiry to expand the list, and to expose all citizens to what needs to be protected. TT’s list of Environmentally Sensitive Species Under the legislation, the Environmental Management Act (2000), species listed under the Environmentally Sensitive Species Rule are afforded full protection in Trinidad and Tobago. Under this Rule, the species can be animal or plant, may be endemic to Trinidad and Tobago or spend only part of its life cycle in our territory. Furthermore, any plant or animal listed for risk of extinction and overexploitation by any international convention that the government of Trinidad and Tobago is party to is eligible for becoming an ESS. The Rule limits the cutting, picking or uprooting of plants; and prohibits hunting and disturbing protected animals, especially during sensitive periods such as breeding season or during migrat...

Faraaz Abdool advocates eco-tourism – using the example of Costa Rica – as the way to preserve Trinidad and Tobago’s natural diversity and create a people-based economy. Could the people of Trinidad and Tobago get behind such a bold initiative?   Life is a dynamic, fluid experience, and we could do ourselves a tremendous favour by ensuring that the process of learning – and therefore growth – is continuous. This holds true for the individual, as well as for the collective. The word “ecotourism” is gaining traction in conversations throughout the region, and while it may be new ground for us, there are many countries that have been sustainably utilizing their natural wealth for economic gain.   Within the discussion of nature-based tourism, few places are mentioned as frequently as Costa Rica. Often hailed as the gold standard of ecotourism, Costa Rica is the most visited nation in Central America and one of the most popular destinations in the world. Visitors flock to ...

Are dolphins as curious about us as we are about them? Dr Anjani Ganase talks with linguist/ bio-acoustician, Syam Nath of the TT Cetacean Sighting Network after a joyful encounter Rough-tooth dolphins off Rocky Point Tobago. Photo courtesy Anjani Ganase The morning started like any other. The boat was loaded by 8 AM at Gibson Jetty, we motored slowly through the Bon Accord Lagoon and exited the reef through its northern channel. As we exited the reef, we were met by a pod of curious dolphins. Turns out they were a group of 10 - 12 rough-tooth dolphins ( Steno bredanensis ) cruising the area. The boat driver did not deviate course, however, maintaining a steady speed. As we made our way to Mt Irvine, the dolphins approached the boat to bow ride. I can spend thousands of hours at sea and my response to dolphins is always the same: exhilarated joy. As we arrived at our dive destination at Mt Irvine, the boat slowed and the pod moved on, or so we thought. After an hour diving, we surfaced...

Times of crisis are times of great opportunity, so the Chinese believe. What opportunities will the crisis of a shortage of cacao beans from Trinidad estates bring to a cadre of 21 st century   chocolate makers? Pat Ganase surveys the Trinidad and Tobago industry.     “It is heart-breaking,” says Isabel Brash, “that cocoa production has been declining drastically over the last couple years. It is difficult to plan chocolate production and take orders for even a month in advance. The biggest season is fast approaching; for Christmas we start chocolate production in September.”   Over the past decade, the architect turned chocolate entrepreneur has built her business at the Cocobel chocolate house on Fitt Street using beans bought mainly from the Rancho Quemado estate. She has also worked with beans from other estates – La Deseada in Santa Cruz, San Antonio and independent farmer Anand Narine – and enjoys telling the stories of the flav...

Anjani Ganase visits Jamaica and considers their proactive approach to building resilience. She finds solutions in reducing plastic waste, diversifying energy sources but also diversifying administration of resources.   Jamaica has long been a tourism destination making the most of natural features like Blue Hole, photo by Anjani Ganase Jamaica is a major importer of oil and gas. However, the global economic crisis and the urgency of response needed for climate change have pushed Jamaica to develop a more resilient energy system, one that will withstand political crisis as well as natural disaster.   Their National Renewable Energy Policy (2009) focussed on energy conservation and diversification aims for 20 % renewables by 2030. Since 2020 Jamaica is relying on renewables to support 12 % of the national power demand – specifically 3 % hydroelectric, 6 % wind, 3 % solar. The rest of the energy system comes from clean natural gas (supplied by Trinidad...

Dr Anjani Ganase reports on the status of an international agreement to protect Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). Here’s what you need to know.     WHAT DOES BIODIVERSITY BEYOND NATIONAL JURISDICTION MEAN? Most countries are responsible for a stretch of ocean territory that extends up to a maximum of 200 nautical miles from their coasts. Trinidad and Tobago is responsible for an economic exclusion zone (EEZ) that mostly extends to the north and the east of our coasts, that is 15 times our combined land masses. The USA, as another example. has the largest EEZ in the world and is larger than the fifty states combined. The marine areas that fall under the jurisdiction of countries make up about 42 % of the ocean. Within the lines of jurisdiction, all activities fall under the sovereign rights of the country. While many countries have signed treaties for conservation, much of what goes on is governed by local legislation. This designation was...