Wild Tobago

As island people we should actively create activities to bring awareness on World Oceans Day, June 8 (Saturday). Pat Ganase tells us why we have reason to celebrate. World Oceans Day has been observed since 2002; and every year since then, efforts to make people aware of the underwater world occupying more than 70 % of our planet have resulted in greater appreciation of seascapes and species; as well as access to and opportunities to heal the relationship between the land and the seas. (https://www.worldoceansday.org) The ocean is important because it: ·       Generates most of the oxygen we breathe; ·       Provides food; ·       Regulates the climate; ·       Recycles and cleans the water we drink; ·       Offers a plentiful supply of medicines; and ·       Provides limitless inspiration! ...

There are many reasons to be cautious and reconsider the proposed Sandals resort on the “Golden Grove estate,” in fact in any part of Tobago. Leaving aside the obvious top reasons – this kind of accommodation is passé for the nimble experience-driven younger traveller; a 1000-room hotel is at odds with the new brand direction for Tobago as a destination (unspoilt, untouched, undiscovered); and in the time it takes to build we will lose the “unspoilt” – we need to forego this construction project in favour of retaining the habitats that best protect (Southwest) Tobago against climate change. Marine Scientist Dr Anjani Ganase raises an objection on behalf of Tobago. In the face of climate change – which it seems people with temporary tenures like Trump do not need to believe in – we must retain the mangrove ecosystem surrounding Bon Accord Lagoon, to safeguard the structure of the coastline and the marine environment including Buccoo Reef. Otherwise all of Southwest Tobago and the c...

There’s hope for coral reefs when people are enlightened and educated. Jahson Alemu, marine biologist, has reason to believe that Charlotteville Tobago is a community taking charge of its offshore environment, and can show the way.  Underwater flowers born out of rock and sand, rebirthing themselves a million times over, coral reefs have evolved into some of the most resilient and productive ecosystems on earth. Covering just a tiny fraction (less than one percent) of the earth's surface and less than two percent of the ocean bottom, they are important sources of food security, storm protection, livelihoods and medicine to a conservative estimate of 500 million people on earth. But, I’d be lying to you if I told you that coral reefs have it easy.  Ever expanding demands for these resources coupled with warming oceans over the last century have resulted in unprecedented levels of coral reef losses, well beyond their ability to recover. The situation is very di...