Transcript Trinidad & Tobago IWCAM Demonstration Project Status Report

Trinidad & Tobago IWCAM
Demonstration Project Status Report
3rd IWCAM Project Steering
Committee Meeting
Montego Bay, Jamaica
October 6th 2008
Prepared and Presented by Linford Beckles
Project Title
LAND-USE PLANNING AND WATERSHED RESTORATION AS
PART OF A FOCUSED IWCAM DEMONSTRATION IN THE
COURLAND WATERSHED AND BUCCOO REEF AREA
Study Area
CHARLOTTEVILLE
SCARBOROUGH
Project Objectives
• Reforestation of Courland watershed and
monitoring programme
• Diversion of surface drain into constructed
artificial wetland
• Upgrade Land-Use Plan in Target Area and
improve EIA process
• Collaboration with WASA for effective waste-water
management programme
Project Objectives cont’d
• Establishing a sustainable programme of
effective data-collection
• Developing formal procedures for data-flow
• Instigating an IWCAM approach to decisionmaking
• Incorporating community involvement in the
management process
• Undertaking a long-term awareness and
sensitisation campaign
Expected Outcomes
•
GIS Unit established in Tobago
•
Multi-sectoral project team trained in principles of
IWCAM and GIS
•
Compilation of detailed environmental GIS
database for Target Area
•
Adoption and publication of Standard
Methodologies for data collection and data
management
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Community Awareness Programme implemented
High-quality “Ridge to Reef” film produced
Expected Outcomes
• IWCAM Workshops held and IWCAM recommendations
developed
• IWCAM recommendations implemented in Target Area
• Reforestation and Community Watershed Restoration Projects
implemented
• Diversion of drain at Buccoo Village to reduce coastal
sedimentation
• Improved Land-Use Plan for Target Area
• Policy developed for ICZM in Tobago using lessons from project
Developments/Ongoing Activities
• Public Education Officer on board
• GIS equipment procured
• Data collection continues (marine and terrestrial)
• Publications - Developing the National SDI with Local Action: A
Multi-Benefit Citizen Science Methodology for Small Island
Developing States. Symbol (UN/UNEP/ISBN/ISSN)
• Preliminary Findings From a New Long-Term Coral Reef Monitoring
Program in Tobago, West Indies. Symbol (UN/UNEP/ISBN/ISSN).
• Facts about the Courland Watershed, story book - Adventures of
Drippy the Rain Drop, comic book - Nature Boy Sid
• Workshop – indicators; construction industry; use of film in
environmental education
• Community involvement
Major Issues/Challenges
•
Establishing IWCAM as a National Project
1. Participate in exhibitions in Trinidad – primarily
those hosted by key Agencies.
2. Appeared on Trinidad-based TV stations with
national reach.
3. Continue to work through P.S./Minister’s Office to
secure participation of key agencies.
4. Work through related projects to secure promotion
of IWCAM – LBS Protocol.
5. Highlight IWCAM when national media focus is on
the local executing agency e.g. visit of Prince
Charles, IYOR Symposium where Minister and
Nobel Laureate were present.
6. Highlight the implications of the project in terms of
climate change
Major Issues/Challenges
• Limited data available from government
departments and other relevant organizations.
• In many cases, data collection methodologies not
very well developed.
• Reluctance on the part of government departments
(those with useful data) to share data.
CSO is the body officially authorized to access data.
Major Issues/Challenges cont’d
• Project Management Unit forged links with CSO
and is
now part of committee for 2nd compendium of
environmental statistics
work with CSO to demonstrate need for and
promote info sharing improve data collection
methodologies
Workshop environmental indicators
Major Issues/Challenges
• Most of the lands within Courland watershed are privately
owned – difficult to secure cooperation of the landowners
Worked through Anse Formage Ecological and Environmental
Protection Organization to secure cooperation of the landowners.
Written permission to reforest lands secured.
Lobby other organizations to support AFEEPO and similar
community organizations – DNRE to fund fire prevention and
suppression training; equipment; provide stipend for services
rendered during fire season.
Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation Project to share
experiences; develop working relationship; partner in community
reforestation programme.
Significance of Project
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Protection Of Wetlands
Protection Of Coral Reefs
Climate change
Improved Water Quality And Availability
Community involvement and empowerment
Replication Notes
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Trust Communities
Know what gets politicians ticking
Set realistic targets
Have clear communication strategy
Know how to work with the media
THANK YOU!