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Traffic at Courland Estate

The Courland Bay and the surrounding wood is one of the few relatively unmodified parts of Tobago, bar the legally protected forests of the Main Ridge. It's beautiful, it's convenient for island residents to enjoy a quick communion with nature, and it's about to be destroyed by vehicular traffic. Already weekend users trample the roots and the undergrowth with their cars, and the wildlife is threatened with noise pollution from the music systems.

Traffic on the greens of the Courland should be limited to those who walk in only. Not even bikers should ride while in there, lest they threaten the well-being of kids, toddlers getting the chance of tuning in to their environment at an early stage, or lovers speaking soft words. Presently the area is still salvageable for posterity - yet it can be in constant use as a nature park.

Here's more on this ....

IYOB 2010

Scientists estimate that between 150 and 200 species become extinct every 24 hours!
So in an effort to heighten awareness on the alarming rate at which we are losing biodiversity (all living entities on earth) the United Nations declared 2010 the International Year of Biological Diversity. Activities this year will focus on the importance of biodiversity for human well-being.

Environment Tobago, a partner with the Convention for Biological Diversity Secretariat to promote awareness on biodiversity, started off the activities by hosting a three-day exhibition at the Gulf City Lowlands mall. The exhibition featured artwork by local students as well as informative literature for adults as well as children.

On the morning of May 21st teachers and over 30 students of the Scarborough Secondary school got together to remove over 21 bags of garbage from the Crownpoint/Sandy Point beach.

Garbage from recreational beach goers still seem to be the biggest issue and plasticbottles in particular, the biggest offender by far. However, following close behind are oil bottles, condoms, cigarette lighters and building materials.

Help us keep our environment clean and bring mindfulness to all our actions:

Take a garbage bag to the beach to dispose of waste
Stop littering
Organise your own beach clean ups
Practice responsible construction
Properly dispose of oil bottles
Get more information

And enjoy this beautiful island and all its natural beauty. Download the press release.

The yellow blaze

The sudden infusion of yellow blaze is seemingly the talk of the island right now, and this time it’s not about the political rallies. From taxis to the stores, people are speaking about the unknown rush of colour overwhelming Tobago’s trees. We’ve gone from drought to delight; our branches are blossoming masses of yellow- funnel-shaped flowers and for only a few days duration. It’s a majestic wonder and for many a seasonal sight without a name.

The name of this yellow creeper is Macfadyena Unguis-Cati, or the Cat’s Claw Ivy. It’s a ‘high climbing woody vine that can grow up to fifty feet in height’. (University of Florida IFAS, 2009. Centre for Aquatic and Invasive Plants). The vine’s name Cat's Claw ‘derives from this clawed tendril which the plant uses to climb’. (Ken McClymont, 2007. Brisbane Rainforest Action & Information Network).

It originated in South America and is native to Central America, tropical South America also to the Caribbean. Before the nineteen fifties it was introduced in Australia and Southern Africa for ornamental purposes, though today it is considered an invasive creeper. This creeping yellow vine can also be found in Hawaii, The South Atlantic Islands, Tanzania and also in tropical parts of Asia to name a few; although introduced to these areas it is not considered to be invasive.

Whilst the yellow flowering is short lived, the lifespan of the Cat’s Claw vine is not. The plant itself grows at a relatively slow rate and is adapted to survive through drought. This said the sufficient irrigation, from the heavy rainfall, that we are experiencing right now in Tobago is apt for Cat’s Claw to flourish. We can expect to see many more weeks of this majestic yellow blaze yet so get your cameras out and get snapping- This vibrant ‘coat’ is set to vanish from our trees as quickly as it blossoms.
Images and article kindly supplied by Zoe Mason - Environment Tobago volunteer

Schools Resource Pack

Download the Schools Resource Pack for International Year of Biodiversity.

Got Crabs? Manage them effectively.

making crab traps in the wetlands Management is undoubtedly one of the top occupational niches of the 21st century, but isn't managing a swamp taking it a bit too far?
The managers task is defined as the 'organisation and coordination of activities in accordance with certain policies, and which achieves stated objectives'; but since a wetland is not dimensionally bound, it calls for unique management styles not readily templated.

Wetlands, or swamps, or marshes; the nomenclature is interchangeable but generally it is understood to be areas which remain submerged, can be partially submerged at times, or is in close proximity to rivers or lakes. What has never been questioned by those who derive a way of life from the resource, is that it is beneficial, of very great importance. Read more ..

Hard times ahead

With most of the 2010 dry season yet to come, Tobago (as well as Trinidad) has been taken in the grip of a severe drought, and there no signs of it abating soon. Bush fires, almost always started by humans, is also contributing to what may be a really bad dry season. Read more about it.

Draft Policy Consultations

In an effort to obtain the views, comments and hear the concerns of stakeholders of Tobago re: the Draft Climate Change, Forest and Protected Areas Policies.
A Consultation is scheduled to be held in Tobago, at the Mt. Irvine Bay Hotel, on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th April, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

You are invited to attend this important event. However, the Ministry asks that you complete and submit registration forms as provided on their website www.mphe.gov.tt. Should you require any further information, please contact the Environment Unit of the Ministry of Planning, Housing and the Environment at 627-0065/623-7501.