Future Ecological Collapse?..... Maybe!

Over the past few days there have been much controversy on the poaching of our national bird, the Scarlet Ibis, and I am extremely shocked and disappointed to even know that this has been happening for some time. We as human beings have failed our nation on several occasions by destroying our biodiversity. I’ve always considered Trinidad and Tobago to be one of the richest Caribbean countries because of our striking biodiversity and natural resources. However, majority of us have seen this as a way to earn money (I call it black money) than just sit back and enjoy what God has created for us.

My question to you Trinis is, “why is it that every wildlife you see, you must kill and make a cook?” Because that’s the nature and thinking of several persons. According to a post yesterday made on social media, the fine for poaching a Scarlet Ibis would be $100,000 tt. I must say despite I am happy that this matter has been somewhat looked into; I can positively say having a fine means absolutely nothing without implementation.

There are several questions that are unanswered when it comes to this situation, and if anyone can answer them I would be grateful:

1. Why is it that poachers are the only ones getting fined? What about the buyers and consumers?
2. Would this $100, 000 go into conserving the Scarlet Ibis as well as several other species, wetlands and other protected areas?  
3. Why is it that other wildlife species are not being protected or as of major concern as the Scarlet Ibis? What about the ocelots? (Earlier this year an ocelot was found shot.), what about our turtles? Despite there is a fine or jail time for poaching other wildlife, this mechanism is not implemented nor is the fine substantial.
4. The Caroni Swamp is protected under the Ramsar Convention which is the intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. REALLY????????? BECAUSE IT DOES NOT SEEM SO!!!!
5. What about game wardens? Clearly I think there’s a need for them!
6. Why are our policies not updated?  We have a National Environmental Policy which is dated 2006. Why is this so old? And a DRAFT National Wildlife Policy. Why is this still a draft?

Unfortunately we are losing more of our country as each day passes by. I do believe if nothing’s done soon, our future generation will not be able to experience such natural wonders of our country. There’s more to life than urban development and money.

We should preserve every scrap of biodiversity as priceless while we learn to use it and come to understand what it means to humanity.

---E. O. Wilson

Observing World Wetlands Day

Despite being a day late I would still like to wish Trinidad and Tobago a happy World Wetlands Day. As many of us know, this day is celebrated on February 2^nd every year since it concurs with the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. Currently in Trinidad and Tobago, there are three sites designated under the Ramsar Convention: Caroni Swamp, Nariva and the Buccoo Reef Bon Accord Lagoon Complex.

These wetland sites are a main hotspot for species biodiversity and are home to threatened species such as the blue and gold macaw and the manatee. We as Trinbagonians should be delighted to have such rich biodiversity in our little twin island. However, these wetlands are often viewed as mucky and dirty and have no value to humans. This misunderstanding has caused wetlands to be threatened by: agriculture, pollution, human settlements and industrial developments. Unfortunately because of these threats, most of Trinidad and Tobago’s wetland areas have been destroyed and only 1% is presently covered by wetlands. It is important to remember that management of these wetlands is significant in order to sustain their healthy functioning which is essential for stakeholders because of the use of the multi-resources produced such as:

·         

         Protection of coastal areas and shorelines

·         They act as nurseries

·         They allow ecotourism and recreation sites

·         They filter pollutants and sediments

·         They act as flood storage

·         Maintain a balanced carbon cycle

·         Retain nutrients

With this being said, initiatives should be taken to encourage other Caribbean islands to join the Ramsar Convention and to increase its acceptance. Training and education courses for stakeholders should be encouraged as to prevent the degradation of these wetlands in order to uphold our biodiversity.

Be the Solution, not the Problem- Conserve and Protect

Threats to Biodiversity in Trinidad & Tobago

With population growth increasing in Trinidad and Tobago, there is a demand for food, shelter and infrastructure. These social issues regarding the increase in population density is considered to be the ultimate threat to biodiversity of the twin island (CBD 2009). High population density is renowned as a secondary driver to biodiversity as an increase in demand for natural resources such a food and fuel play a main role of biological diversity deterioration (CBD 2009). Over-exploitation of resources and habitat loss and fragmentation contributes to the great risk of extinction in animals and plants. This is especially in areas where individuals are greatly dependant on them as a means of support.

For example, the piping-guan, Pipile pipile that is endemic to Trinidad has become critically endangered to due hunting and forest degradation (EMA n.d). This endemic bird endures limited disturbances in order to persist. However, due to a high demand for housing, agricultural lands and trail development in Trinidad, disturbances to its habitat have caused the population to decline so rapidly that in 2001 the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) declared that the population now consists of 77 to 200 individuals (EMA n.d).

Squatting is also another factor of increased population density that threatens the biodiversity of Trinidad and Tobago. The challenges of unemployment, housing and poverty have led to illegal squatting in private and state lands around the twin island. These illegal settlements are often unregulated and ignored. These practices cause a great amount of habitat loss and fragmentation. It was projected that 250,000 individuals in Trinidad and Tobago have been squatting along the coasts as well as along the old train lines (ODPM 2014).

An increase in population density increases urbanization in a country. Thus, rich ecological habitats are continuously disappearing in Trinidad and Tobago. Mangroves are effective and protect against erosion perpetrated by waves and also provide a habitat for a wide range of plants and animals (e.g. Caroni Swamp) (FAO 2005). In the 1970’s at the mouth of Maraval and Diego Martin, mangroves were reclaimed for housing, highways and port facilities. In another example, between the periods of 1922-1985, 494ha were lost from the Caroni Swamp due to the development of roadways (FAO 2005). Additionally, with respect to Tobago, the Buccoo Reef is also being threatened because of tourist activities such as snorkelling. This can affect the habitats of marine life thus, affecting biodiversity and disrupting the marine food chain for some.

Trinidad and Tobago faces several impediments in resolving these threats. One such impediment is ineffective laws and legislation. Trinidad and Tobago has over 50 laws, plans and policies which directly and indirectly address biodiversity, however, many of these are disregarded (The Cropper foundation 2010). Various environmental legislations in Trinidad and Tobago was passed in 2001, thus being outdated and others not being implemented, indicating there is little to no progress to enhance law enforcement. For example, both the National Environmental Policy (1998) and a National Wetland Policy (2001) were developed over 15 years ago, making it no surprise that the country's biodiversity is continuously under threat from the increase in population density leading to the actions of humans (GORTT 2011).

In order to assist in participatory mechanisms to increase biodiversity throughout the twin island, the capacity of various stakeholders need to be built. There is a lack of training in personnel within the field area. For example, several individuals lack technical skills as well as practices and management skills (GORTT 2011). Additionally, there is a lack of balance between the environment and cultural practices in Trinidad.

Another challenge Trinidad and Tobago is faced with is the lack of monitoring and evaluation to aid in the increase of biodiversity. Several of Trinidad and Tobago's policies include proper monitoring of protected areas and on the environment as a whole. However, forested areas are continuously being degraded for squatting as well as slash and burn activities continue to rise due to the need of agricultural lands (GORTT 2011). These unsustainable practices lead to the loss and fragmentation of natural ecosystems.

Management among multiple agencies and the government poses complication to the overall management of safeguarding the biodiversity in the country. In some instances, there is a lack of management with respect to the environment and tradition/culture (GORTT 2011). With the increase in population density in Trinidad and Tobago, means there is also an increase in religious beliefs.  For example, the Marianne River in Blanchisseuse provides a site for Hindu worshippers for certain festivals (EMA n.d).  The water quality of this river is affected and needs to be managed to prevent social issues.

As biodiversity continues to dwindle at a faster rate than natural influential by human activities, there is concern of various species to become extinct, thus threatening the human population since we are dependent on its goods and services. Biodiversity entails all parts of plant and animal life and provides us with natural resources for the use of survival. For example, animal matter which has been decayed over centuries has provided us with fossil fuels, which are a major part of human life since it is needed to power vehicles for transportation (Ibish and Bertzky 2006). Even the rise of some medicines, the use of plants is needed to manufacture these. If it is that all biodiversity is lost we (that is, if we still exist) would become homogenous and thus have identical vulnerabilities (Ibish and Bertzky 2006). Therefore, an epidemic can kill the entire human population at once since we would have no biological differences which would help us to adapt and survive (Ibish and Bertzky 2006).

If actions are not taken to conserve and preserve existing biodiversity, extinction can occur at a very rapid rate. Proper management, monitoring, education awareness, evaluation and effective legislation needs to put in place in order to save what is left on earth.

References:

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). 2009. “National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.” Accessed January 29, 2016. https://www.cbd.int/kb/record/nbsap/19488?RecordType=nbsap&FreeText=trinidad%20and%20tobago.

Environmental Management Authority. n.d. “Environmentally Sensitive Species: Pawi Trinidad Piping-guan (Pipile pipile) Trinidad and Tobago.” Accessed January 29, 2016. http://www.ema.co.tt/new/images/pdf/pawi.pdf.

Environmental Management Authority. n.d. January 30, 2016. http://www.thecropperfoundation.org/pubs/NRAssessRep/NRA_chp6.2.3thru6.3.2.5.pdf

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 2005. “Thematic Study on Mangroves.” Accessed January 30, 2016. http://www.fao.org/forestry/9411-07da9602b1de14060617ee3abf5de0591.pdf

Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT). 2011. “National Protected Areas Policy.” Accessed January 30, 2016. http://www.ema.co.tt/new/images/policies/protected_areas.pdf

Ibish, P and M. Bertzky. 2006. “Halting Biodiversity Loss: Fundamentals and Trends of Conservation Science and Action.” Accessed January 31, 2016. http://www.bsi.org/bsi_info/conservation/Halting_Biodiversity_Loss.pdf

Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM). 2014. “Preliminary Vulnerability Assessment

of Trinidad & Tobago.” January 30, 2016. http://www.odpm.gov.tt/sites/default/files/Preliminary%20Vulnerability%20Assessment%20of%20Trinidad%20and%20Tobago%20Rmaharaj%202014.pdf

The Cropper Foundation. 2010. “Fourth National Report of Trinidad And Tobago to The Convention on Biological Diversity.” Accessed January 30, 2016. http://www.biodiversity.gov.tt/pdf/4th_National_report_CBD_2010_changes_inc.pdf.

Don’t just see yourself as 1 but as 7 billion!

As World Environment Day is being celebrated today, I would like to state “Don’t just see yourself as 1 but as 7 billion.” Our daily activities have a major impact in our environment today. Before you buy a car for personal interest when owning one already, think! Imagine if 7 billion others think just like you and buy another car for personal interest. Before you throw one piece of paper on the floor, imagine 7 billion persons doing the same, before you degrade our forests for housing developments; imagine 7 billion others doing the same. Where will that leave us by 2030-2050? What will become of our future generations? It begins with US! NOW! Our unsustainable use of our natural resources and increase in carbon footprint is affecting us seriously by increasing global warming. Instead of thinking about yourself, think about others, think about your future generation. We will like for them to enjoy life as we did. In order to do this, try conserving, preserving and using resources in a sustainable manner. Before you think about your WANTS focus on your NEEDS. One positive act towards the environment per person will lead a long way. Try planting a tree, carpooling, reduce the waste of food- the poor will be thankful (we waste 1.3 billion tonnes of food per year), unplug cables from circuits when not in use. Don’t just see yourself as 1 but as 7 billion! – IT STARTS WITH US! 

Remember Pakaskas? Have a look- www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vCNoPKl2rw we may end up like this one day.

Threats Affecting Hawksbills (E. imbricata)

The hawksbill turtle (E. imbricata) is one of the many marine turtles which are being threatened today.  During the 20th century, the species nesting population has dramatically been reduced (84%- 87% decline) over the last ten years due to various threats imposing on the species, therefore being listed as critically endangered throughout its range.

Some threats include:

Trade and direct take of products

This is one of the most severe threats affecting E. imbricata. Capture of this species is done intentionally for the consumption of its meat or selling of its shell. It is renowned that several fishermen strategically catch hawksbills with nets and harpoons. An additional commercial good extracted from the hawksbill is the utilization of its egg which has become an extreme commercial item that is used in trade for funds or other commodities.

Incidental catch

Some hawksbills are caught in longlines which can have a major negative impact on some populations of the hawksbill with very few members such as causing an entire population to diminish and this in turn can affect the marine food web. Fishermen capture hawksbills incidentally by the use of traps, gillnets and trawls and specimens between 3-20 kg are accidentally caught in fishing traps whereas larger species members are more frequently trapped in gillnets.

Pollution

Debris and logs are transported and deposited on the shorelines of beaches which cause large barriers to nesting. Debris can cause ingestion risk and entanglement to hawksbills and also reduce their ability to grow, feed and survive. Also, chemicals such as copper and mercury from homes, cruise lines, factories, vehicles and farms are discarded in various water paths and end up in the oceans. These excess nutrients can cause harmful algal blooms and can damage their health by causing hormonal imbalances.

 Coastal development

Construction of structures (hotel sites or houses) alter the morphology of the coastal zone which encourages increase of human presence, noise level, sand mining, erosion and lighting. Hatchling survival is reduced, deterrence of nesting occurs and even eggs shed at sea when the quality of nesting beaches are compromised. Artificial lighting interferes with the nesting behaviours of adult female hawksbills. The artificial lighting confuses the hatchlings by moving in the direction of the brightest area as they find their way from nest to sea.

While individual populations worldwide prolong to disappear because of the present establishment of exploitation, degradation of habitat and additional threats towards hawksbills can cause the species to go extinct in the foreseeable future. Relevant activities such as enforcement of law and proper management need to be universally initiated if populations of E. imbricata.

References:

IAC Secretariat. 2010. Report of the “Regional Workshop on the Hawksbill turtle in the Wider    Caribbean and             Western Atlantic.” Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, México. 23-25   September 2009. IAC, CITES, SPAW, CONANP, SEMARNAT, WWF. 56 pp.       Accessed         March 15 2015.             http://www.iacseaturtle.org/engdocs/publicaciones/Hawksbill_Report_Final_ENG.pdf

IUCN. 2014. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Accessed March 17 2015.             http://www.iucnredlist.org/static/categories_criteria_3_1

National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1993. "Recovery Plan for   Hawksbill             Turtles in the U.S. Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico."    National Marine Fisheries             Service, St. Petersburg, Florida. Accessed March 18 2015.             http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/recovery/turtle_hawksbill_atlantic.pdf

Salafsky, Nick, Daniel Salzer, Alison J. Stattersfield, Craig Hilton-Taylor, Rachel Neugarten, Stuart         H. M.             Butchart, Ben Collen, Neil Cox, Lawrence L. Master, Sheila O’connor, and David            Wilkie. 2008. " A             Standard Lexicon for Biodiversity Conservation: Unified    Classifications of Threats and Actions."             Conservation Biology DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-  1739.2008.00937.x

Practicing "Sustainability"

Our concerns about the environment are countered by our need for economic development which entails the use of energy to increase production to generate income to sustain society.  Our cleanest sources of energy are solar energy from the sun and wind to propel windmills and lastly the power of flowing water to turn water wheels also, in all cases generate electricity. And here in lies the predicament. How do those who generate wealth from our usual source of energy generation prevent people from using sun, wind and water to create their own electricity? Simply, by the price of obtaining the technology.  In oil and gas industry, prices are falling to maintain a competitive advantage to secure their sources of income, not only for personal profit but to sustain production and utilities to citizens in their charge.  Technological research should be geared towards counteracting the effects of carbon footprints by creating systems to utilise the carbons we produce. Carbon is a basic element in all facets of evolution. We are a carbon based evolution in all life forums and the foods we require for survival. Without carbon we cannot survive. Where are the creative minds we need to recycle carbons we produce?  Global warming and its opposite, ice age are all part of the history of evolution. Man, even before advent of technology adapted to suite. Over 300,000 years of ice sits on our polar caps. The caps are melting. Why aren't we harvesting our ice for future use? An Arab state, which I can’t recall, towed icebergs into the Middle -East to make use of fresh water. Global warming will adversely affect temperate regions more so, than tropical regions. But the crux of this issue lies in the fact that developed countries have trampled the environment with carbon footprints now, being aware of their abuse, want to blame developing countries for adapting their methods for economic development and success. Like an European warned, they will be flooding the tropics to survive and we in the tropics would once again be subjected to their exploitive missions. Be warned.

No Bees- Decline in our Ecosystem

For the past few years in Trinidad we've all heard about deaths caused by bees which brought us to think of them as a danger to our livelihood. But does that give us the right to judge our ecosystem and put practices (bee-killing pesticides) in place to decline the bee population? Ask yourself this question: What if there were no bees?

In Trinidad, bees are of major importance to us in 2 main categories: 1) Pollination and 2) Our local produce-Honey. Without pollinators such as bees, many food produce will decline and die off such as: cabbage, broccoli, watermelon, carrots, paw paw, pigeon peas etc. which sustain our human diet. Also with this decline, will lead in a drop of animal produce as well since most depend on plant material as a food source.

Another major factor is the production of honey. It was stated that local honey production exceeded $7 million in sales before the decline. The production of wax from beeswax has also contributed to our economy by the construction of candles, hair food and creams locally made.  Since 2005 there has been a decline in beekeepers going from 720 to 350 which is leading to a devastating impact in our country.

Despite we are in the trials of educating the public on bees, a ban on bee-harming pesticides and the promotion of ecological farming should be 2 other practices in place.

With this, I leave you with a quote: Einstein once said- “If the bee disappeared of the surface of the globe then man would have only four years of life left.”