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CARONI SWAMP Location/Description: Located on the gulf of Paria 3.5 km from Port of Spain, the Caroni Swamp is the largest mangrove swamp in the country, containing over 60% of the country’s mangrove. Caroni swamp drains the catchment area of a significant portion of northwest and central Trinidad, an area of 675sq.km, in which a significant portion of the population lives and where the majority of the non-petroleum manufacturing and agricultural sectors are located. Several rivers and man-made drainage channels form an interesting hydrological network, which is influenced by tides from the Gulf of Paria and by drainage from the catchment area. The most notable of these were cut during the 1930’s under the Ciprani Drainage scheme, to control flooding and develop agricultural lands from the lagoon. These schemes have fallen into disrepair with major breaches in the embankments of the north-south canal and failure of the sluice gates. The swamp is therefore dominated by brackish water conditions, with freshwater marsh limited to small areas in the northwest corner of the swamp. The natural water courses of the swamp are the Caroni River, the Blue River, Catfish River, Phagg River, Guayamare River and Madame Espagnol River. Legal & Policy Status: Prohibited Area under the Forests Act. (Legal Notice # 141 of 1987) 4,000 hectares. National Wetland Policy passed by Cabinet on July 2001. Forest Reserve proclaimed (1936) Three Wildlife Sanctuaries declared within the Forest Reserve 1953, 1966 (200 ha) Boundaries: North – No. 9 Drain extending to the Blue River; East – Uriah Butler Highway excluding private lands west of the highway; South – the Madame Espagnol River; West – the Gulf of Paria. Ownership: Primarily State Significance of Caroni Swamp Proposed Ramsar Site; Caroni part of larger regional ecosystem, not fully understood; Largest mangrove wetland in the country; Habitat to 190 bird species including migratory species; Scarlet Ibis potentially fragile species with limited distribution and nesting habitat under threat globally; Breeding habitat for fish and shrimp that sustain fisheries in the Gulf of Paria; Existence of a number of baseline studies providing opportunities for sustainable models of development and multiple use conservation areas; A number of local species that are rare / threatened Opportunities for education and public awareness. Caroni Ecosystem The ecological diversity is pronounced due to the existence of marshes and mangrove swamp in close proximity. The wetland provides a variety of habitats for flora and faunal species and supports a rich biodiversity. It is a highly productive system that provides food (organic production) and protection and is a nursery for marine and freshwater species. This wetland also functions as a receiving and absorbing body of land-based runoff and pollutants and is the natural infrastructure for tourism. More than 90% of the lagoon is inundated for most of the year and water depths range from 1-11 metres. Lagoons and open mud flats, are exposed only at low tides. Salinity ranges from 4 0/00 to 30 0/00 with an average of 12.9 0/00. Flora Mangrove vegetation is dominates Caroni, but the freshwater marshes include water grasses, sedges and lilies (the reeds). Mangroves are important in shoreline stability and flood control. Fauna Over 190 species of birds, a significant number of which are migratory, 24 species of fin fish, including several commercially important species such as tarpon (Megalops atlanticus), grey snapper (Lutjanus griseus) and species of shrimp (Penaeus spp) which use the swamp as a nursery. Other important fauna found there include, the silky anteater (Cyclopes didactylus), the crab eating racoon (Procyon cancrivorous), oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae), mangrove crab (Aratus pisonii), hairy crab (Ucides cordatus) and the Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber). Socio/Cultural activities: Utilised extensively particularly with respect to fishing, harvesting of crabs, oysters and eco-tourism. A section is used for agriculture and industrial development. Threats and stresses to Caroni Over-harvesting of shell fish and fin fish. Current levels and methods of resource exploitation are not sustainable, particularly for oysters and crabs. Poaching of animal and bird species including the Scarlet Ibis; Habitat disturbance caused primarily by the use of boats for recreation and fishing, and perhaps for illegal activities; Salt water intrusion and the loss of the freshwater marshes; Pollution from the catchment area from industrial, agricultural and domestic sources. Reclamation for road, housing and industrial development, industrial and chemical pollution, poaching, unmanaged and uncontrolled tourism, drainage modification Root causes of threats 1. Inadequate administration: Resources for administration and management of the Caroni Swamp suffer from a number of constraints and limitations. Lack of trained manpower and finance are compounded by the absence of a clear management plan and strategy for the area’s administration, resulting in poor control of activities, unsustainable resource exploitation and illegal activities. 2. Drainage and infrastructure: Successive drainage projects have left the swamp incapable of sustaining its freshwater habitat, altering the balance of freshwater and brackish water ecology of the swamp. Diversion of water upstream for domestic purposes has exacerbated the freshwater deficit. 3. Lack of effluent regulations for water pollution. Management issues for Caroni Swamp 1. Finalise a management plan for the area 2. Establish a management unit and train staff 3. Establish a study and monitoring programme 4. Restore of freshwater marsh habitat 5. Develop oyster and fisheries management programme 6. Tourism and visitor use planning 7. Participation of local communities in planning and management 8. Strengthen local capacity to manage 9. Develop education and awareness programmes Present management of the protected area: Caroni Lagoon National Park and Bird Sanctuary Management Committee. Forestry Division Wildlife Section National Wetlands Committee. Additional Stakeholder Organisations Caribbean Forest Conservation Association (CFCA) Caroni Wetlands Scientific Trust Greenplains Foundation Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust T&T Field Naturalists Club Some relevant bibliographic sources: 1. Wilson, T., Deare, F., January 2000. Report on the Social Assessment of the Proposed Caroni National Park. Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources. 2. 1979. Management and Development Plan : Caroni Swamp National Park. Forestry Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries. 3. Tyler, S., 1999. National Parks and Wildlife Management Project: Coastal, Freshwater and Marine Areas Sub-component Technical Report. World Bank/GEF Trinidad and Tobago. NARIVA SWAMP Location / Description Nariva is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the Caribbean and has the most varied plant and animal species of Trinidad’s wetlands. It is important habitat to resident and migratory waterfowl and the only remaining site in the country with populations of the anaconda (Eunectes murinus) the West Indian Manatee (Trichecus manatus) and the white-fronted capuchin monkey (Cebus albifrons trinitatus) – the latter two being listed as globally endangered or threatened species on the IUCN Red List (1997). The proposed Nariva Managed Resource Area comprises a number of different ecological and use zones, totalling approximately 7,000 hectares and including: the Plum Mitan Agricultural Scheme (Block A), the large farmer rice area (Block B), the villages of Kernahan and Cascadou, the Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary, Sand Hill, the Nariva River, the Manatee Pond and the Cocal Sandbar. Nariva Swamp is situated on the East Coast of Trinidad about 50 km southeast of Port-of-Spain. The site includes the Nariva Swamp Prohibited Area, Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Ortoire Nariva Windbelt Forest Reserve. Legal and Policy Status Prohibited Area under the Forests Act. (Legal Notice # 78 of 1993) National Wetland Policy passed by Cabinet on July 2001. Forest Reserve – Nariva Windbelt Reserve 1954 Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary 1968 Significance of Nariva Swamp The country’s only designated Ramsar site under the International Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar), Nariva was also listed on the Montreux Record of seriously threatened wetlands; One of largest freshwater swamps in the Caribbean; High levels of biodiversity – the greatest of wetlands in the country; Presence of globally endangered species (West Indian manatee, white-fronted capuchin). The white-fronted capuchin is a unique subspecies endemic to Trinidad; A number of local species that are rare / threatened; Use by migratory birds; Presence of a variety of land and resource uses presenting opportunities for sustainable rural development; Presence of baseline studies and on-going studies with opportunities for research by international institutions; Opportunities for education and public awareness. Flora There are four principal wetland vegetation types in Nariva Swamp – freshwater marsh, palm swam, freshwater swampwoods and mangrove. The freshwater marsh is the predominant vegetation type consisting of floating and rooted grasses, sedges and herbaceous plants that provide habitat and food for fauna including waterfowl. The freshwater swampwoods are found in the northeastern areas of the swamp and the elevated areas of Bois Neuf, Sand Hill and Bush Bush. The palm swamp consists primarily of royal/palmiste and moriche palms and Roseau. It provides habitat for the macaws and parrots including the blue and yellow macaw (Ara ararauna) that has been recently reintroduced into the area having been locally extirpated. The mangrove is restricted to the eastern part f the swamp along the Nariva River, with six species being present. The Nariva Swamp supports one of only two communities in Trinidad of the Moriche palm (Mauritia spp). The palmiste palm (Roystonea oleracea) exists here and is presently under severe threat because of the unsustainable harvesting of the meristems (palm hearts) primarily for the local cuisine. The trees are destroyed for poaching of nests of young parrots for the pet trade. Bush Bush Island hosts true hardwood forest. The main canopy is about 21– 24 m with a few emergents reaching up to 30 m. There is secondary canopy of 12-15 m, consisting of timite palms, while the forest floor is made up of tirite and seedling trees. Fauna Over 594 animal species identified in Nariva. 179 bird species including 25 species of waterfowl, 45 species of mammals including the manatee and monkeys, 32 species of bats, tree porcupine an the anteater and 92 species of mosquito. Important birds include the blue heron (Ardea herodias), great egret (Egretta alba), snowy egret (E. thula), green backed heron (butorides striatus), and some highly endangered birds such as the blue and yellow macaw (Ara ararauna at least locally highly endangered, probable extinct), red-bellied macaw (A. manilata) and dickcissel (Spiza americana). Amongst the mammals are the Red howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus), white fronted capuchin (Cebus albifrons), the manatee (trichechus manatus) which is globally threatened. There are recorded at the Bush Bush Sanctuary and countless species of fish. Reptiles include caiman (Caiman crocodilus) and matte (Tupinambis negropunctatus). The site also hosts the snakes anaconda (Eunectes Murinus) and fer–de-lance (Bothrops atrox). Threats and stresses to Nariva Land clearance for rice farming and watermelon cultivation; Alterations to the hydrology of the swamp; Saltwater intrusion; Fire; Coastal erosion of the Cocal sandbar; Poaching, including the illegal use of trap guns; Pesticide pollution; Illegal felling of mangroves for bark to the tanning industry, Felling of palms for hearts and parrots. Squatting; Illegal cultivation of marijuana; Overharvesting of black conch, cascadou, crabs and oysters; Trapping of birds for the pet trade; Root causes of threats 4. Inadequate administration: Resources for administration and management of the Nariva Swamp suffer from a number of constraints and limitations, resulting in poor management and lack of control of the activities that affect the area. 5. Lack of opportunity and security for communities: The surrounding communities are poor and rural, lacking basic amenities such as electricity, reliable water supply and telephones. There are outstanding land tenure issues for agricultural lands. Lack of opportunity and security has contributed to unsustainable resource exploitation. Management Issues for Nariva Swamp 1. Finalise a management plan, with the input of stakeholders and communities; 2. Establish a management unit and train staff; 3. Establish a study and monitoring programme; 4. Enhance fire control programme; 5. Restore of freshwater marsh habitat; 6. Protection and recovery programmes for threatened and endangered species; 7. Develop and encourage income-generating activities for communities; 8. Strengthen local capacity to manage; 9. Develop education and awareness programmes; Socio-cultural activities Several communities are largely dependant on the swamp for their social and economic needs. They use it for hunting, commercial and subsistence fishing, catching of conch and crabs, gathering of firewood from the forest and plants products for use in the craft industry. Several species of birds are caught mainly for the pet trade. Herds of water buffaloes are kept in the marsh, where their presence prevents the vegetation from becoming too dense and dominated by phragmites spp. There is a limited access to the area, limiting recreational activities to bird watching, boating, hiking and fishing on a small scale. Ecotours are conducted by tour guides and several NGO’s and clubs visit the area regularly for pleasure and research. Community education by Wildlife officers is ongoing in the area, with lectures and field visits on the importance of wetlands are conducted by wildlife officers to school children. The residents have an increased awareness and appreciation of the importance of the wetland due to continued exposure to education and environmental issues. Present Management Wildlife Section, Forestry Division responsible for conservation of biodiversity. North Regional Office, Ministry of Agriculture responsible for agricultural activities. State Lands Divisions responsible for Land tenure. Additional Stakeholder Organisations PRIDE Plum Mitan Residents In Developing Ecotourism Nariva Conservation Foundation Manatee Conservation Trust Some relevant bibliographic sources: 1. Institute of Marine Affairs 1998. Environmental Impact Assessment of the Nariva Swamp (Biche Bois Neuf Area). Document prepared for the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources. 2. Institute of Marine Affairs 1999. Draft Technical Report for the Nariva Management Plan: Wetlands Ecology. Document prepared for the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources. 3. Tyler, S., 1999. National Parks and Wildlife Management Project: Coastal, Freshwater and Marine Areas Sub-component Technical Report. World Bank/GEF Trinidad and Tobago. Trinity Hills Location /Description The Trinity Hills forms the eastern part of the Southern Range, so named by first sighting of the island by Columbus, who recognized three hills of the range. The area’s historic value is the naming of Trinidad. The Trinity Hills Wildlife Sanctuary contains the last virgin forest ecosystem characterised as being representative of Beard’s evergreen seasonal forest type in the south of the country. It has relatively untouched examples of crappo-guatecare-fineleaf-carat type as well as acurel-mousarra-gommier forest. There is steep terrain throughout the area changing to a more undulating topography immediately to the north ranging from 15 m to a maximum elevation of 300m at Mt. Derrick. Land capability studies indicate that due to the topography of the land, it should be left under indigenous forest cover. Despite the fact that oil exploration and production and logging have occurred there for a number of decades, much of the area has retained its original cover. The Trinity Hills Wild Life Sanctuary should be managed to maintain the forest cover for the protection of catchment areas of the various streams and rivers that rise in the reserve and to provide a sanctuary for wild animals. It is also important to protect the ecosystem and natural cultural features of the area and at the same time provide opportunities for research and educational use. Legal and Policy Status Prohibited Area under the Forests Act. 1989 Trinity Hills Reserve was established in 1900, proclaimed in 1922. Reserve was extended and proclaimed in 1938. The Wildlife Sanctuary forms three main parts of the Reserve, and proclaimed in 1934. The Reserve along with adjoining Reserves were united in 1954 to form the Victoria/Mayaro Reserve. In 1980 a part of Trinity Hills Sanctuary was included in the system of National Parks to be managed as a Scientific Reserve. The Sanctuary was under Mining lease to Texaco and Tesoro Oil Companies from 1950. Boundaries: North- Moruga Reserve and East boundary to the Old Rio Claro Guayaguayare Road. East – Old Rio Claro Guayaguayare Road at Eastern boundary Of Victoria/Mayaro Reserve, then to the Reserve boundary line to the sea. West – Boundary line between counties of Mayaro and Victoria to the sea at Canary Point. South – The sea at the Columbus Channel. Ownership The proposed protected area is 8246 hectares, the second largest of the officially listed protected areas on the island, and solely the property of the state. Significance of Trinity Hills Only pristine forest ecosystem in the south of the country and best undisturbed example of crappo-guatecare and acurelmoussara associations. Fauna rich and varied including the ocelot (Felis pardalis), and various vulnerable bird populations including the Pawi, Lined quail dove, Plumbeous kite. Flora: The Sanctuary is a good representation of the Crappo-Guatecare association, which has two faciations in different locations of the sanctuary, one characterised by the Bois Mulatre and Carat and the other Mora forest. Some of the trees found in the Bois Mulatre-Carat forest are Crappo, Wild Chataigne and Guatecare and in the Mora forest, there are some lower storey trees such as Bois Pois and Cooperhoop. Fauna: This is habitat for a very diverse fauna with recordings of sixteen mammals such as Lappe, Agouti, Quenk, Tattoo, Deer, Anteaters, Porcupines, Manicous, Tayras and Squirrels. The rare Ocelot, Capuchin and Howler monkeys are also found there. There is an abundance of reptiles such as Morocoys, Galaps, Iguana and Matte, Bush master, Fer de Lance, Cascabel and Macajuel. Thirty-one birds have been recorded but it is expected that this figure is actually much lower than the actual value. Most of the recorded species are common forest species except for two endangered species the Mountain QuailDove and Pawi. Threats and Stresses to Trinity Hills Sectors have been altered by oil exploration and timber extraction; Pollution from oil exploration and operations affecting both land and rivers; Illegal hunting and poaching; Illegal cultivation of marijuana; Management Issues for Trinity Hills Lack of a Management Plan. Maintenance and protection of Sanctuary. Threat of oil pollution on both land and water oil exploitation activities. Effects of industry on the sanctuary e.g.: Encroachment and competition for land space. Protection of area from illegal hunting, squatting and fires. Main integrity of watersheds Water quality. Preliminary Recommendations Develop a strategic Management Plan for the area. Oil companies to clean-up polluted areas. Oil companies to implement preventative measures addressing oil leaks and spills. Oil companies to assist funding research. Security to corporate with forestry staff to prevent illegal logging, hunting, squatting and marijuana planting. Plan for industrial and environmental compatibility. Enlist the cooperation of all stakeholders e.g.:- local groups, hunters associations, EMA, environmentalists, researchers. Conduct research e.g.:- wildlife, water resources, forests, social, MATURA Location/Description: Includes the Rio Seco/Salybia watershed on the south, the Shark and Grande Riviere watersheds in the north and state lands of the Eastern Northern Range. Due to the terrain there are many scenic rivers with a number of falls and cascades. It is one of the best accessible areas for a combination of freshwater and seawater bathing. Matura lies within the area of the Northern Range that has unbroken continuous virgin forest cover rare for the Caribbean islands. The area also boasts the most outstanding representation of Mora forest (Mora excelsa) remaining in the country. Almost half of the proposed park consists of evergreen forest with another significant portion being montane forest with excellent examples of serrette-wild debasse-bois gris forest type. This largely pristine area provides excellent habitat for wildlife, including some locally rare and endangered species (pawi, ocelot) and its rivers contain relict South American fish fauna. Legal and Policy status: Matura Forest Reserve and extensions (1923, 1958, 1959) ; TIDCO Tourism Master Plan (TMP 1995) encompassed much of the Northern Range in a planned Conservation area to encourage eco-based tourism; Ownership: Primarily State, although small parcels of privately owned or leased land exist within the proposed boundaries of the Park, especially in the Salybia area. Size of area: 8200 hectares Significance of Matura Most outstanding representation of Mora forest (Mora excelsa) remaining in the country; One of the remaining refuges for the endangered pawi (Pipile pipile), an endemic race to Trinidad, and the Ocelot (Felis pardalis); Matura also comprises typical habitat of the relict South American fishes, with the northern draining rivers having representative Antillean fish fauna dominated by gobees, mountain mullets, cling fishes and several sea-run species; A number of local species that are rare / threatened including cage birds; Outstanding scenic rivers and mountainous terrain; Possible location of the regionally rare or endangered local orchid Oncidium citrinum; Area increasingly becoming a focus of tourism activities; The National Park would provide opportunities for environmental education, research, interpretation and recreation; Area can facilitate better understanding of forest ecology and biological resources in Trinidad; Flora Main flora species is defined by the Mora faciation (Mora excelsa). Occurrence of species important for research into the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, such as indicator species: Local orchids Fauna The pristine nature of the area provides excellent wildlife habitat. Main faunal representation include Red Brocket ‘deer’, agouti, lappe, collared peccary, Iguana, Prehensile-tailed porcupines, anteaters, tayra, red howler monkeys, manicou, squirrel, yellow headed parrots, Blue and Gold macaws, Collared trogon, Bearded bell bird. The area also acts as one of the remaining refuges for the endangered pawi (Pipile pipile) and the Ocelot (Felis paradalis). Matura also comprises typical habitat of the relict South American fishes, which derived from species that, lived in the rivers and streams at the time when Trinidad was connected to the mainland. The rivers draining the Northern range to the north represents an Antillean fish fauna dominated by gobees, mountain mullets, cling fishes and several sea-run species. Occurrence of species important for research into the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the area include the Ocelot (used as an indicator specie due to the size of the home range required) and leather back turtles. Ecosystem Vegetation types entail primarily of the Evergreen Seasonal Forest of which Mora is the predominant species (Mora faciation). There is also Lower Montane Rain Forest possessing excellent examples of Serrette-wild debasse-bois gris (Byrsonima-Licania). Other species found in this montane association is ‘mahoe’, ‘wild cocoa’ and ‘wild kaimit’. Many of the species in the canopy layer are more or less confined to this association and reach their optimal development there. The formation is confined to the foothills of the Northern Range between altitudes of 540 and 760m and is a reflection of increased moisture brought by the mountain conditions. Socio/Cultural Proposed plans for the Matura National Park will touch nearly every community in northeast Trinidad. Community consultations conducted in relation to the designation of National Park revealed a perceived set of ‘ownership’ rights over the forest. The communities surrounding the park are predominantly small villages populated by families with historical residence in the area. There is a high level of sensitisation to conservation issues in the area as demonstrated by a number of CBO’s and NGOs, some of which are actively involved in conservation activities, including the protection of the Leatherback Turtle at Matura and Grande Riviere. Threats and Stresses Squatting, Illegal logging, Animal populations under pressure from hunting, poaching and harvesting for the pet trade; unmanaged and uncontrolled tourism and development, no fire protection programme, little knowledge of the Park’s biological resources, lack of official staff high unemployment within the area can lead unsustainable resource use. Management Issues for Matura 1. Establish a management unit and train staff; 2. Finalise a management plan, with the input of stakeholders and communities; 3. Incorporate communities and their organisations in implementation of management plans; 4. Establish a study and monitoring programme; 5. Enhance fire control programme; 6. Develop and encourage income-generating activities for communities; 7. Strengthen and support local initiatives and capacity to manage; 8. Develop education and awareness programmes; Present Management Additional Stakeholder Organisations Grande Riviere Nature Tour Guides Association Nature Seekers Stakeholders Against Destruction (SAD) for Toco Toco Foundation ARIPO SAVANNA SCIENTIFIC RESERVE. Description / Location: The Aripo Savannas is located in North Central Trinidad between Arima and Sangre Grande and to the east of the Caroni plains within the Long Stretch Forest Reserve. Aripo Savannas is the largest remaining natural savanna in the country. Fanning out from the foothills of the Northern Range lie old alluvial terraces, on which the Aripo Savannas are to be found. These terraces consist of layers of sands, gravels and clays that have been mined locally for the construction industry. Aripo Savannas has an international reputation for its unusual flora in striking vegetation communities. It is one of the more intensively studied areas of natural ecosystems in Trinidad. Of the 457 species identified so far, 31 are restricted to the Aripo Savannas with 16 to 20 that are rare or threatened. The ten open savanna communities characterises the ‘savannas’ which have low growing herbaceous vegetation caused by an impervious hardpan layer a few centimetres below the soil surface. The soils are also extremely poor creating a stressful environment for the plants, that have adapted survival mechanisms such as trapping insects and nematodes as food. The hardpan prevents larger plants from establishing themselves except as isolated individuals and in larger pockets where the palm marsh communities have become established. The area has been subjected to various human activities including quarrying, logging, poaching, fires, establishment of pine plantations, residential and agricultural squatting, railway and road construction and drainage channels. Legal and Policy Status: 1987 area declared Prohibited Area under the Forests Act.( Legal Notice # 113 of 1987) Part of the Long Stretch Forest Reserve (1953) Boundaries: Northern Boundary – the Valencia River Eastern Boundary – the Eastern Main Road Southern Boundary – disused railway line Western Boundary – the Aripo River The 1800 hectares of the Savannas are State owned. Significance of the Aripo Savannas The complex of habitats making up the Aripo savanna scientific reserve possess characteristics not seen else where in the country coupled with the high density of rare, threatened, endemic and possible endemic species, the ecosystem can be considered as unique;. Largest remaining natural savanna in the country; 31 plant species restricted to the Savannas, of which 16-20 are rare or threatened and between 4-15 are endemics; International reputation for its unusual flora in striking vegetation communities; Human Activities: The area has been used for several purposes such as: Pre 1956 – US Military activities (drainage). 1994 – Quarrying activities and clearing of a WASA right of way. Agricultural activity. Squatting Hunting / Fishing Scientific research ECOSYSTEM Ecosystem Diversity: Habitats have been identified in this area based on the dominant vegetation type, with a total of 457 plant species recorded so far. These have been categorized into six vegetation communities each having distinct characteristics as follows: Open Savanna, Palm Marsh, Marsh Forest, Palm Island, Intermittent Open Water, Trackside. 1. Open Savanna, these vegetation community are divided into ten separate areas. Vegetation found here are grasses, sedges and herbs; the soil is thin with a hardpan layer close to the surface preventing larger plants from establishing in the area. The soils of this area are infertile and organisms in this area have adapted to these conditions, 95 species have been recorded for this community type. 2. Marsh Forest, These are the communities that cover most of the reserve, the dominant vegetation type being forest species. There is little overlap between open savanna and marsh forest and 118 plant species have been recorded for this community type. 3. Palm Marshes and Palm Islands, these are found at the fringes of open savannas or as islands in the savannas and are characterized by stands of moriche palms. 4. Intermittent open water and Trackside, these habitats are due to human activities, which have disturbed the area and resulted in these modified habitats. Fauna Diversity: A species list of the area has been compiled (Schwab 1987-8). and includes invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals. Possibility for ecotourism and other form of sustainable use of biodiversity: The area has been designated as a scientific reserve and as such access to the area is regulated by a permit system. A proposal has been forwarded by a Community based organization (CBO) for the co-management of the area and this proposal includes plans for the development of the eco tourism industry in this area. Threats to the protected area: Loss of rare, threatened or endemic species. Modification of habitats resulting from human activities. Quarrying Agricultural activities Squatting Hunting/fishing. Present Management of the protected area: The Forestry Division currently manages the area. Additional Stakeholder Organisations Sundew Tour Guiding Services T&T Orchid Society T&T Field Naturalists Club Some relevant bibliographic sources: 1. Joseph, I., Oatham, M., 2001. Aripo Savannas Stakeholder Consultation Issues Document. Sundew Tourguiding Services. 2. BUCCOO REEF/ BON ACCORD LAGOON COMPLEX GENERAL INFORMATION Location: This complex is found on the leeward coast of southwestern Tobago. It is approximately six miles (as the crow flies) from Scarborough. Elevation: Mean sea level to 30m below sea level. Salinity: Saline Ownership: (a) Site, (b) Surrounding areas (a) CLICO, Angostura Ltd. Ansa AcAL, Mt. Pleasant Credit Union, Private owner – Gibson Babeeny (b) National Housing Authority, Private owners – houses and hotels. Legal & Policy Status: In 1973 the area was designated a restricted area under the Marine Areas Preservation and Enhancement Act of 1970. It is the only Marine Park in Trinidad and Tobago. 1990 Buccoo Reef and Bon Accord Lagoon included as a CARICOMP site (regional scientific programme and network of marine laboratories, parks and reserves to study land-sea interaction processes in the Wider Caribbean) International Status: Proposed Ramsar site Human Activities: The area has been used as a Tourist attraction (tours on glass bottom boats, scuba diving, snorkeling and bathing); to support a local fishing industry, for recreational purposes, scientific research and education (school visits, information visits, environmental videos and lectures.) Cultural Heritage: PLANTS Diversity: The complex is dominated by three main habitats or vegetation types, these are: Coral reef, Sea grass beds and mangrove swamps. Whilst the complex is not the only one of its kind on the island, it is the largest and most impacted. Occurrence of endemic species: None. Occurrence of globally and or regionally rare or endangered species: None. Occurrence of wild relatives of domesticated or cultivated species: None. Occurrence of species important for the research into the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, such as indicator species: None. ANIMALS Diversity: A species list for the area has been complied (Juman, 2001). The species diversity includes: more than 117 species of birds, 42 coral species, 24 molluscan species etc. Occurrence of endemic species: Unlikely. Occurrence of globally and or regionally rare or endangered species: Green turtles have been observed on the reef and feeding on seagrass beds. Occurrence of wild relatives of domesticated or cultivated species: Unlikely. Occurrence of species important for research into the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, such as indicator species: Unlikely. ECOSYSTEM ETC. Ecosystem Diversity: Ecosystems within this complex have been recorded as follows: 1. A coral reef which is characterized by five emergent platforms each of which are seaward of the reef lagoon. 2. Sea grass beds which cover an area of 54.3 ha and are dominated by turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum). Other species of sea grass observed are Halodule wrightti and Halophila decipiers. These sea grass beds are further interspersed by macro algae species. 3. The mangrove forests represent the largest mangrove forest on the island covering an area of 88.8 ha. These forests are fringe forests dominated by red mangrove (Rhizophora mangale) with areas of black mangrove (Avicennia germinans), white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) and the buttonwood mangrove (Conocarpus ertus). Occurrence of unique ecosystems: This complex is the best example of contiguous coral reef, seagrass bed and mangrove swamp in Tobago. Importance of protected area for research: …………………………………….. …………………………………….. Size of the protected area: The complex is estimated to be 151.8ha. Possibility for ecotourism and other form of sustainable use of biodiversity: The area is already used for ecotourism, via tours, however, a system needs to be developed to regulate this activity. Participation of local communities in the management of the protected area: To be determined. Accessibility of the protected area: The coral reef and sea grass beds are accessible via boats however the mangrove forest is accessible by land. Present management of the protected area: The area is managed by several departments of the Tobago house of Assembly: 1. The Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries, 2. Department of Natural Resources and Environment. The Ministry of Environment also assists in the administration of the area. Related Organisations Institute of Marine Affair UWI Buccoo Reef Marine Trust Threats to the protected area: 1. Physical damage due to reef walking, harvesting of corals and dropping of anchors. 2. Sewage pollution resulting in nutrient enrichment and increased turbidity and overall reduction in conditions conducive to reef growth. 3. Improper sewage treatment from hotels and residential areas adjacent to the complex. 4. Agro chemicals used on land and entering the complex via run off results in nutrient enrichment and other adverse conditions for reef growth. 5. Land clearing for development activities.