1. 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

2. Project Title
LAND-USE PLANNING AND WATERSHED RESTORATION AS PART OF A FOCUSED IWCAM DEMONSTRATION IN THE COURLAND WATERSHED AND BUCCOO REEF AREA

3. Study Area
CHARLOTTEVILLE
SCARBOROUGH

4. 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

5. Project Objectives cont’d
Establishing a sustainable programme of effective data-collection
Developing formal procedures for data-flow
Instigating an IWCAM approach to decision-making
Incorporating community involvement in the management process
Undertaking a long-term awareness and sensitisation campaign

6. 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
Community Awareness Programme implemented
High-quality “Ridge to Reef” film produced

7. 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

8. 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

13. Major Issues/Challenges
Establishing IWCAM as a National Project
Participate in exhibitions in Trinidad – primarily those hosted by key Agencies.
Appeared on Trinidad-based TV stations with national reach.
Continue to work through P.S./Minister’s Office to secure participation of key agencies.
Work through related projects to secure promotion of IWCAM – LBS Protocol.
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.
Highlight the implications of the project in terms of climate change

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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.

19. Significance of Project
Protection Of Wetlands
Protection Of Coral Reefs
Climate change
Improved Water Quality And Availability
Community involvement and empowerment

20. Replication Notes Trust Communities Know what gets politicians ticking
Set realistic targets
Have clear communication strategy
Know how to work with the media

21. THANK YOU!