Deforestation in Trinidad and Tobago


What is deforestation in Trinidad and Tobago?

Deforestation is defined as the removal of trees from forested areas across the world. Locally, we have three main forested areas: the Northern range, Central Range in Trinidad, and the Main Ridge in Tobago. It is important to mention that South Trinidad is also largely forested especially in and around the Trinity Hills. These forested areas are constantly under attack by legal and illegal deforestation.

Figure 1: showing deforestation in Trinidad (Loop News 2021)

Deforestation in Trinidad and Tobago

Firstly, not all deforestation is illegal. Companies that require space for infrastructural development can apply to the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) for approval on the project. The EMA can determine the impact that the project would cause on the environment based on the details of the venture. Lumber companies also need to apply for a license before they teardown trees from any area. However, a large portion of the trees that are being cut down is acquired illegally without approval from the governing environmental body (EMA). Between 2002 and 2020, Trinidad and Tobago has lost 2.45 kilo-hectares of primary forest accounting for a 12% loss in tree cover. In 2010 alone, 358 hectares were lost due to deforestation. The need for land space to continue the infrastructural expansion of our country means that forests will continued to be cut down.

The link below shows an interactive map that allows the user to examine different parts of Trinidad and Tobago that have lost tree cover.

Global Forest Watch: https://bit.ly/3rcXIC5

Figure 2: showing a graph displaying the amount of tree cover lost from 2002 to 2020
(Global Forest Watch 2021)

Why should we care about deforestation?

Forests not only provide habitats for our melting pot of unique biodiversity combining flora and fauna from the Caribbean and South America, but it is also important for carbon sequestration (the removal of carbon from the atmosphere) which is essential to the fight against climate change. Trees store carbon in their trunks and branches. It also helps with cooling since it reduces the amount of sunlight that reaches the ground level. They can also cool by a process known as transpiration cooling where the surrounding air is cooled by the leaves of the plant converting water into vapour.

Figure 3: showing the carbon sequestration process (USDA 2021)


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