The Trini Environmentalist

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 ...

Did you know that your diet affects the amount of Greenhouse Gas emissions we emit per capita? Figure 1: Showing a farmer plowing (EU agriculture 2020) On earth, we have a wide variety of food options to choose from and many different types of diets. With so many food options and many different methods of production, there will be Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Growing crops and rearing animals contribute significantly to our global Greenhouse Gas emissions which include Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Nitrates, accounting for 37% of Greenhouse Gas emissions in 2021 (NewScientist 2021). Animal-based foods produce almost double the amount of Greenhouse Gases than plant-based produce. Let’s look at the top 10 Carbon Dioxide Emitting foods. Figure 2: Showing the top 10 Carbon Dioxide emitting foods (2021) Adapted from the  Environmental Working Group’s Meat Eater’s Guide  and the  EPA’s Guide to Passenger Vehicle Emissions .   When considering more plant-based foods ...

COP is an abbreviation for Conference of the Parties, held by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to discuss the Climate Emergency. COP26 is the twenty-sixth Conference of the Parties. This is a two-week event that is held annually and is attended by world leaders who gather to discuss the climate crisis and the solutions. The Caribbean islands are on the frontline of Climate Change facing many impacts. Many Caribbean leaders are at COP26 including our Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley. This week we are going to analyze his speech. Figure 1: COP26 Logo (UNFCCC 2021) Dr. Keith Rowley opens with “We gather today at a pivotal point in the history of humanity, in a further attempt to deepen commitment and determination to mitigate the effects of climate change”. This statement comes after the World Energy Outlook provided information on the grim report on the state of our climate crisis. Without immediate changes to our rather unsustainable practices, we will not be a...

What is happening in Trinidad and Tobago? In Trinidad and Tobago, we are currently facing a locust invasion. The locusts are affecting south Trinidad and started approximately two weeks ago. Every year Trinidad is affected by the Moruga locusts ( Coscineuta virens ), but this year in particular the locusts are more widespread and more abundant. Eyewitness reports confirm tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of locusts devastating the standard of living in the south lands. Figure 1: showing locusts covering the sky (Guardian media 2021) Why are the locusts bad for us? Locusts are considered pests throughout the world. They eat any crops in sight, which is devastating to the southern farmers and can be a grave threat to food security in Trinidad and Tobago. However, this is not only bad for the crops but also devastating for the residents that live in the affected areas such as Prince’s Town and Moruga. Locusts are so abundant that they act as a blanket over these sout...

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most industrialized countries in the Caribbean. Our wealth is primarily dependent on oil and gas resources. Trinidad and Tobago is attempting to address issues of food security and rural development. In order to do this, land and water resources must be examined and reconsidered. More than 50% of the land in Trinidad and Tobago is state-owned. This means that they should exhibit the best practices and ensure that the land is used sustainably. The Ministry of Planning and Development created a Land Degradation Neutrality Target Setting Program in 2020 to address the land-use problems. Figure 1: showing Port of Spain (Finance Americas 2020) In 2000, Trinidad and Tobago ratified the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. This means that they agreed to implement Land Degradation Neutrality which is in keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals. This goal states that “By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, inclu...

  What is a Tayra (forest dog)? A Tayra is a small dog-like animal that lives in the forest. Its scientific name is Eira Barbara and is a part of the weasel family. It is also called the Forest Dog, High Wood Dog, or Chien Bois. Tayras are carnivorous mammals. They have four legs and a long bushy tail. Their fur is very coarse and dark, usually brown, or black. As Tayras get older, the fur on the top of their neck and head gets lighter. They can range in weight from 2.7 to 7 kilograms and can measure between 60 to 68 centimetres with the length of their tail ranging between 39 to 47 centimetres. Figure 1: Showing a Tayra on a tree branch (Just Fun Facts 2020) What should we know about Tayras? Tayras have been identified as a locally endangered species, meaning that they cannot be hunted, and all conservation efforts are being used to protect this animal. These mammals usually stay in the forest, but they travel wide ranges. They feed on small vertebrates, fruits, and sometimes ...

  What is Hunting Season? Hunting Season refers to the months of the year that it is legal to hunt in Trinidad and Tobago. The hunting season in Trinidad and Tobago began on October 1 st , 2021. In order to hunt, one would need to apply for a hunting permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries. According to our legislation, any animal classed as vermin (bats, rats, squirrels, manicou, yellow-tail birds, and green parrots) can be hunted by owners or occupants of privately owned land without a permit, however, hunting in the forest reserves requires a permit/license. Figure 1: showing the opening of hunting season (Texas.gov 2021) What can you hunt and how could you hunt it?             The government of Trinidad and Tobago has published a list of game species that can be pursued during the hunting season. This list is categorized into Reptiles (cayman and lizards), Mammals (Agouti, Armadillo/Tattoo, Deer, Lap...