Sixth National Report
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Section I. Information on the targets being pursued at the national level
1a. By 2020, at the latest, at least 50% of people are aware of the values and understanding of biodiversity. ()
This Target was selected as a priority target because it was felt that in T&T, education and awareness would play a pivotal role in underpinning national efforts to manage biodiversity. Although there has been a growing awareness of biodiversity and its importance, citizens have continued to display a relatively low appreciation for certain aspects of biodiversity which are fundamental to economic development and human well-being, including ecosystem services and the manners in which these services actually support the economy and human well-being. By ensuring that citizens have information on biodiversity values, and by improving the understanding of the linkages between and amongst various aspects of biodiversity, it was envisaged that critical mass could be built for biodiversity management.
This Target was prioritised in T&T's revised NBSAP (2018)
Sources of information:
- Trinidad and Tobago's revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2018): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nbsap-v2-en.pdf
- Trinidad and Tobago's 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2016): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nr-05-en.pdf
Strategy: Improving national awareness about the importance of biodiversity, and the steps that can be taken to conserve and use biological resources more sustainably.
Level of Government responsible: Central Government: Lead -Ministry of Planning and Development
Stakeholders: EPPD, EMA, IMA, FD, Trade, Industry and Communications, CSO, Universities including UTT and UWI
The information below provides background information relating to the development of National Targets for T&T; as well the revision of T&T's NBSAP:
* This information is applicable to all Sections of T&T's 6NR, including the Targets outlined in Section I.
In 2014 and within the framework of the CBD’s Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011 – 2020, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago began a process to develop a list of National Biodiversity Targets and Indicators. Led by the Multilateral Environmental Agreement Unit (MEAU) of the Environmental Policy and Planning Division (EPPD), and undertaken in consultation with a range of relevant stakeholders, a series of workshops were held over the period April to September 2014 to identify targets and indicators, and to determine the agencies/ organisation best suited to tracking these.
On completion of the full round of consultations in 2014, a draft list of National Targets that nearly mirrored the infrsatructure provided by the 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets was developed. Accompanying these Targets was a comprehensive list of 97 draft indicators. These were forwarded for Cabinet approval in 2014. However, by February 2016, when the GoRTT undertook to revise its NBSAP, the list of Targets and accompanying indicators were not yet approved. This provided an opportunity for stakeholders to once again assess the suitability of the Targets identified, and to consider them in the context of the NBSAP.
During the revision of the NBSAP, a total of 78 stakeholders, representing all of the major interest groups in both Trinidad and Tobago, were consulted. This new consultation process resulted in the proritisation of certain Targets (and indicators) which were deemed to be most important in T&T’s context. The Priority Targets are as follows:
1a. By 2020, at the latest, at least 50% of people are aware of the values and understanding of biodiversity.
1b. By 2020, at the latest, at least 30% of people are aware of the steps they can take to conserve and use biodiversity sustainably.
5. By 2020, the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including marine habitats, is at least halved and degradation and fragmentation is significantly reduced.
6.By 2020 at least 30% of the major commercially important fish, invertebrate stocks and aquatic plants are managed and harvested sustainably
7a.By 2020 at least 30% of areas under agriculture are managed sustainably, ensuring conservation of biodiversity
7c. By 2020 at least 50% of areas under forestry are managed sustainably, ensuring conservation of biodiversity
9a. By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identified and prioritized for action
9b. By 2020, at least 40% of priority terrestrial IAS species present are controlled or eradicated at priority sites
9c. By 2020, at least 50% of priority marine IAS species present are controlled or eradicated at priority sites
9d. By 2020, measures are in place to manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment
11. By 2020, at least 17% of terrestrial and inland water, and 10% of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are managed consistent with approved plans.
12. By 2020 the extinction of at least 60% of known threatened species has been prevented and their conservation status, particularly of those most in decline, has been improved and sustained
The revised NBSAP, including the prioritised Targets (and indicators) along with their prescribed Actions, was approved by Cabinet in April 2018, see: https://www.planning.gov.tt/content/approval-revised-national-biodiversity-strategy-and-action-plan-nbsap-trinidad-and-tobago.
Because of the prioritisation of Targets within the NBSAP, there are no measures/ actions/ strategies that are outlined for the remaining Targets for T&T.
Information relating to the preparation of T&T's 6NR (the current report)
* This information is applicable to all Sections of T&T's 6NR, including the Targets outlined in Section I.In Trinidad and Tobago, the process to prepare the 6th National Report began in March 2018. This process was jointly led by the local UNDP office and the Ministry of Planning and Development. The Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) Biodiversity Enabling Activities (BD EA) funding, provided through UNDP, served as the main source of funding for the activity. In-kind counterpart funding was provided by the Ministry of Planning and Development.
A National Steering Committee (NSC), comprised of representatives from 10 key institutions/ organisations across Trinidad and Tobago, was convened to provide technical oversight. This Steering Committee was equally balanced in its gender composition. The institutions/ organisations represented on the SC were as follows:
1. Ministry of Planning and Development (male representative with female alternate)
2. Environmental Management Authority (female representative)
3. Office of the Prime Minister, Gender and Child Affairs (female representative)
4. Environment Tobago (female representative)
5. Council of the Presidents of the Environment (male representative with female alternate)
6. Division of Food Production, Forestry and Fisheries Tobago House of Assembly (male representative)
7. Institute of Marine Affairs (male representative)
8. Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries (male representative)
9. Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries (female representative)
10. United Nations Development Programme (female representative)
In June 2018, a National Biodiversity Planning and Reporting Specialist (female) was hired to manage the process and prepare the 6th National Report. The diagram that follows shows the organizational structure of T&T’s project.
As a part of the process to prepare the 6NR, stakeholders were consulted through workshops, and through meetings/ focus group discussions. Inception workshops were held at the beginning of the process to gather inputs and feedback from as wide a range of stakeholders as possible. The Validation workshops, which were held towards the end of the process, were designed to provide those stakeholders who provided data/ information for the 6NR with an opportunity to review the information presented in the second draft of the report. At the validation workshops, stakeholders were presented with the information in all sections of the 6NR (based on the Data Capture Sheet), and comments were recorded and incorporated as relevant. By design, the validation workshops were smaller and more focused than the inception workshops In total, 58 stakeholders attended the workshops (both inception and validation on both islands), and of these 48 % were male and 52% were female.
The figures below show the gender distribution at the workshops:
There was greater gender balance at the validation workshops in both Trinidad and Tobago when compared with the inception workshops. The more balanced groups at the validation workshop were important to ensure that gender perspectives were adequately (and fairly) represented at the stage when the report was being finalised.
In addition to the workshop, an additional 28 persons were consulted through focus group discussions and meetings that were held in both Trinidad and Tobago. Of these 28 persons, 18 were female and 10 were male. The data and information provided through these meetings/ focus groups were used towards the compilation of the second draft of the report (note: the second draft was the version which was subjected to peer review during the validation workshops).
1b. By 2020, at the latest, at least 30% of people are aware of the steps they can take to conserve and use biodiversity sustainably. ()
This Target was selected as a priority target given the historically low level of appreciation in T&T for the simple steps that citizens can take to help support biodiversity management. It was felt that investing in national campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness, especially amongst younger citizens, there could be a shift in attitudes and behaviours which would have an impact on biodiversity management in the short-to- medium term.
This Target was prioritised in T&T's revised NBSAP (2018)
Sources of information:
- Trinidad and Tobago's revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2018): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nbsap-v2-en.pdf
- Trinidad and Tobago's 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2016): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nr-05-en.pdf
Strategy: Improving national awareness about the importance of biodiversity, and the steps that can be taken to conserve and use biological resources more sustainably
Level of Government responsible: Central Government: Lead -Ministry of Planning and Development
Stakeholders: EPPD, EMA, IMA, FD, Trade, Industry and Communications, CSO
2a. By 2020, at the latest, biodiversity valuation has been integrated into at least 50% of national and local development and poverty reduction strategies, and planning processes and reporting systems. ()
The importance of biodiversity valuation in national decision-making in T&T is increasing becoming known, especially amongst certain groups such as land planners and environmental regulators. However, there have been very few valuation studies undertaken in T&T to help support decision-making. This Target was therefore developed specifically to promote the idea of undertaking and using biodiversity valuation in decision-making at the national and local levels.
Sources of information:
- Trinidad and Tobago's revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2018): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nbsap-v2-en.pdf
- Trinidad and Tobago's 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2016): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nr-05-en.pdf
Strategy: There is no strategy within the NBSAP to which this Target is directly linked; and this is in part due to the fact that Target 2a was not prioritised in T&T.
Level of Government Responsible: Central Government: Lead -Ministry of Planning and Development; supported by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development
Stakeholders: Min. of Planning/TCPD, EPPD, Research institutions
Other relevant information: Over the period 2011 - 2015, the (then) Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development partnered with the University of the West Indies to undertake a GEF-funded, UNEP-led initiative known as the 'Project for Ecosystem Services'. Under this project, strides were made to perform valuation exercises on a number of ecosystem services; and there were preliminary efforts to explore how valuation could be incorporated into land use planning. Additionally, some exploratory national accounts were developed as a means of trying to support financial planning in T&T. Since 2015, there has been little advancement on these policy exercises, although biodiversity valuation and values are now being considered in the context of Protected Areas.
2b. By 2020, at the latest, biodiversity values are integrated into national and local plans. ()
The importance of biodiversity valuation in national decision-making in T&T is increasing becoming known, especially amongst certain groups such as land planners and environmental regulators. However, there have been very few valuation studies undertaken in T&T to help support decision-making. This Target was therefore developed specifically to promote the idea of undertaking and using biodiversity valuation in decision-making at the national and local levels.
Sources of information:
- Trinidad and Tobago's revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2018): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nbsap-v2-en.pdf
- Trinidad and Tobago's 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2016): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nr-05-en.pdf
Strategy: There is no strategy within the NBSAP to which this Target is directly linked; and this is in part due to the fact that Target 2b was not prioritised in T&T.
Level of Government Responsible: Central Government: Lead -Ministry of Planning and Development; supported by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development
Stakeholders: Min. of Planning/TCPD, EPPD, Research institutions
Other relevant information: Over the period 2011 - 2015, the (then) Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development partnered with the University of the West Indies to undertake a GEF-funded, UNEP-led initiative known as the 'Project for Ecosystem Services'. Under this project, strides were made to perform valuation exercises on a number of ecosystem services; and there were preliminary efforts to explore how valuation could be incorporated into land use planning. Additionally, some exploratory national accounts were developed as a means of trying to support financial planning in T&T. Since 2015, there has been little advancement on these policy exercises, although biodiversity valuation and values are now being considered in the context of Protected Areas.
3a. By 2020, at the latest, incentives, including subsidies, harmful to biodiversity are reformed in order to minimize or avoid negative impacts. ()
The economy base in Trinidad (especially) is heavily predicated on the extraction and processing of non-renewable natural resources such as oil, gas and minerals. Managing incentives to promote these economic activities must therefore be carefully planned and managed in order to avoid impacts on biodiversity. In addition, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago's strategy to diversify the national economy by promoting activities such as agriculture and tourism must avoid incentives that are deleterious to the environment. This will help to reduce the impacts of unsustainable practices in these sectors on T&T's biodiversity.
Sources of information:
- Trinidad and Tobago's revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2018): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nbsap-v2-en.pdf
- Trinidad and Tobago's 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2016): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nr-05-en.pdf
Strategy: This Target cuts across several of the Strategies included in the revised NBSAP. Of particular importance in this regard are the strategies focused on sustainable agriculture, sustainable management of forest resources and fisheries; and reducing threats to important species.
Level of Government Responsible: Central Government: Lead -Ministry of Planning and Development; supported by the Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries; The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries; and the Ministry of Trade and Industry
Stakeholders: Finance, Food Production, Energy, Tourism, Housing, Local Gov’t, DNRE/DAMME
3b. Positive incentives for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity are developed and applied, consistent and in harmony with the Convention and other relevant international obligations. ()
The economy base in Trinidad (especially) is heavily predicated on the extraction and processing of non-renewable natural resources such as oil, gas and minerals. Managing incentives to promote these economic activities must therefore be carefully planned and managed in order to avoid impacts on biodiversity. In addition, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago's strategy to diversify the national economy by promoting activities such as agriculture and tourism must avoid incentives that are deleterious to the environment. This will help to reduce the impacts of unsustainable practices in these sectors on T&T's biodiversity.
Sources of information:
- Trinidad and Tobago's revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2018): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nbsap-v2-en.pdf
- Trinidad and Tobago's 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2016): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nr-05-en.pdf
Strategy: This Target cuts across several of the Strategies included in the revised NBSAP. Of particular importance in this regard are the strategies focused on sustainable agriculture, sustainable management of forest resources and fisheries; and reducing threats to important species.
Level of Government Responsible: Central Government: Lead -Ministry of Planning and Development; supported by the Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries; The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries; and the Ministry of Trade and Industry
Stakeholders: Finance, Food Production, Energy, Tourism, Housing, Local Gov’t, DNRE/DAMME
4. By 2020, at the latest, the Government, business and stakeholders has taken steps to achieve or have implemented plans to keep the impacts of use of natural resources within safe ecological limits. ()
T&T, as a small island developing state, is faced with the challenge of having limited land space and scarce resources. In addition to this, T&T is also vulnerable to the effects of a changing climate. Given the importance of the natural resource base to the economy and well-being of the country it is considered imperative that every step be taken to preserve and maintain the integrity of our natural resources. With trends in both drivers and ecological systems indicating increasing demand and pressures, taking steps to limit the impacts on natural resources is considered extremely important
Sources of information:
- Trinidad and Tobago's revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2018): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nbsap-v2-en.pdf
- Trinidad and Tobago's 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2016): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nr-05-en.pdf
NBSAP Strategy: This Target cuts across several of the Strategies included in the revised NBSAP. Of particular importance in this regard are the strategies focused on sustainable agriculture, sustainable management of forest resources and fisheries; and reducing threats to important species.
Level of Government Responsible: Central Government: Lead -Ministry of Planning and Development; supported by the Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries; The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries; the Ministry of Works and Transport; and the Ministry of Public Utilities
Stakeholders: WASA, Energy, Food Prod’n, Local Gov’t, EMA, TCPD
5. By 2020, the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including marine habitats, is at least halved and degradation and fragmentation is significantly reduced. ()
This Target has been prioritised. All existing biodiversity assessments for T&T, including the 5th National Report of T&T to the CBD have indicated that most natural habitats in T&T are under threat. Degradation of natural habitats such as forests, rivers and coastal ecosystems are already having an impat on key ecosystem services resulting mounting recovery and damage costs. Land use planning has been identified as an important area for action in T&T, and within this, it was identified that special attention would be given to protecting natural habitats across the islands.
This Target was prioritised in Trinidad and Tobago's revised NBSAP (2018)
Sources of information:
- Trinidad and Tobago's revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2018): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nbsap-v2-en.pdf
- Trinidad and Tobago's 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2016): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nr-05-en.pdf
NBSAP Strategy: Ensuring no further loss of primary, natural habitats; restoration of the functionality of degraded habitats; and creation of ecological corridors
Level of Government Responsible: Central Government: Lead -Ministry of Planning and Development; supported by the Agriculture Land and Fisheries
Stakeholders: FD, State Lands, Housing, Land and Marine Affairs, THA, IMA
6. By 2020, at least 30% of the major commercially important fish, invertebrate stocks and aquatic plants are managed and harvested sustainably. ()
This Target has been prioritised. Several of the commercial fish species in the waters around T&T are under increasing threat. It is therefore important that greater emphasis be placed on managing these commercial stocks.
This Target was prioritised in Trinidad and Tobago's revised NBSAP (2018)
Sources of information:
- Trinidad and Tobago's revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2018): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nbsap-v2-en.pdf
- Trinidad and Tobago's 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2016): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nr-05-en.pdf
NBSAP Strategy: Ensuring that commercial fish species are harvested sustainably
Level of Government Responsible: Central Government: Lead -Ministry of Planning and Development; supported by the Agriculture Land and Fisheries
Stakeholders: Fisheries, EMA (For aquaculture CEC applications), IMA., Forestry, National Security
7a. By 2020, at least 30% of areas under agriculture are managed sustainably, ensuring conservation of biodiversity. ()
This Target has been prioritised. There has been an increase in agricultural activities across the islands, but many of the agricultural lands are not under sustainable management. The effects have been greater inorganic chemical inputs into freshwater systems, and clearing of land not suitable for agricultural activity. In respect of T&T's thrust to increase its food security and promote the greater cultivation of products locally, it is imperative that agricultural practices be better managed.
This Target was prioritised in Trinidad and Tobago's revised NBSAP (2018)
Sources of information:
- Trinidad and Tobago's revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2018): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nbsap-v2-en.pdf
- Trinidad and Tobago's 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2016): https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nr-05-en.pdf
NBSAP Strategy: Mainstreaming sustainable agricultural practices
Level of Government Responsible: Central Government: Lead -Ministry of Planning and Development; supported by the Agriculture Land and Fisheries
Stakeholders: Min of Agriculture, Fisheries, EMA
7b. By 2020, aquaculture activities are managed sustainably, ensuring conservation of biodiversity. ()
Aquaculture is not a widespread activity in T&T, and it is not a major contributor to national economic activities or livelihoods. This Target was however included to ensure that where aquaculture activities are occurring, they are incorporating sustainable practices. Additionally, there is scope for aquaculture activities to expand in the future in the context of the Government's thrust to diversify the economy of T&T, and ensure better food security. In this context, T&T has tremendous scope to establish large scale aquaculture practices that incorporate sustainable approaches.