Overfishing, poaching, squatting, chemical, plastic and other pollutants, rising sea levels all threaten the biodiversity in the Caroni Swamp – the largest mangrove wetland in TT and home to one of the national birds, the scarlet ibis.
As part of a US$30 million pilot project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has begun phase one to designate over 3,200 hectares an environmentally sensitive area (ESA).
Recently, the EMA issued request for proposals for consultancy services for the re-assessment and delineation of the boundaries of the Caroni Swamp in keeping with its mandate.
The EMA says the designation and management of the Caroni Swamp as an ESA is in accordance with the ESA Rules, 2001 and will mitigate against "irreversible damage to the protected area’s resources and values."
By being designated an ESA, the EMA will continue the work done through the Improving Forest and Protected Areas Management (IFPAM) project and also provide an additional measure of legal protection, which will include:
(1) Conservation of natural resources and protection of the environment
(2) Sustainable economic and human development
(3) Logistic support such as environmental education and information sharing
The Caroni Swamp, Nariva Swamp and coastal zone, Matura Forest and coastal zone, Trinity Hills and eastern extension, Main Ridge Forest Reserve and North-East Tobago Marine Protected Area, have been identified as areas which should be declared environmentally sensitive areas in 2018 during the IFPAM project.
The EMA describes the Caroni Swamp as a nesting and breeding site for the scarlet ibis and a breeding ground and nursery for several fish and crustacean species which contribute to the fish stocks in the Gulf of Paria.
The mangrove habitat is home to mangrove oysters, mussels, clams and conch, all of which are harvested for commercial sale.
The swamp is home to over 190 reported bird species including the scarlet ibis, 24 species of fin fish, the silky anteater, the crab-eating racoon, mangrove crab, hairy crab, the caiman and the tree boa.
Operators also depend on the swamp to carry out the sustained eco-tourism business, through tours and bird watching.
In an e-mailed response, to a query as to what changes such a designation would bring to those who use the swamp for eco-tourism, the EMA said "stakeholder consultations will be conducted to ensure conservation of natural resources and protection of the environment, as well as sustainable economic and human development. The re-assessment of the boundaries will start these discussions with key stakeholders, including boat tour operators and other users of the swamp."
The EMA said changes to the existing boundaries have not yet been fully determined but during the designation process significant threats and impacts will be identified.
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