The Ministry of Public Utilities and the Environment was formed in 2002 and is the National Focal Point for the Convention on Biological Diversity with primary responsibility for the conservation of the biological resources of Trinidad and Tobago. The Ministry's policy and programmes with respect to biological diversity is effected through the following agencies and divisions: Forestry Division, the Environmental Management Authority, Horticultural Services Division the Emperor Valley Zoo.
- National Parks Section
The National Parks Section has responsibility for protecting in perpetuity those areas of the country which represent significant examples of the country’s natural heritage in such judicious ways and means which will leave it unimpaired for the benefit of future generations. A primary focus of the Section has been environmental education and sensitization in schools and communities particularly in the north east region, and the development of interpretive centers in the areas under its direct management. These areas include:
- San Fernando Hill National Landmark
- Caura Recreation Site
- Quinam Recreation Site
- Cleaver Woods Recreation Park
- Aripo Savannas Scientific Reserve
It is to be noted that the only area recognized legally is the Aripo Savannas, which is a Prohibited Area. The Forests Act does not provide for the designation of areas of the country as national parks or recreation areas.
- The Horticultural Services Division
This Division seeks to facilitate, support and ensure the sustainable utilization of botanic landscapes and plant biodiversity for the development of agriculture, forestry, fishery and eco-tourism. The Division aims at ensuring that ex-situ conservation and survival of our indigenous plant species and more so, the rare, threatened, endangered or endemic wild species. The activities of the Horticultural Services Division can be classified under the broad categories of:
- Conservation and Introduction Programmes
- Public awareness, Education and Training Activities
- Landscape Management Programmes and Plant Propagation
- Production and Product Evaluation
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Environmental Management Authority
The Environmental Management Authority is responsible for the enforcement of the Environmental Management Act and its subsidiary legislation, which includes the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules. The Environmental Management Authority to date has not designated any area in Trinidad and Tobago as environmentally sensitive.
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Emperor Valley Zoo
The mission of this institution states that it is committed to excellence in conservation and the promotion of positive community attitudes toward wildlife and the environment. The Emperor Valley Zoo provides and manages a zoological park and allied facilities for education, research, captive breeding and recreation. The Emperor Valley Zoo has approximately 221 species of animals.
The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) is a multi-disciplinary organisation which is mandated to collect, analyse and disseminate data relating to the economic, technological, environmental, social and legal developments in marine affairs generally and to formulate and implement specific programmes/ projects to achieve the overall objectives both locally and regionally.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Tobago House of Assembly is primarily responsible for water quality studies, wetlands management, studies related to tourism development and environmental education.
The Forestry Department of the Tobago House of Assembly is responsible for managing the forest resources, controlling overabundant wildlife and watershed management in Tobago. It is also the island’s management authority for CITES. It is to be noted that since the early 1980’s there has been a moratorium on timber harvesting on State Lands in Tobago.
The Fisheries Department of the Tobago House of Assembly is responsible for managing the Buccoo Reef Marine Park.
The Chaguaramas Development Authority is responsible for the management development of the North-West Peninsula of Trinidad.
This is the central agency responsible for national fisheries development policy and planning, via Ministerial mandates and legislative authority under the Fisheries Act . The Division carries out the following functions to fulfill its mandate:
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Providing extension and support services
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conserving, stock assessing and managing living marine resources
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administering fisheries regulations
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negotiating bilateral and international fisheries agreements
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advising the Minister and giving technical advice regarding issues related to marine fisheries
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administering aquaculture, inland fisheries and ornamental fish farming programmes
This institution collaborates with other agencies to support marine fisheries biological research and management-oriented studies. The University has expertise in the area of fauna identification and houses some collections, engages in DNA identification, tissue culture for ex situ plant conservation. As a training and research institution, it possesses untapped potential for the contribution it can make to the biodiversity knowledge base and conservation in Trinidad and Tobago and the region.
This is also accommodated at the University and houses a collection of approximately 2500 species of local flora. It is the major institution for identification of native plant species in the country.
