-TRINIDAD & TOBAGO NAMES TWO NEW RAMSAR SITES
The Ramsar Secretariat has accepted the designation of two new coastal Wetlands of International Importance by Trinidad and Tobago and (with Nariva Swamp) this country’s total number of Ramsar sites has increased to three.
The Caroni Swamp and Buccoo Reef / Bon Accord Lagoon Complex meet the criteria for designation as Ramsar sites since they are particularly good representative examples of natural or near – natural wetlands, characteristic of the appropriate biogeographical region; they support an appreciable assemblage of rare, vulnerable or endangered species or subspecies of plant or animal, or an appreciable number of individuals of anyone or more of these species; they are of special value as the habitat of plants or animals at a critical stage of their biological cycle; and they regularly support substantial numbers of individuals from particular groups of waterfowl, indicative of wetland values, productivity or diversity.
Following is a brief description of the two sites based on the data submitted in the Ramsar Information Sheets:
Caroni Swamp (8,398 hectares, 10°34'N 061°27'W) is an extraordinarily important wetland near the capital of Trinidad, Port of Spain, since it is ecologically diverse, consisting of marshes, mangrove swamp (5,996 ha), brackish and saline lagoons, and tidal mudflats in close proximity. A total of 20 endangered bird species have been recorded in the site, including the Scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber), Comb duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos), White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus), Snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis), and the severely threatened Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). The swamp has been modified by attempted reclamation, and there is some seasonal cultivation on the landward fringe. Caroni Swamp is important economically for oyster and fish harvesting, for hunting and for ecotourism.
Buccoo Reef / Bon Accord Lagoon Complex (1,287 hectares, 11°10 N 060°57 W) is located on the southwestern coast of Tobago near Scarborough and includes several under-represented wetland types such as coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forests. Endangered and vulnerable species in the area include various types of coral (Acropora palmata, Diploria labyrinthiformis, D. strigosa and Siderastrea siderea) as well as the critically endangered Hawkbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and at least 119 fish species. As the major tourist attraction in Tobago, the reef continues to be adversely affected by intense tourist activity and pollutant discharges. So far the restricted area status and existing management plan have been unable to prevent these impacts, but the site is in the process of being designated as an Environmentally Sensitive Area.
Designation of Ramsar sites is one of the obligations of Parties to the Convention on Wetlands. As a Contracting Party, increased publicity and prestige for the wetlands designated for the List of Wetlands of International Importance is obtained, and hence increased support for these wetlands. Access to the latest information and advice on wetland issues and thinking, notably in the field of the wise use of wetlands are also attained. Support for wetland projects is also possible either through the Convention’s Wetland Conservation Fund or through the Convention’s contacts with multilateral and bilateral development agencies. Trinidad and Tobago has benefited tremendously from these mechanisms for Nariva Swamp and since its designation positive strides have been made in protecting and conserving this unique wetland ecosystem. In 1995, the Ramsar Bureau provided technical assistance for the restoration of Nariva Swamp and this was followed by the provision of grant funds for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment and Management Plan and for fire protection activities.
The National Wetlands Committee played a contributory role in the designation process and it is expected that this Committee will continue to be actively involved in the revision and/or preparation of appropriate management plans for the sites.
Further information on Caroni Swamp can be obtained from the Forestry Division, Ministry of Public Utilities and the Environment (forestry@tstt.net.tt) and on Buccoo Reef / Bon Accord Lagoon Complex from the Tobago House of Assembly.
