- World Wetlands Day 2005 - Trinidad and Tobago
"There's Wealth in Wetland Diversity - don't lose it!"
The Wildlife Section and the Private and Community Forestry Unit of the Forestry Division in conjunction with the National Wetlands Committee hosted the opening of the Nariva Swamp Field Station and launching of a 14 - poster series on the theme of "Nariva Swamp Working for Us" to commemorate World Wetlands Day at the Kernahan Village, Nariva on 2nd February 2005. The Environmental Management Authority partnered with the Forestry Division to launch educational materials on the West Indian Manatee, a proposed Environmentally Sensitive Species. Displays were mounted by the Institute of Marine Affairs, University of the West Indies, Town and Country Planning Division and the Point-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust.
The feature address was delivered by the Minister of Public Utilities and the Environment, the Hon. Pennelope Beckles, who formally opened the Field Station and launched the 14 interpretive posters. The Environmental Management Authority's CEO, Dr. Dave Mc Intosh, launched the manatee educational materials.
Approximately 400 persons attended comprising of students and teachers from 12 primary and secondary schools, community members, members of the National Wetlands Committee, NGOs, CBOs, government agencies and staff of Forestry Division and Ministry of Public Utilities and the Environment Head Office.
Participants were treated to a host of cultural presentations, which included skits, calypsoes and dance items performed by schools, community members and Forestry Division's staff. These items were well received and covered topics related to the conservation and wise-use of wetlands.
The following pictures highlight a couple posters and some of the events that took place on the day:
