NEW CAMPAIGN TO SAVE TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO’S
On November 21st 2011, the Ministry of Housing and the Environment hosted the launch of an awareness campaign to stop ecologically destructive wildlife trafficking across Trinidad and Tobago. The event was held at the Ministry in Port-of-Spain.
Mr. Antony Ramnarine, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.) Ministry of Housing and the Environment chaired the launch. Various remarks were delivered by- Mr. Seepersad Ramnarine - Conservator of Forests (Ag.) Forestry Division, Mr. Benjamin De La Rosa - President (Ag.) - The Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ZSTT), Mr. Kelvin Alie - Programme Director for Wildlife Trade International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) with the Feature Address being delivered by Mrs. Joy Creese - Permanent Secretary (Ag.) Ministry of Housing and the Environment on behalf of Dr. the Hon. Roodal Moonilal, M.P. Minister of Housing and the Environment who regrettably was unable to attend.
"Much of the richness of Trinidad and Tobago exists in its wildlife and biodiversity but there are people who, whether they know it or not, are robbing Trinidadians and Tobagonians for the benefit of a few select people. IFAW believes these kinds of awareness raising campaigns play a vital role in halting biodiversity loss by reducing the illegal trade in wildlife and the horrendous environmental costs it incurs," said Kelvin Alie, IFAW’s Program Director for Wildlife Trade.
Mr. Seepersad Ramnarine – Conservator of Forests (Ag) highlighted the need for partnering when he stated: "If you want to go faster you go alone; If you want to go further you pool together" reaffirming the need for partnering in this campaign.
Consequently, a poster has been developed to communicate to the public the need for awareness and sensitization to promote, foster and educate them on the importance of saving Trinidad and Tobago’s wildlife and biodiversity. Sites being targeted for the campaign are the two international airports, the three major sea ports in the capital cities of Port of Spain and Scarborough, and in Cedros/Icacos. Yacht destinations in Chaguaramas and Charlotteville, oil tanker ports in Point Lisas and Pointe-a-Pierre and the West and South Coasts of Trinidad.
The unveiling of this poster by the partners is symbolic of their commitment to sensitising and informing the national community, on the subject of the importation and export of wildlife from Trinidad and Tobago. By extension, reducing the illegal trade in wildlife and the horrendous environmental costs.
