To facilitate sound environmental management through developing, monitoring and coordinating the implementation of national policies, programmes and obligations under the multilateral environmental agreements.

Key Functions and Duties

The core activities of the Policy and Planning Division are:

• Assistance in the formulation of environmental policy, through relevant research and preparation of papers;
• Provision of technical support to the Permanent Secretary through the preparation of briefs, Notes for Cabinet, etc.;
• Monitoring and evaluation of the implementation and effectiveness of environmental policy;
• Promotion and facilitation of the harmonisation of social and economic policies with national environmental policy objectives;
• Design and implementation of programmes and projects pursuant to national environmental policy objectives;
• Conduct of research to inform the formulation of environmental policy;
• Promotion and facilitation of Government’s efforts to promote sustainable development;
• Acting as the National Focal Point for the Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) to which the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is signatory;
• Working in close collaboration with the Environmental Management Authority, the Trinidad and Tobago Solid Waste Management Company Limited, the Institute of Marine Affairs, the Emperor Valley Zoo, Forestry Division, Horticultural Services Division, and the Meteorological Services Division in policy implementation;
• Assisting in the identification and mobilization of financial and technical assistance to support Government’s efforts to promote sustainable development;
• Representing the Ministry on technical committees
• Representing the Ministry/Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago at regional and international meetings/conferences