Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698931103505.pdf (Trinidad and Tobago)
ANNUAL REPORT 2014 QUICK FACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY  The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) was established by the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament in 1995 through the enactment of the Environmental Management Act, 1995.

This Act was later repealed and re-enacted in 2000 by the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 35:05.
 Major functions of the EMA include:  Promoting a better understanding and appreciation of the environment;  Encouraging the integration of environmental concerns into private and public decision-making;  Coordinating efforts among the various institutions with responsibility for the environment to establish an integrated environmental management system designed to protect, enhance and conserve the environment;  Developing and implementing laws, policies and programmes to promote sustainable development, achieve economic growth and meet international obligations; and  Enhancing the legal, regulatory and institutional framework for environmental management.
 The EMA prepares an annual report containing an assessment of the state of the environment, which is intended to:  Provide a foundation for improved decision-making at all levels;  Increase awareness and understanding of environmental trends and conditions; and  Facilitate the measurement of key indicators that monitor progress of the pace and direction towards enhancing positive, or mitigating negative, observed conditions and trends.
This 2014 Assessment of the State of the Environment Report is prepared in fulfilment of Section 14(1)(a) of the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 35:05 and forms part of the Authority’s Annual Report.
2 VISION (Strategic Plan 2010-2014) “To lead Trinidad and Tobago in attaining and managing environmentally healthy and sustainable communities and ecosystems” The Environmental Management Authority is committed to protecting, restoring and conserving the environment to improve the quality of life by promoting: MISSION  Environmentally responsible development  A culture of care for the environment  Development and enforcement of environmental legislation  Use of economic, financial and other incentives This is to be achieved in an atmosphere of mutual respect, professionalism, accountability, transparency, collaboration and social responsibility.
3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The 2014 Assessment of the State of the Environment report was written and edited by the following team: Christiana Newling, Ryan Assiu, Jesse Gyan, Elizabeth Sumadh, Shervan Soogrim, Danielle Lewis-Clarke, Xiomara Chin, Nisha Ramsahai, Suzanne Sooknanan, Wayne Rajkumar and Hayden Romano.

4 MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN The environmental front in Trinidad and Tobago witnessed milestone events in 2014.
Sea turtle conservation was a major focal point, with legislative mechanisms and extensive national stakeholder dialogue held as part of the EMA’s broader efforts to protect our wildlife.

This year, we proudly designated five sea turtle species as Environmentally Sensitive Species- the Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, and Olive Ridley.
This designation reinforces the existing protective measures afforded to sea turtles, with increased sensitization drives by the EMA, including a sea turtle legislation sensitization session with the Trinidad and Tobago Police, to ensure that these vulnerable species and their nesting rituals are safeguarded.
Additionally, the 2nd National Sea Turtle Symposium presented valuable insight into the local research and conservation efforts by our esteemed Non-Governmental Organizations; of which the recommendations ought to translate into a long-term national management plan.

Other milestone accomplishments include the signing of the Air Pollution Rules, 2014, which will establish this country’s first standards for air pollution controls.
This will serve as a critical foundation for future undertakings on air pollution management, given our country’s carbon extensive economy.

This was signed against the background of the notorious Beetham Landfill fire in January, whose fumes engulfed the capital city for several days, underpinning the importance of Air Pollution Rules.

The EMA also launched a National Wildlife Survey to capture data on the existing population of several wildlife species across various locations in Trinidad and Tobago.
This was coupled with a National Moratorium on hunting to allow for the rehabilitation of wildlife species.

These initiatives are indicative of the Government’s intent to reverse the severe decline of our wildlife.

2014 also witnessed the country’s largest oil spill along the south-west coastline, prompting the largest cleanup and rehabilitation efforts mobilized in this country.
This was a valuable lesson learnt, which highlighted our capabilities and shortcomings in effectively treating with a magnanimous environmental incident.

Apart from taking swift enforcement action, the EMA continues active dialogue with the oil and gas industry, and all industry operators at large, to ensure that environmental legislation is strictly adhered to.
Our country’s environmental management efforts were conclusively progressive, and I anticipate further projects and policies in 2015 to fortify our mandate and response to environmental management in Trinidad and Tobago.

Nadra Nathai-Gyan Chairman of the Board November 20161 1 Please Note: This 2014 Annual Report was reviewed by the Chairman and Board of Directors, who were appointed in July 2016.
5 Air Pollution (Fees) Regulations Air Pollution Rules Aripo Savannas Environmentally Sensitive Area Assessment of the State of the Environment Report Biodiversity Advisory Committee Convention on Biological Diversity Certificate of Environmental Clearance Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Carbon dioxide 11th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity Central Statistical Office Ambient Water Quality Standards Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Drivers-Pressures-State-Impact-Response European Environment Agency Environmental Management Authority Environmental Policy and Planning Division of Trinidad and Tobago Emergency Response and Investigation Environmentally Sensitive Areas Environmentally Sensitive Species Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Global Environment Facility Greenhouse gases Geographical Information System Global Positioning System Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago List of Abbreviations APFR APR ASESA ASOE BAC CBD CEC CITES CO2 COP 11 CSO AWQS DNRE DPSIR EEA EMA EPPD ERI ESAs ESSs FAO GEF GHG GIS GPS GoRTT GRNTGA Grande Riviere Nature Tour Guide Association Invasive Alien Species IAS Integrated Coastal Zone Management ICZM International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN Institute of Marine Affairs IMA International Maritime Organization IMO International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN Living Modified Organisms LMOs Law Review Committee LRC Millennium Ecosystem Assessment MA Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries MEEI MNPESA Matura National Park Environmentally Sensitive Area NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 6 National Biodiversity Assessment of Trinidad and Tobago National Environmental Policy Non-governmental organization National Oil Spill Contingency Plan Notice of Violation NBATT NEP NGO NOSCP NOV NRCSWLP National Restoration, Carbon Sequestration, Wildlife and Livelihoods Project Nariva Swamp Environmentally Sensitive Area NSESA PAs
 Protected Areas ProEcoServ Project for Ecosystem Services Public Sector Investment Programme PSIP Regions for Sustainable Change RSC Sulphur dioxide SO2 State of the Environment SOE The Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife to the Cartagena Convention SPAW Sea Turtle Symposium STS STSN Sea Turtle Support Network SWMCOL Solid Waste Management Company Limited THA TTD TTPS UNDESA United Nations Department of Economics and Social Affairs UNEP UWI VOCs WHO WWF United Nations Environment Programme University of the West Indies Volatile Organic Compounds World Health Organization World Wide Fund for Nature Tobago House of Assembly Trinidad and Tobago dollar Trinidad and Tobago Police Service 7 Table of Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................ 4 MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN ................................................................................................... 5 List of Abbreviations ................................................................................................................... 6 List of Tables ............................................................................................................................. 10 List of Boxes ............................................................................................................................. 10 Chapter 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 13 1.1.1 Background ................................................................................................................. 13 1.1.2 Drivers-Pressures-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) Model ....................................... 16 1.1.3 The “Big 5” Environmental Pressures ........................................................................ 17 1.1.4 Types of Responses to Environmental Pressures........................................................ 20
20 1.1.5 Overview of this ASOE .............................................................................................. 23 Chapter 2 Strategic Policy and Action Responses in 2014 .................................................... 24 2.1.1 Designation of Sea Turtles as Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESSs)................. 24 2.1.2 Threats to Sea Turtles ................................................................................................. 28 2.1.3 Implications of Designation for the EMA and Trinidad and Tobago ......................... 29 2.2.1 Air Pollution Rules, 2014 ........................................................................................... 30 2.2.2 Description of Air Pollution Rules ............................................................................. 31 2.2.3 Air pollution and environmental pressures ................................................................. 32 2.2.4 Outcomes for EMA and Trinidad and Tobago ........................................................... 32 2.3.1 National Biosafety Policy ........................................................................................... 33 Chapter 3 Strategic Action Responses to Environmental Incidents ........................................ 34 3.1.1 Response to Threats to Sea Turtle Populations ........................................................... 34 3.2.1 Response to Pressures on Wildlife: The First National Wildlife Survey.................... 35 3.3.1 Response to Threats to Air Quality: Beetham Landfill Fires Case Study .................. 38 3.4.1 Gulf Coast Oil Spill Case Study ................................................................................. 40 Chapter 4 The Way Forward: 2015 and Beyond ..................................................................... 43 4.1.1 Biological Indicators ................................................................................................... 43 4.1.2 Proposed Biological Indicators for Trinidad and Tobago
 ........................................... 50 4.2.1 Environment Indicators and the State of Environment Report ................................... 50 4.3.1 Planned initiatives to address environmental pressures .............................................. 53 8 Chapter 5 2014 Key Activities and Accomplishments ............................................................ 56 5.1.1 Designation of Five (5) Sea Turtles as Environmentally Sensitive Species.
.............. 56 5.1.2 Drafting of the Air Pollution Rules, 2014.

.................................................................. 59 5.1.3 Coordination of the 2013/2014 PETROTRIN oil spill response and clean up.
.......... 60 5.1.4 Organisational Restructuring ...................................................................................... 61 5.1.5 Addressing Noise Pollution in a multi-stakeholder approach..................................... 62 5.1.6 Working with Stakeholders for Public Education ...................................................... 63 5.1.8 Beverage Containers Cleanup Project (BCCP)........................................................... 65 5.1.9 Permitting and Enforcement ....................................................................................... 67 5.1.9.1 Permit Monitoring and Complaints Unit .................................................................... 67 5.1.9.2 Emergency Response and Investigations Unit ............................................................ 68 5.1.9.3 Work of the Certificate of Environmental Clearance Unit ......................................... 70 5.1.9.4 Noise Unit ................................................................................................................... 70 5.1.9.5 Water Unit ................................................................................................................... 71 5.1.9.6 Legal Services ............................................................................................................. 71 Chapter 6 Financial Statements For The Year 2014................................................................ 74 9 List of Figures Figure 1.1.
Drivers-Pressures State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model ........................................ 16 Figure 2.1.

Extinction risk of the Hawskbill, Loggerhead, Green, Leatherback and Olive Ridley Sea Turtles .................................................................................................................................... 26 Figure 2.2.

Process of ESA/S Designation ................................................................................... 27 Figure 3.1.
Images of artificial incubation trials of Leatherback turtles.

...................................... 35 Figure 3.2.

Locations of 1 km transects surveyed in hunted and protected areas throughout Trinidad during the wet season of 2014 ........................................................................................ 37 Figure 3.3.

Smoke resulting from Beetham Landfill fires ............................................................ 39 Figure 3.4.
Prop root of red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) covered with oil (left) and puddle of oil seen within the mangrove forest at Coffee Beach (right) ........................................................ 41 Figure 3.5.

Granville before clean-up (left) and after clean up (right) ......................................... 42 Figure 3.6.
Oil soaked material on Station Beach to be removed (December 27, 2013) (left) and Coffee Beach, La Brea, Trinidad (right) ....................................................................................... 42 List of Tables Table 2.1 Number of nesting female Leatherback turtles and the mean re-encounter rate for 3 study beaches in Trinidad ............................................................................................................. 25 Table 4.1.
Aichi indicator list for the strategic plan for biodiversity 2011-2020 ......................... 44 Table 4.2.

Frequently used Environmental Indicators for GHG emissions .................................. 51 List of Boxes Box 1.1.

Key definitions ............................................................................................................... 15 Box 1.2.

DPSIR definitions .......................................................................................................... 17 Box 1.3.
Defining a “Strategic” Response .................................................................................... 22 Box 1.4.

Objectives of the National Environmental Policy (NEP) 2006 ...................................... 22 Box 2.1.

Guidelines for designating environmentally sensitive species ....................................... 27 Box 2.2.
Limitations on use and Prohibited activities related to the five sea turtles designated as ESSs .............................................................................................................................................. 30 Box 2.3 Brief History of the Air Pollution Rules ......................................................................... 31 Box 4.1.
Case study: Montenegro Indicator-based State of the Environment Report .................. 53 10 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY land), habitat Trinidad and Tobago faces an extensive spectrum of environmental pressures which include loss and destruction (for example, through pollution (air, water and infrastructural development and unplanned agricultural activities), invasive alien species (such as the red-palm mite), overexploitation of natural and biological resources (such as overhunting and overfishing), and the effects of climate change (namely, increasing global temperatures and rising sea levels).
These stressors interact across large spatial and temporal scales, which can amplify the impacts on ecosystems, and subsequently human life, which is heavily dependent on ecosystem services.

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other environmental stakeholders have made significant efforts to respond to environmental pressures.
These responses have taken the form of new legislation, policies and amendments, as well as considerable actions to manage and conserve our environment and to protect human health.

Much of this 2014 ASOE report focuses on the strategic efforts made in response to environmental pressures, which have direct impacts on biodiversity and human health in Trinidad and Tobago.
Despite the far-reaching efforts made by environmental stakeholders, as indicated in the 2012 ASOE reports and the National Biodiversity Assessment of Trinidad and Tobago (NBATT), the sizes of our major natural ecosystems are declining at an alarming rate.

Bearing in mind the profound ecosystem services provided for the nation (water purification, nutrient cycling, food and recreational value), protecting and conserving the integrity of our ecosystems are therefore of utmost importance.
Several efforts have been made in 2014 to address environmental concerns from both policy and action standpoints.
Some highlights in this year’s responses to environmental pressures by governmental and non-governmental organizations include:  The designation of all five (5) species of sea turtles found in Trinidad and Tobago, as Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESSs), which affords these endangered reptiles special protection under law;  Experimentation into a turtle hatchery project using artificial incubation containers;  Educational awareness events such as the 2nd Sea Turtle Symposium;  Launch of the 1st National Wildlife Survey, which was able to quantify several game species in various parts of Trinidad.
This project was also launched in Tobago;  Development of a National Biosafety Policy to protect human health and the environment from the potential effects of living modified organisms;  The signing of Air Pollution Rules (APR) 2014 and Air Pollution (Fees) Regulations (APFR) by the Minister of Environment and Water Resources; 11  Emergency responses to major environmental disasters – the Gulf of Paria oil spill2 and Beetham Landfill fires;  Completion of Phase I of the Development of Ambient Water Quality Standards for Trinidad and Tobago; and the  Continuation of the Project for Ecosystem Services (ProEcoServ).
In addition, a major notable response to address biodiversity concerns came in the form of a National Biodiversity Indicators meeting, hosted by the Environmental Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.

At this meeting, a list of draft national biological targets and indicators were proposed, as modelled against the biodiversity indicator list established at the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
This list seeks to address a wide-range of biodiversity indicators which examines aspects such as educational awareness, financing, management, incentives and the valuation of biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago, to name a few.

Building on the Drivers-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) Model used by the European Environment Agency, this report also proposes the establishment of environmental indicators for better inter-annual monitoring of the state of the environment.
Long term environmental reporting has been limited due to the thematic approach to ASOE reporting used over the past fifteen (15) years.

Several institutions across the globe have undertaken an indicator-based ASOE reporting system, which provides a concise, comprehensive and comparable way to illustrate the status and trends in the environment3.
Transitioning Trinidad and Tobago ASOE reporting to such a system is an unmistakably fruitful way of obtaining a broader outlook on the state of environmental affairs and track trends of established measures over time.

Establishing this standardized approach to monitoring and reporting on the state of the environment can be considered the critical strategic approach to addressing the drivers and pressures on the environment for years to come.
However, in order to achieve this transition, several data gaps need to be identified and filled to define baseline figures and assure continuous yearly data collection.

This requires collaborative efforts from key stakeholders to ensure effective, scientifically sound and sustainable methods of data collection, analysis and reporting.

2 This oil spill began on 17 December 2013, however the environmental impacts and clean-up activities continued into 2014.
3 Environmental Protection Agency of Montenegro, (2013).

Indicator-based State of the Environment Report of Montenegro.

Retrieved from: http://epa.org.me/images/dokumenti/Izvjestaj-final-engl.pdf 12 Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1.1 Background “Biodiversity underpins ecosystem functioning.
The services provided by healthy ecosystems, in turn, are the foundation for human well-being” – Global Biodiversity Outlook 24 The 1992 United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity defines biological resources as the “genetic resources, organisms or parts thereof, populations, or any other biotic component of ecosystems with actual or potential use value for humanity”5.
It is the combination of life forms and their interactions with one another and with the physical environment, which has made the Earth habitable for humans.

Ecosystems provide the necessities and services for human life (such as breathable air, food, water, material goods and medicinal remedies); offer protection from natural disasters and diseases (e.g.
regulating climate, flooding and pests); provide foundation for human cultures, spiritual beliefs and worldviews; and support the essential life processes for the planet (e.g.

primary production and nutrient cycling)6,7.

The magnitude of importance of the ecological, socio-cultural and economic services provided by ecosystems can be approximated through dollar estimates that range between USD 125 trillion-USD 145 trillion per year; more than double the global gross domestic product (GDP) in 20138.
Given that biodiversity and the wider natural environment is the indispensible foundation for our lives and global economic development, threats to the environment endanger not only ecological sustainability, but also our social and economic sustainability.

Strategic, flexible and innovative environmental management systems are therefore critical at this time, when pressures that span a wide range of spatial, temporal and organisational scales are spurring unprecedented environmental change.
The five (5) main pressures, or ‘direct drivers’ of environmental change commonly recognised across international programmes of work are: habitat change, climate change, over- exploitation, nutrient loading (pollution) and invasive alien species (IAS)9.
These are natural or human-induced factors that influence an ecosystem process and can be broadly classified into two categories: 1) Direct Drivers, which explicitly alter the processes of an ecosystem(s) and 2) Indirect Drivers, which operate diffusely to influence direct drivers10.

The ‘big five’ direct drivers tend to work in tandem resulting in cumulative negative impacts on the local, regional and global environment.
This has resulted in an increased species extinction rate of as much as 4 Secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity, (2006).

Global Biodiversity Outlook 2.

Montreal.

5 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), (1992).

Use of Terms.

UN Conference on Environment and Development.

6 Jianming, J., (1987).

Protecting Biological Resources to Sustain Human Progress.

Ambio.

16(5): 262-266.

7 Secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity, (2006).

Global Biodiversity Outlook 2.


Montreal.

8 Costanza, R., de Groot, R., Sutton, P., van der Ploeg, S., Anderson, S.J., Kubisewski, I., & Turner, R.K., (2014).

Changes in the Global Value of Ecosystem Services.

Global Environmental Change 26: 152-158.

9 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), (2005).

Ecosystems and Human Well Being: Biodiversity Synthesis.

World Resource Institute.

Washington, DC.

10 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), (2005).

Ecosystems and Human Well Being: Biodiversity Synthesis.
World Resource Institute.

Washington, DC.

13 three (3) orders of magnitude over the past few hundred years11.

Thus far, about two (2) million species have been formally described, but it is estimated that there are between five (5) and thirty (30) million species on Earth yet to be documented12.

As such, it is quite possible that we may be losing species before they have even been discovered, some of which may have potentially revolutionary scientific breakthroughs.
To aid in understanding the state of biodiversity and the factors influencing it, scientists, politicians and decision-makers have begun to use “biological indicators”, which are uniform, statistical measures of biodiversity13.

Biological indicators make it easier to draw comparisons about the condition or health of ecosystems over time and track the outcomes that policy decisions are having on ecosystems14.
For example, these indicators can unveil whether decisions are resulting in conservation or degradation.

Thus, biological indicators can be utilized as useful tools in taking the first step towards measuring the outcome of biological conservation efforts, and aid in safeguarding biological and other natural resources in the context of sustainability.
Trinidad and Tobago is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and must ensure the characterization and management of species currently being exploited, as well as, all other forms of biological diversity in the nation.
Already, three (3) areas (Nariva Swamp, Aripo Savannas, and Matura National Park) have been designated as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs), and ten (10) species have been designated as Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESSs) in order to take appropriate steps towards biological conservation and management in Trinidad and Tobago.
However, many of these ESSs have been declared as having varying risks of extinction on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Index, which is one global indicator of biological diversity15.

Thus, the need to enforce current environmental legislation, increase awareness and education about environmental pressures, ESSs, ESAs and other aspects affecting biodiversity are paramount in Trinidad and Tobago.
The use of biological indicators can act as an assessment of the progress towards the goals of CBD’s Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011 – 2020 and Aichi Biodiversity targets16 in Trinidad and Tobago.

The 11th Conference of the Parties to the CBD (COP 11) determined several indicators of biodiversity based on the Aichi targets set.

By juxtaposing the 2006 National Environmental 11 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), (2005).

Ecosystems and human well-being Volume: Current State and Trends.
Chapter 4 Biodiversity.

Island Press.

12 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), (2005).

Ecosystems and human well-being Volume: Current State and Trends.

Chapter 4 Biodiversity.

Island Press.


13 International Union for http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/species/our_work/biodiversity_indicators/ 14 International Union for http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/species/our_work/biodiversity_indicators/ 15 International Union for http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/species/our_work/biodiversity_indicators/ the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), (2014).

Biodiversity Indicators.

Retrieved from the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), (2014).


Biodiversity Indicators.

Retrieved from 16 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), (2012).

Decision adopted by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity at its eleventh meeting.

14 Policy (NEP) objectives related to biodiversity with the Aichi Biodiversity indicators, and considering input from stakeholders, one can propose suitable indicators for biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago.
Biological indicators are just one example of using standard measures to assess trends in a specific aspect of the environment, in this case, biodiversity.

On a larger scale, several international institutions have utilized environmental indicators, which incorporate measures to assess the overall state of the environment.
Environmental indicators can encompass social, cultural, ecological and economic aspects of the environment, painting a holistic image of the condition of the environment in a given country.

By using a wide range of environmental indicators, it makes it easier for countries to track changes in specific areas of the environment over time.

Box 1.1.
Box 1.1.

Key definitions Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms (genes, populations, species, communities and ecosystems) which forms the basis of all ecosystem processes.

Ecosystem services are benefits that humans receive from ecosystems such as breathable air, fertile soil, productive forests and fisheries, and recreational hunting.

Ecosystem health refers to the capacity for ecosystems to sustain biological functions as well as reasonable human goals.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas refer to any area that has been designated under the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules, 2001 for the conservation and management of biologically significant areas, in order to achieve one or more of the three general objectives: “(a) conservation of natural resources and protection of the environment (b) sustainable economic and human development (c) logistic support such as environmental education and information sharing” Environmentally Sensitive Species refer to any plant or animal as designated under the Environmentally Sensitive Species Rules, 2001 to achieve one or more of the three general objectives mentioned above.
These species may be designated if it is: i) an indigenous plant or animal in Trinidad and Tobago, or although not indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago, is present in Trinidad and Tobago for part of its life or reproductive cycle; ii) likely to become extinct and its survival is unlikely is the endangering factors affecting it continue; iii) required to be protected in order to adhere to International Conventions as outlined in Schedule II of the ESS rules; iv) related to guidelines in Schedule II of the ESS rules; v) written in law set out in Section III of the ESS rules.
Source: MA, (2005)17; EOLSS, (n.d.)18; EMA, (2001)19; EMA, (2001)20 17 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), (2005).

Ecosystems and human well-being Volume 1: Current State & Trends.

Chapter 4 Biodiversity.

Island Press.

18 Rapport,D.J., Fyfe, W.S., Costanza, R., Spiegel, J., Yassi, A., Bohm, G.M., Patil, G.P., Lannigan, R., Anjema, C.M., Whitford, W.G., & Horwitz, P., (n.d.).

Ecology Vol.

II Ecosystem Health: Definitions, Assessment and Case Studies.

Encyclopaedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS).


15 1.1.2 Drivers-Pressures-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) Model Social and economic activities are continuously interacting with and impinging upon the environment and vice-versa.

In order to critically examine these interactions, the European Environment Agency (EEA) utilizes the Drivers-Pressures-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model (Figure 1.1).
This is particularly useful for decision makers as it pinpoints sources of the stresses experienced by the environment and economy and therefore highlights areas that can be mitigated through policy action21.

The DPSIR presents a “systems analysis view”, whereby social and economic activities impact the environment and change the quality or “state” of the environment22,23.
As a result, impacts on human or ecosystem health evoke responses from the society, which can lead to action taken on the driving forces, pressures, state or impacts, to facilitate remediation (refer to Box 1.2 for DPSIR definitions).

The DPSIR model has been deemed a suitable model to provide conceptual guidance when selecting indicators, as discussed in Chapter 424.

Figure 1.1.
Figure 1.1.

Drivers-Pressures State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model Source: EEA, (2003)25 19 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2001).

Environmentally Sensitive Species Rules.

Legal Notice No.

63.

Environmental Management Act.

20 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2001).

Environmentally Sensitive Area Rules.

Legal Notice No.

37.

Environmental Management Act.

21 Agu, G., (2007).

The DPSIR framework used by the EEA.

European Environment Agency.

22 Agu, G., (2007).


The DPSIR framework used by the EEA.

European Environment Agency.

23 Smeets, E. & Weterings, R., (1999).

Technical Report No.

25.

Environmental indicators: Typology and overview.

European Environment Agency.

24 Niemeijer, D. & de Groot, R.S., (2008).

A conceptual framework for selecting environmental indicator sets.

Ecological Indicators 8: 14-25.

25 European Environment Agency (EEA), (2003).

Europe’s environment: the third assessment.


Environmental assessment report No 10.

16 Box 1.2.

DPSIR definitions Drivers, also known as driving forces, are the social-economic factors that lead to changes in the quality of the environment.

Pressures refer to the stresses experienced by the environment and economy.

State refers to the condition of the environment in both a quantitative and qualitative sense.

Impact is the change, which occurs in the environment, ecosystems and human health.
Responses are state strategies, policies and actions, which improve the quality of the environment.

Source: EEA, (2003)26 1.1.3 The “Big 5” Environmental Pressures This section describes five (5) major environmental pressures experienced globally, using local examples to highlight the impact in Trinidad and Tobago.
1) Climate Change Climate change is defined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as the “change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods”.
The effects of climate change in Trinidad and Tobago are seen in:  Increases in average temperature at a rate of 1.7˚C per decade over the period 1961-2008;  Sea level rise at a rate of 1mm/year in Northern parts of Trinidad and 4mm/year in Southern parts;  Decreases in rainfall in the wet season and increases in intensity of rainfall events.

In and of themselves, these effects do not pose a terrible threat to biodiversity; however, they exacerbate the other ‘big pressures’ on the environment.
A thorough and comprehensive assessment of climate change impacts on Trinidad and Tobago was covered in the 2013 ASOE report27.

The interconnected relationship among the five (5) environmental pressures is clear and anthropogenic activity is a major driving force for these pressures.

For example, an area 26 European Environment Agency (EEA), (2003).

Europe’s environment: the third assessment.

Environmental assessment report No.

10.

27 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).
Assessment of the State of the Environment Report, 2013: Climate Change Evidence, Impacts and Responses in Trinidad and Tobago.

17 suffering from overexploitation may be further impacted by pollution or the introduction of an invasive species, which can cause further destruction to the habitat and ecosystem stability.

Thus, these environmental pressures are not mutually exclusive, and in most cases, the occurrence of multiple environmental pressures threatens ecosystem health.
2) Overexploitation increasing demand for resources, species are being harvested at an Due to the unsustainable rate.

The National Wildlife Federation defines “the overuse of wildlife and plant species by people for food, clothing, pets, medicine, sport and many other purposes” as overexploitation28.This unsustainable act leaves biological resources at the risk of exhaustion.
Overexploitation is of particular concern in marine habitats as it has resulted in a decline in the total number of fisheries catches.

Despite increased efforts, marine organisms are not able to replenish themselves at the same rate as human demand29.

Moreover, overexploitation can be seen as a major cause of the extinction of certain species, and it often happens at the same time as other anthropogenic disturbances such as habitat loss and degradation30,31.
For example, in Trinidad, the Pawi or Piping Guan (Pipile pipile), a critically endangered species according to the IUCN Red List is being threatened primarily by illegal hunting, closely followed by habitat loss due to agricultural land and housing.

3) Nutrient Loading (Pollution) Biodiversity, whether found on land, inland or in coastal ecosystems, is continuously being threatened by pollution from nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorous32.
Anthropogenic activities such as fertilizer use in agriculture, have more than doubled the quantity of reactive nitrogen (Nr) since pre-industrial times, surpassing the contribution of all natural processes that produce Nr.

Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus are typically the limiting factors that keep plant species populations in check – especially in aquatic ecosystems.

In aquatic ecosystems this can be problematic as it leads to algal blooms.

The overgrowth of algae directly (n.d.).


Overexploitation.

Retrieved 28 National Wildlife Federation, Wildlife/Overexploitation.aspx 29 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), (n.d.).

Global Biodiversity Outlook 3 Biodiversity in 2010.

Current pressures on biodiversity and responses.

30 Mace, G.M.

& Balmford, A., (2000).

Patterns and processes in contemporary mammalian extinction.

27-52 in Entwistle A, Dunstone N, eds.

Priorities for the Conservation of Mammalian Diversity.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

31 Peres, C.A., (2009).

Overexploitation.

In Conservation Biology for All (eds.

N.S.

Sodhi & P. R. Ehrlich), pp 107-130.

Oxford University Press, Oxford.

32 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), (n.d.).

Global Biodiversity Outlook 3 Biodiversity in 2010.

Current pressures on biodiversity and responses.


from https://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Threats-to- 18 outcompetes other plant species and after death creates an oxygen deficient environment which kills many aerobic species33.

4) Habitat Change and Loss Habitat loss and degradation through anthropogenic activities such as land clearing are seen as primary reasons for declining species in ecosystems.
Other factors such as climate change, a phenomenon exacerbated by human activity, can lead to habitat change and loss, particularly in vulnerable habitats34.

In Trinidad and Tobago, there has been significant degradation to key ecosystems (terrestrial, coastal, inland and freshwater) due to human activities, and as such, it is seen as the number one priority regarding biodiversity in the nation35.

A major issue regarding habitat change and loss is the concept of fragmentation.
Habitats can become fragmented or “divided” by natural disturbances such as forest fires, or by human activities, for example, agriculture and the construction of roads.

The resulting fragmented areas may be very small and only able to support small populations of species.
In these cases, species that favour the “new” conditions, for example a reduction in predators, or species that have greater tolerance to the surroundings, often thrive and become more abundant, thus changing the dynamics of the ecosystems36.

Conversely, larger divisions are less influenced by fragmentation.

5) Invasive Alien Species (IAS) For thousands of years, humans have been introducing biological organisms into new areas37.
These introductions have greatly increased with advancements in global trade and transport38.

IAS are organisms that have been introduced (whether intentionally or not) to an area that it does not normally inhabit and alters the composition, structure and/or functions of native ecosystems39.

These species can have negative effects on the environment and the economy, and have amplified extinction rates of species, particularly in islands and fresh water habitats40.
Furthermore, the economic impact of IAS can disrupt 33 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), (n.d).

Global Biodiversity Outlook 3 Biodiversity in 2010.

Current pressures on biodiversity and responses.

34 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), (2005).

Ecosystems and human well-being Volume 1: Current State & Trends.

Chapter 4 Biodiversity.

Island Press.

35 The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT), (2012).
Fourth National Report of Trinidad and Tobago to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Retrieved from http://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nr-04-en.pdf 36 Laurance, W.F., M.A.

Cochrane, S.Bergen, P.M. Fearnside, P. Delamonica, C. Barber, S.D’Angelo & Fernandes, T., (2001).

The future of the Brazilian Amazon.

Science 291: 438-439.

37 Millberg, P. & Tyrberg, T., (1993).

Naive Birds and Noble Savages a Review of Man Caused Prehistoric Extinctions of Island Birds.

Ecography 16(3): 229-250.


38 Gaston, K.J., Jones, A. G., Hanel, C. & Chown, S.L., (2003).

Rates of species introduction to a remote oceanic island.

Proceedings of the Royal Society of London Series B-Biological Science.

270: 1091-1098.

39 Molnar, J.L., Gamboa, R.L., Revenga, C. & Spalding, M.D., (2008).

Assessing the global threat of invasive species to marine biodiversity.

Front Ecol Environ.

6: 485-492.

40 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), (2005).


Ecosystems and human well-being Volume 1: Current State & Trends.

Chapter 4 Biodiversity.

Island Press.

19 animal stocks and subsequently the industries that depend on them.

Therefore, these types of organisms can be viewed as a major global threat to biodiversity from both an ecological and an economic standpoint.
One example of an IAS currently under watch in Caribbean waters is the lionfish, namely the Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) and the Devil Firefish (Pterois miles).

Lionfish have reportedly spread to at least fourteen (14) Caribbean nations, including neighbouring Venezuela in 2010, and have affected coral reef ecosystems and marine industries.

These fishes are also venomous, having the potential to injure humans if stung.
Unconfirmed sightings of lionfish were reported to the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) in late 2010 and February 2012.

In July 2012, a specimen was captured and photographed by a diver in Tobago.

An Ad-hoc Interagency Committee was established to devise a plan to manage and minimize the potential threats posed by the spread of lionfish into the nation’s ecosystems41.
The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) also hosted its 14th Research Symposium in Tobago on September 17, 2014, which carried the theme “Small Island Developing States (SIDS) - Ensuring our Future”.

The symposium addressed a range of topics, which included Climate Change Adaptation, Coastal Zone Management and the Control and Management of the Lionfish42.
Another example relevant to Trinidad and Tobago is that of the red-palm mite (Raoiella indica) which was introduced in 2006 and poses a particular threat to fruiting palm trees in the Nariva Swamp and the local coconut industry43.

1.1.4 Types of Responses to Environmental Pressures Responses to pressures can be classified into two (2) groups: 1.
Policy & Regulatory Instruments: Also known as Environmental Policy Instruments (EPIs), these refer to the myriad of techniques available to governments to lessen the impacts on the natural environment and human socio-economic welfare, by influencing the consumption and production behaviour of institutions and individuals44.
They can include guiding policy documents; voluntary instruments; standards and regulations; quantity-based instruments; pricing instruments; research and development and innovation support45.

(IMA), Institute of Marine Affairs 41 Environmental Management Authority, (2013).

Lionfish.

Retrieved from: http://www.ema.co.tt/new/index.php/lionfish 42 The in Tobago.
Retrieved http://www.ima.gov.tt/home/what-new/242-ima-symposium-press-release.pdf 43 The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT), (2012).

Invasive Alien Species of Trinidad and Tobago.

Retrieved from http://www.biodiversity.gov.tt/home/trinidad-a-tobago-biodiversity/invasive-alien-species.html 44 [Adapted from] Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy, (1992).

Environmental Policy: Strategy, instruments and enforcement.

Hague.
Hague.

45 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2009).

Assessment of the State of the Environment Report, 2009: Environmental Policy and Regulatory Instruments.

IMA Research Symposium (2014).

from 20 2.

Applied Actions: These are efforts undertaken by state agencies, private enterprises or civil society to address environmental pressures and drivers.

Applied actions may be done as a result of conditions set by policy instruments or in lieu of policies and regulatory instruments.
Regardless of the type of response, it is important that the responses be strategically selected to maximize impact while minimizing cost and effort.

The EMA has implemented several “strategic responses” through policy and action, in line with the National Environmental Policy (NEP 2006) (Boxes 1.3 and 1.4).
Apart from the NEP (2006), some policies and legislation in place to improve the state of the environment in Trinidad and Tobago include:  National Policy and Programmes on Wetland Conservation for Trinidad and Tobago 2002  National Integrated Water Resources Management Policy 2005  National Climate Change Policy 2011  National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan (NBSAP)  Working for Sustainable Development in Trinidad and Tobago Policy 2012  Medium Term Policy Framework 2011 - 2014  Comprehensive Economic Development Plan for Tobago  National Forest Policy 2011  National Wetland Policy  National Action Programme to Combat Land Degradation in Trinidad and Tobago  National Tourism Policy 2010  National Protected Areas Policy 2011  National Wildlife Policy 2013 Additional biodiversity legislation includes the Environmentally Sensitive Species Rules (2001) and Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules (2001).
These legislative and policy instruments act as guides to achieve the objectives set out in the National Environmental Policy (2006) (Box 1.4) in line with the goal of “environmentally sustainable development, meaning the balance of economic growth with environmentally sound practices in order to enhance the quality of life and meet the needs of present and future generations”46.
In relation to biodiversity, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) has made further efforts to ensure the protection of the nation’s sea turtles by designating all five (5) species found in Trinidad and Tobago as ESSs (Chapter 2).

Other policy efforts include the 2014 Air Pollution Rules, and the Air Pollution (fees) Regulations, 2014, released in Legal Notices No.

12 and 13, respectively, as discussed in Chapter 2.

46 Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT), (2006).
National Environmental Policy (NEP).

21 Box 1.3.

Defining a “Strategic” Response A Strategic Response refers to actions taken by organizations to achieve specific outlined purposes, objectives or missions, in order to respond appropriately to changes in the environment.

As the environment is continuously changing, strategic responses should also be adjusted to suit the respective change, to achieve efficiency and effectiveness.
Source: Mintzberg, (1994)47 Stemming from the establishment of biodiversity policies, as starting points to safeguard Trinidad and Tobago’s natural resources and in keeping with the Environmental Management Act and NEP, several strategic action responses have been made in the year 2014 including the 2nd Sea Turtle Symposium, experimentation into a turtle hatchery project and the First National Wildlife Survey as discussed in Chapter 3.

Box 1.4.
Objectives of the National Environmental Policy (NEP) 2006 1) To prevent, reduce or where possible recycle all forms of pollution to ensure adequate protection of the environment and consequently the health and well-being of humans; 2) To conserve the vitality and diversity of the natural environment through the conservation of ecological systems and the biodiversity within; 3) To develop within the carrying capacity (the assimilative capacity of the environment) of the country through national physical development and planning; and the sustainable use of renewable resources and the conservation of non-renewable resources; 4) To change attitudes and practices of citizens with a view to reducing the polluting practices of the public; 5) To ensure that all industries install a certified Environmental Management System; 6) Empower stakeholders, including communities to care for their own environments by providing opportunities to share in managing their local resources and the right to participate in decision-making; 7) To promote the integration of the principles of environmental sustainable development into all policies and programmes.
Source: NEP, (2006)48 47 Mintzberg, H., (1994).

The Rise and Fall of Strategic Planning.

Basic Books.

48 Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT), (2006).

National Environmental Policy (NEP).


22 1.1.5 Overview of this ASOE This 2014 Assessment of the State of Environment (ASOE) theme, “Strategic Responses to Environmental Pressures”, presents a compact look into the strategic polices and action responses taken on by key biodiversity stakeholders, the EMA and collaborations with non- governmental organizations (NGOs), throughout the year 2014.
It also proposes the use of biological indicators and state of the environment indicators to measure the success of the strategic responses in the future.

This report therefore seeks to answer two main questions: 1) What strategic policies and action responses have been made in Trinidad and Tobago in 2014 to address environmental pressures?

2) How can biological and environmental indicators be used as the next step to ensuring environmental conservation and management in Trinidad and Tobago?
This ASOE can be compared to previous ASOEs, particularly the 2012 report, which examined the current state and trends in biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago.

The 2012 ASOE report presented the CBD Aichi Biodiversity Targets as essential inclusions for the update in the NBSAP.

From these Aichi Biodiversity targets, corresponding biodiversity indicators were established at the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the CBD, which act as measures to the achievement of the targets.
Thus, it can be seen that moving towards the use of biological indicators such as the Aichi Biodiversity Indicators, can be helpful for decision making in Trinidad and Tobago, to assess the attainment of the objectives of the NEP, and conform to international best practices.

Moreover, the use of biological and environmental indicators can help outline the success of future policy and action responses to environmental pressures in Trinidad and Tobago.
This 2014 State of the Environment Report intends to discuss: i) ii) iii) iv) v) How to model our understanding of human interaction and influence on the environment, highlighting major environmental pressures on ecosystems and our responses to these stressors (Chapter 1); Strategic Policy Responses in Trinidad and Tobago, 2014 (Chapter 2); Strategic Action Responses to Environmental Incidents in Trinidad and Tobago, 2014 (Chapter 3); Feasibility of using biological indicators as a tool to aid in monitoring the state of the biological resources in Trinidad and Tobago (Chapter 4); Planned future environmental initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago including the movement towards an indicator-based State of the Environment Reporting style (Chapter 4) 23 Chapter 2 Strategic Policy and Action Responses in 2014 Chapter Overview This chapter describes three (3) strategic policy responses undertaken by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) in 2014.
The first response (Section 2.1.1) is the designation of sea turtles as Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESSs).

This is in keeping with one of the National Environmental Policy’s (NEP) (2006) objectives, “To conserve the vitality and diversity of the natural environment through the conservation of ecological systems and the biodiversity within” (Box 1.4).
The second policy response (Section 2.1.2) is in the form of the 2014 Air Pollution Rules and addresses objective 1 of the NEP (2006), “To prevent, reduce or where possible recycle all forms of pollution to ensure adequate protection of the environment and consequently the health and well-being of humans” (Box 1.4).
The third policy response (Section 2.1.3) is the National Biosafety Policy, which aims to protect human health and the environment from the potential consequences of living modified organisms (LMOs).

The following sections in Chapter 2 describe these policy responses and implications for Trinidad and Tobago in further detail.

2.1.1 Designation of Sea Turtles as Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESSs) On a global scale, sea turtle nesting populations have greatly diminished.
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has indicated that Hawksbill populations have declined over 80% in the last century49.

Other species of sea turtles, such as the Leatherback, have also experienced significant declines in several countries.

In Malaysia, for instance, the number of female Leatherback turtles has declined from 3000 in 1968 to 20 in 1993, to a current standing of two females, with no signs of population recovery50.
Locally, based on data collected at three (3) nesting sites from Matelot to Manzanilla, the number of nesting female leatherback turtles in 2013 was 5980 (Table 2.1).

Trinidad and Tobago hosts the largest known nesting population of leatherbacks in the insular Caribbean Sea, possibly the third largest population in the world51 and a significant number of the other four (4) sea turtle species.
Fund Wide World World 49 for http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/marine_turtles/hawksbill_turtle/ 50 for from:http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/marine_turtles/leatherback_turtle/ 51 Troeng, S. & Drews, C., (2004).

Money Talks: Economic Aspects of Marine Turtle Use and Conservation.

WWF- International.

Gland, Switzerland.

Leatherback Hawksbill.

Retrieved (WWF), (WWF), Nature Nature Turtle.

(n.d.).

(n.d.).
Retrieved from: Wide Fund 24 Table 2.1 Number of nesting female Leatherback turtles and the mean re-encounter rate for 3 study beaches in Trinidad52 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total Nesting Females* Fishing Pond Grande Riviere Matura Total Mean-re- encounter rate *Number of uniquely tagged females nesting on each beach does not account for inter-beach nesting by an individual Sea turtles in Trinidad and Tobago have been protected in the sea and on land over the years through various laws.
Sea turtles were first protected on land under the Conservation of Wildlife Act, Chapter 67:01 and then through the amendments to the Fisheries Act, Chapter 67:51, which gave protection for all sea turtle species as follows:  Fisheries Act, Chapter 67:51 - Protection of turtle eggs regulations, 1975  Fisheries Act, Chapter 67:51 - Notification of Procedures for resuscitation of turtles, 1999  Fisheries Act, Chapter 67:51 - Notification of type and specification of Turtle Excluder Devices, 2004 In light of the global decline in sea turtles, the GoRTT designated all five (5) species of sea turtles found in the nation as ESSs – Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), are threatened and classified as either vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species (Figure 2.1).
52 Audroing, K., (2014).

National Sea Turtle Conservation Project: Data on Abundance and Nesting Areas of Sea Turtles (Northeast and East Coasts of Trinidad).

Turtle Village Trust.

25 Figure 2.1.


Extinction risk of the Hawskbill, Loggerhead, Green, Leatherback and Olive Ridley Sea Turtles Source: EMA, (n.d.) 53 The EMA undertook the process of designating all sea turtle species found in Trinidad and Tobago as ESSs54 using the “Guidelines for Designating Environmentally Sensitive Species” as outlined in Schedule II of the ESS Rules, 2001 (Box 2.1).
However, the designation process was set back due to conflicting legislation in the Fisheries Act, Chapter 67:51, which considered sea turtles as fish.

Amendments to this Act were made in October of 2011, by the Minister of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs, through Legal Notice #201, prohibiting the hunting, removal, or possession of sea turtle species and their eggs, making it possible to begin the designation process for the nation’s sea turtles.
This process of designating these turtles as ESSs involved the creation of a legal brief, input from stakeholders and public comment, drafts and revisions, and subsequent finalization notice (Figure 2.2).

Environmental Management 53 http://www.ema.co.tt/new/images/publications/brochures/Turtles.pdf 54 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2013).

The Administrative Record for the Environmentally Sensitive Species Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley and Green Turtle.
Retrieved Authority brochure.

(EMA), (n.d.).

from: turtle Sea 26 Box 2.1.
Guidelines for designating environmentally sensitive species (as outlined in Schedule II of the ESS rules, 2001) Importance as a pharmaceutical or for the provision of other medicinal derivatives; The designation of environmentally sensitive species will be on the basis of one or more of the following criteria: a) b) Good potential for the conduct of non-destructive research to provide important scientific data; c) Commercial importance as non-domesticated species which is harvested, extracted or traded; d) e) Indicator or sentinel species for pollutant levels, diseases, weather or climate patterns; Integral to the maintenance of a climax community through key physical processes or ecological interactions characteristic of a given locality or wider area; f) Critical to the colonisation, consolidation or rehabilitation of barren, hostile or unsettled areas; g) Unique or of significant taxonomic importance as a subspecies or variant of continental genera; a relict species; a species adapted to local conditions; or a viable mutant strain; h) Significance in ecosystems external to Trinidad and Tobago as a migrant or transient, that is spending part of its life cycle in, or passing through this country; i) High aesthetic value; j) Potential for ecological or health risks by nature of its biology or by the introduction of a pathogenic agent respectively.
Figure 2.2.

Process of ESA/S Designation Source: EMA, (2001)55 55 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2001).

Environmentally Sensitive Species Rules.

Section II.

27 On March 28, 2014, all species of sea turtles found in Trinidad and Tobago: Leatherback, Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley, were designated as ESSs under the Legal Notices 88, 89, 90, 91 and 92, respectively56,57,58,59,60, in the ESS Rules, 2001.
This was intended to increase protection of all species of sea turtles from the various threats faced by these reptiles (discussed in Section 2.1.2), and to support conservation efforts in Trinidad and Tobago61.
Trinidad and Tobago is also required to adhere to the following international agreements to which the nation is a signatory:  Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) [Accession/Ratification by Trinidad and Tobago January 19, 1984]  The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) [Accession/Ratification by Trinidad and Tobago August 01, 1996]  The Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW Protocol) to the Cartagena Convention [Accession/Ratification by Trinidad and Tobago August 10, 1999] 2.1.2 Threats to Sea Turtles Sea turtle populations are threatened by several factors throughout their lifetime on land where they nest, and in water during their long migratory routes.
The major threats to sea turtles in Trinidad and Tobago can be summarized as follows:  Entanglement in fishing nets/gillnets and subsequent drowning;  Dwindling nesting and foraging habitats, as a consequence of compression from vehicles and tourist related infrastructure on beaches which causes coastal erosion;  Beachfront lighting and construction which disorients hatchlings, preventing them from reaching the sea and making them vulnerable and open to predation;  Injuries from boat propellers and vessel collision; 56 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).
Legal Notice 88.

The Environmentally Sensitive Species (Leatherback turtle) Notice, 2014.

Legal Supplement Part B- Vol.

53, No.

37- March 28, 2014.

Section 41 of the Environmental Management Act.

57 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).

Legal Notice 89.

The Environmentally Sensitive Species (Loggerhead turtle) Notice, 2014.

Legal Supplement Part B- Vol.

53, No.

37- March 28, 2014.

Section 41 of the Environmental Management Act.

58 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).
Legal Notice 90.

The Environmentally Sensitive Species (Green turtle) Notice, 2014.

Legal Supplement Part B- Vol.

53, No.

37- March 28, 2014.

Section 41 of the Environmental Management Act.

59 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).

Legal Notice 91.

The Environmentally Sensitive Species (Hawksbill turtle) Notice, 2014.

Legal Supplement Part B- Vol.

53, No.

37- March 28, 2014.

Section 41 of the Environmental Management Act.

60 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).
Legal Notice 92.

The Environmentally Sensitive Species (Olive Ridley turtle) Legal Supplement Part B- Vol.

53, No.

37- March 28, 2014.

Section 41 of the Environmental Management Act.

61 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2013).

The Administrative Record for the Environmentally Sensitive Species Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley and Green Turtle.
28  Illegal poaching for meat, eggs and for use in artistic pieces including guitars;  Polluted coastal waters which can result in death from ingestion of floating debris; and  Rising sea levels due to climate change which can reduce the size of coastal areas used for nesting.
2.1.3 Implications of Designation for the EMA and Trinidad and Tobago The designation of all five (5) species of turtles as ESSs puts Trinidad and Tobago one-step forward to ensuring the protecting and conservation of these highly threatened reptiles.
It has allowed for the promotion of further sea turtle awareness which was re-emphasized during the national Sea Turtle Awareness month (October 2014), the 2nd National Sea Turtle Symposium, experimentation into a Hatchery management programme for Leatherback turtles and other sea turtle conservation and protection related action responses (Chapter 3).
As stated in Section 70 (2) of the Environmental Management Act, “Any person who knowingly or recklessly undertakes or conspires to allow any activity with respect to an “environmentally sensitive species” which may have an adverse impact on such species, commits an offence and is liable, on conviction on indictment, to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars and imprisonment for two year”62.
Therefore, the addition of sea turtles to the list of ESSs in Trinidad and Tobago comes with the responsibility to ensure that these resources are safeguarded from all prohibited activities related to ESSs, as outlined in the legislation, (Box 2.2), unless otherwise approved by the relevant Authority in accordance with existing laws.

62 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2000).

Environmental Management Act.

29 Box 2.2.
Limitations on use and Prohibited activities related to the five sea turtles designated as ESSs a) The taking, removing, harming, injuring, hunting, selling or killing of the ESS and possession of, or trade in any specimen of the living animal and its parts, eggs and products; b) Deliberate or reckless capture or endangerment of the ESS through the setting of nets and other fishing activities; c) Deliberate or reckless capture of the ESS in commercial shrimp trawler nets; d) The use of any device or substance that may harm, stun or impact negatively on the ESS.
The negative impacts would be, but not limited to, those that would impair the sight, hearing, ability to swim or move of the ESS or its ability to detect prey and predators or affect its habitat or nesting ground; e) The sale, consumption, possession, offering or storage of the ESS; f) Dumping, littering or polluting, including the discharging or depositing of any substances that are injurious to the ESS which does not comply with the provisions made under the Act; g) Causing underwater noise that may negatively affect the species during its breeding periods or above-water noise that may negatively affect the species during the nesting period; h) The disturbance of the ESS at any time; i) The removal and exportation of the ESS or any part thereof, except for scientific research approved by the designated management authority; j) Disturbing, destroying or any other action or habitat alteration (including beach mining, land reclamation and alteration due to fisheries, agricultural and industrial development) that will alter or upset the integrity of the beach, habitat or surrounding ecosystems or cause undue disturbance to the plant or animal community upon which the ESS depends at any phase of its lifecycle; and k) Any other activity which, based on technical or scientific evidence, is determined to cause or is likely to cause harm to the ESS.
2.2.1 Air Pollution Rules, 2014 The power to develop draft Air Pollution Rules (APR) is derived from Section 26 of the Environmental Management Act, which operates in concurrence with Sections 49, 50 and 51 of the EM Act.

At present, there is no legislation that refers specifically to the direct control of air pollutants emitted by stationary anthropogenic sources.

Existing legislation addresses non- specific air pollutants in legislation such as the Public Health Ordinance Chap.

12 No.
12 No.

4, the Petroleum Act (Chap 62:01), Minerals Act (Chap.

61:03) and the Gas Cylinders (Use, Conveyance and Storage) Act (Chap.

35:52).

The APR originated as a result of the National Environmental Policy (NEP) 1998, which stated that government policy will adopt ambient air quality standards consistent with World Health Organization (WHO) in efforts to regulate air pollution.
The 2006 NEP made revisions related to air pollution stating that the Government will (inter alia): prevent avoidable emissions and in cases where emissions are unavoidable, take measures to minimize their impact on ambient air quality; regulate emissions to minimize environmental consequences; develop an inventory of air pollutants and corresponding activities which need to be controlled above maximum permissible levels; develop a registration programme for all activities that contribute to air 30 pollution63.
As such, the draft APR seeks to fulfil most of the relevant provisions of the NEP 200664.

Box 2.3 Brief History of the Air Pollution Rules The Air Pollution Rules (APR) were first drafted in 2000.

Based on further research and public comment, the APR underwent redrafting and further public commenting in 2005.

Revisions to the Stack and Ambient Air Standards of the APR 2005 were made and redrafted as the APR 2007.
Due to concerns from the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) regarding the strictness of standards and the approach to allow facilities to come in compliance with the APR 2005, the EMA allowed a phased approach to enable facilities to comply.

In 2009, the APR were forwarded (as the APR 2009) with a letter from the Ministry of Planning, Housing and the Environment (MPHE) with concerns about Ambient Air Quality standards.
The MPHE indicated they would submit recommendations on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reporting requirements.

However, to effect the inclusion of an additional schedule with respect to GHG emissions and the approved methodologies, it would result in further delays.

In 2012, limits were set for pollutants released into ambient air by various sources, and final versions of the draft APR were agreed upon at a Pre Law Review Committee (LRC) meeting and the draft APR 2013 were finalized on November 28, 2012.
The draft 2013 APR and its schedules were accepted by Cabinet in 2013 and Senator the Honourable Ganga Singh, Minister of the Environment and Water Resources signed the Air Pollution Rules, 2014 (APR) and the Air Pollution (fees) Regulations 2014 (APFR) on 19 December 2014.

Source: EMA, (2012); EMA, (2014)65,66 2.2.2 Description of Air Pollution Rules The APR gives a formal definition of an air pollutant as any pollutant released into, or which otherwise has an impact on, the atmosphere or climate.
The APR describe the obligations of source emitters, state the rules regarding the registration/certification process and notifications to carry out an air quality assessment, prohibit the release of air pollutants causing a breach in the ambient air standards and release of emissions without a permit from a stack, and outline the emergency procedures in times of a facility having a threat to human health or the environment.
It also lists substances in Schedule 1 and 2 and air pollutants arising from activities listed in Schedule 367.

The Air Pollution (Fees) Regulations outline the fees that source emitter facilities are to pay with respect to registration, permits, collection of the terms of reference for air quality assessment, application for excerpts from the Air Polluters Register and confidentiality claims.

63 Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT), (2006).

National Environmental Policy.


Retrieved from http://www.ema.co.tt/new/images/policies/national-environmental-policy2006.pdf 64 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2012).

Brief on the Draft Air Pollution Rules and Draft Air Pollution (Fees) Regulations.

65 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2012).

Brief on the Draft Air Pollution Rules and Draft Air Pollution (Fees) Regulations.

66 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).
Chronology of the Air Pollution Rules, 2014 and the Air Pollution (Fees) Regulations 2014.

67 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).

The Air Pollution Rules, 2014.

Legal Notice No.

12.

The Environmental Management Act.

31 Although, the APR 2014 and APFR 2014 do not outline specific infractions and penalties, an application can be refused if the applicant fails to provide information requested by the EMA within the specified time (APR Rule 15) and/or other reason as deemed by the EMA.
2.2.3 Air pollution and environmental pressures Air pollution is an environmental pressure, which results in negative effects to ecosystems the environment and human health.

Air pollution can be directly linked to climate change, notably through the increased anthropogenic contributions of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as carbon dioxide (CO2), which is produced in several industrial activities through the burning of fossil fuels.
Furthermore, air pollution can contribute to habitat change and loss as the emission of acidic gases (e.g.

sulphur dioxide [SO2]) can lead to the acidification of soil and lakes and lead to eutrophication of estuaries and coastal waters68.

Soil acidification can cause changes in ecosystem compositions particularly in sensitive areas.

Air pollution can result in the damaging of biogeochemical cycles such as the carbon and nitrogen cycles through human interference.
Connections between air pollution and invasive species and their effects on ecosystems have undergone preliminary studies.

For example, elevated ozone levels may strengthen invasive species in urban forests, as they are able to better withstand changing conditions to the environment and ultimately, surpass native species.
2.2.4 Outcomes for EMA and Trinidad and Tobago Due to the known and potential consequences of air pollution to the environment and human health, long-term conservation and monitoring strategies are necessary for protection and sustainability.

As Trinidad and Tobago is a largely industrialized and motorized nation, the passing of the Air Pollution Rules as law and its enforcement will act as a great step towards sustainability goals.
One of the goals of the NEP (2006) is the “conservation and wise use of the environment of Trinidad and Tobago to provide adequately for meeting the needs of the present and future generations and enhancing the quality of life”69.
Furthermore, the passing of the APR will help in the fulfilment of the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 35:05 which states that “no person shall release or cause to be released any air pollutant into the environment which is in violation of any applicable standards, conditions or permit requirement under this Act”70.

The enactment of the APR as a law will help to improve air quality and reduce impacts to ecosystems, the environment and water quality.
68 Lovett, G.M., Tear, T.H., Evers, D.C., Findlay, S.E., Cosby, B.J., Dunscomb, J.K., Driscoll, C.T.

& Weathers, K.C.

(2009).

Effects of air pollution on ecosystems and biological diversity in the Eastern United States.

The Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology.

69 Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT), (2006).

National Environmental Policy.

70 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2000).

Environmental Management Act.


32 2.3.1 National Biosafety Policy The National Biosafety Policy was developed when Trinidad and Tobago became a signatory to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the CBD in 2003 and was approved by Cabinet in April 2014.
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety aims to “ensure the safe handling, transport and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health”71.
Bearing this in mind, the policy presents a national approach to biosafety, which integrates political, health, socio-economic, and environmental policies and deliberations into decisions surrounding the safe and appropriate use of modern biotechnology and its products in Trinidad and Tobago.

The policy aims to protect consumers without excessively confining development in biotechnology development.
Following the approval of the Biosafety Policy, the Ministry of Legal Affairs established a Biosafety Co-ordinating Unit, which among other functions, seeks to complete a National Biosafety Legislative Framework through collaboration with stakeholders like the EMA and engage in public awareness activities to keep the public up to date with new72.

This means that management systems must be implemented to ensure the public is aware of biosafety issues and that a precautionary approach is taken.
71 Convention on Biological Diversity https://bch.cbd.int/protocol 72 Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) Ministry of Legal Affairs, (n.d.).Trinidad and Tobago National Biosafety co-ordinating unit.

Retrieved from http://www.legalaffairs.gov.tt/bio.html (n.d.).

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.


Retrieved (CBD), from 33 Chapter 3 Strategic Action Responses to Environmental Incidents Chapter Overview In addition to the policy responses described in Chapter 2, several strategic action responses were undertaken by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT), Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders in order to address environmental pressures.
This section presents examples of the strategic action responses that address environmental incidents in Trinidad and Tobago.

3.1.1 Response to Threats to Sea Turtle Populations Following the success of the first Sea Turtle Symposium (STS) in May 2012, a second National Sea Turtle Symposium was held on October 29 and 30, 2014.
The symposium nurtured several outcomes, which included increased awareness of challenges and efforts in addressing sea turtle conservation and gave insight into future conservation and management plans (see Section B of EMA’s Annual report).

Additionally, efforts have been made to investigate the feasibility of a turtle hatchery project in Grande Riviere Beach, home to the greatest density of Leatherback turtles in Trinidad.
The turtle hatchery project aimed to protect small hard shell species whose nests are destroyed when larger Leatherbacks come onshore to nest during turtle season.

The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) in collaboration with the Grande Riviere Nature Tour Guide Association (GRNTGA) undertook preliminary investigations into the suitability of using sand-filled containers constructed with wooden lathes to incubate Leatherback turtle eggs (Figure 3.1).
This project also gained support and research assistance from the Turtle Village Trust and sponsorship from Atlantic73.

The first stage of this project took place from October 2012 to February 2013 where incubation conditions, including temperature and moisture were monitored.

This was done in order to evaluate the suitability of an ex-situ incubation technique by comparing results to a control area on Grande Riviere Beach74.
In 2013, the IMA underwent Phase II of the project after obtaining funding from the Green Fund.

This stage sought to compare the hatching success of Leatherback egg clutches incubated in experimental wooden containers with naturally laid egg clutches on the beach.

Only egg clutches which were deemed to be “at risk” of being lost or likely to become unviable due to being laid in unfavourable conditions were used in the wooden incubation containers.

73 Atlantic, (n.d.).


Grande Riviere and Atlantic give “Head Start” to sea turtles.

Media Release.

Retrieved from http://www.atlanticlng.com/component/atlanticmedia/detail/840 74 Jobity, A.M.C., Shoy, R. & Alemu, J.

(2014).

Artificial incubation trials of Leatherback Turtle eggs at Grande Riviere Beach, Trinidad, West Indies.

Marine Turtle Newsletter 142: 3-6.


34 The results from this project imply that there are possibilities to engage in a sea turtle hatchery programme in Trinidad and Tobago to improve hatchling success and to help increase resilience in sea turtle populations.

This on-going project is intended to continue through the 2015 turtle nesting season and beyond, as part of a greater turtle hatchery management programme and to strengthen the Grande Riviere hatchery programme.
The Turtle Hatchery project is a conservation effort which aids in managing sea turtle populations worldwide, in light of the vast pressures that these animals face (section 2.1.3), and supports Trinidad and Tobago’s policy responses as discussed in Chapter 2.

Figure 3.1.

Images of artificial incubation trials of Leatherback turtles.
(Hatchery enclosure portraying experimental containers and rain gauge [left]; Experimental incubation containers with fine mosquito netting right]) Source: Jobity, (2014) 75 3.2.1 Response to Pressures on Wildlife: The First National Wildlife Survey Prior to 2014, no comprehensive national level estimates of game species were conducted.

However, several thousand hunting licenses were issued and an increasing number of wildlife was being hunted.
The National Biodiversity Assessment of Trinidad and Tobago (NBATT) 2012 and Annual State of the Environment (ASOE) 2012 report, have indicated that the consumption of game species helps indicate the risk of exploitation of natural resources and biodiversity.
Based on data provided by the Forestry Division between 1999 and 2009, the 2012 NBATT and ASOE have suggested that the increased hunting rates (likely due to more effective hunting methods), may indicate that population of game species such as agouti (Dasyprocta leporina), 75 Jobity, A.M.C., Shoy, R. & Alemu, J., (2014).

Artificial incubation trials of Leatherback Turtle eggs at Grande Riviere Beach, Trinidad, West Indies.

Marine Turtle Newsletter 142: 3-6.


35 deer (Mazama americana trinitatis) and armadillo (Dasypus novemcintus), may be greatly depressed76,77.

In light of the precautionary principle and the growing pressures of exploitation to wildlife hunted in Trinidad and Tobago, the EMA spearheaded the first National Wildlife Survey in 2014 in collaboration with several stakeholders.

The objective of the survey was to provide baseline estimates of game species density and distribution.
This was supported with the introduction of a two-year hunting moratorium on hunting as of October 2014.

The first National Wildlife Survey emerged as part of the National Restoration, Carbon Sequestration, Wildlife and Livelihood Project (NRCSWLP) and was intended to be a three-year project.
The purpose of the Wildlife Survey is to aid in the initiation of a national wildlife database, develop a long-term monitoring plan to assess the sustainable use of national wildlife resources, determine patterns of population differentiation, inform future governmental policies and provide guidelines on hunting.

Moreover, this survey seeks to inform the National Protected Areas Policy (2011) and National Forest Policy (2011) and the National Wildlife Policy (2013).
This project also focuses on public awareness, monitoring and enforcement, training and capacity building.
It is carried out through collaborative efforts with the University of the West Indies (UWI) (project design, methodology, training, data analysis and reporting), the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (acquisition of necessary approvals and technical expertise) and independent consultants, Community Based Organizations and the Hunters Association of Trinidad and Tobago (conduction of surveys).
The following areas have been surveyed thus far, using one (1) kilometre (km) transects:  Nariva Swamp (June 09 – August 07, 2014)  Trinity Hills and Victoria Mayaro Reserve (July 26 – September 26, 2014)  Southern Watershed and Rochard Douglas Reserve (August 04 – September 13, 2014)  Central Range Forest Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary (September 15 – October 22, 2014)  Matura Yarra (September 07 – October 10, 2014) and Blanchisseuse forest (October 11, 2014 expected to be completed in mid-January 2015) layout of transects surveyed The (June – December 2014) is shown in Figure 3.278. in Trinidad during the first year of the study 76 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2012).
Annual State of the Environment Report.

77 University of the West Indies (UWI), (2013).

National Biodiversity Assessment of Trinidad and Tobago 2012 V1.1.

78 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).

National Wildlife Survey Year 1 Report.

36 Figure 3.2.
36 Figure 3.2.

Locations of 1 km transects surveyed in hunted and protected areas throughout Trinidad during the wet season of 2014 Source: EMA, (2014)79 In the first year of the study, Global Positioning System (GPS) locations of animals were taken when spotted.

Findings indicated that with the possible exception of agoutis, game species density estimates are very low compared to similar sites in Latin American and the Caribbean80.
The Red-Rumped Agouti carried the greatest number of sightings during the survey.

The population density can be compared to the 20–25 individuals/ km2 reported by Wright, Compper and DeLeon (1994)81 for agouti densities in a semi-protected Panamanian forest where poaching was recorded.

The Red Brocket deer was noted as the next most abundant species surveyed in Trinidad, with a mean of one (1) individual/ km2 and a range of 1–3 individuals/ km2 range across the sites82.
This average falls on the lower end of the range (1–11 individuals/ km2) for Latin America and falls within the population densities of hunted sites in 79 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).

National Wildlife Survey Year 1 Report.

80 Environmental Management Authority (EMA).

(2014).

National Wildlife Survey Year 1 Report.

81 Wright, S. Joseph, Matthew E. Gompper, and Bonifacio DeLeon.

1994.

“Are Large Predators Keystone Species in Neotropical Forests?
The Evidence from Barro Colorado Island.” Oikos 71 (2): 279. doi:10.2307/3546277.

82 Environmental Management Authority (EMA).

(2014).

National Wildlife Survey Year 1 Report.

37 Brazil and Peru.

Very low levels of Lappe, Tattoo and Wild-hog were recorded (with a mean of less than 1 individual/ km2), although the same transect methodology has been successfully used to record numbers in the tens of individuals/ km2 in other countries.
The low number of sightings for nocturnal species such as Lappe (Agouti paca), Tattoo (Dasypus novemcinctus) and the Wild-hog or Quenk (Pecari tajacu) suggests that an additional census approach using camera traps is required in the next phase of sampling.
Even for the two (2) species consistently found at all sites (Agouti and Deer), the densities found appear to be low compared to the published literature from other neo-tropical sites throughout Latin America where similar transect sampling and data analysis methodology was used.

Further sampling using additional non-invasive methods, such as automated camera traps should improve datasets in future surveys.
On December 2, 2014, the wildlife survey was introduced in Tobago in collaboration with the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (DNRE) and UWI, St. Augustine campus83.

The National Wildlife Survey acts as a starting point in the quantification, promotion of educational awareness and management of wildlife species in Trinidad and Tobago.
3.3.1 Response to Threats to Air Quality: Beetham Landfill Fires Case Study As stated in section 2.2.3, air pollution is an environmental pressure that can result in negative effects to the environment, ecosystems and human health.

On January 24, 2014, air quality was impacted by the emergence of one (1) dozen fires within the Beetham Landfill, which is operated by the Solid Waste Management Company Limited (SWMCOL)84,85.
The EMA responded to the fires through its Emergency Response and Investigation (ERI) team.

Air quality tests were conducted at Sea Lots, downtown Port of Spain and near the Foreshore in response to the thick smoke which emerged from the landfill and engulfed a significant area in and around the capital86 (Figure 3.3).

The EMA also worked in collaboration with SWMCOL representatives and the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation87 to respond to the emergency situation.
The landfill was temporarily closed.

(2014).

2 of 12 83 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).

EMA Launches Tobago Wildlife Survey.

Media Release.

Retrieved from http://www.ema.co.tt/new/images/media_releases/wildlife_survey.pdf 84 Trinidad Express Newspapers, http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/2-of-12-fires-remain--burning-at-Beetham-242502061.html 85 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).

Update on Beetham Fires- Joint Media Release EMA and SWMCOL.
Retrieved from http://www.ema.co.tt/new/index.php/news-and-events/news/archived/archives-2014/396-update-on-beetham- landfill-fires 86 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).

EMA Conducts Air Quality Monitoring in Response to Beetham Landfill Fires.

Retrieved from http://www.ema.co.tt/new/index.php/news-and-events/news/archived/archives-2014/395-ema- conducts-air-quality-monitoring-in-response-to-beetham-landfill-fires 87 Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), (2014).
EMA conducts air quality monitoring in response to Beetham Landfill fires.

Retrieved from http://www.odpm.gov.tt/node/772 at Beetham.

Retrieved remain burning from fires 38 The following air quality parameters were monitored88:  Particulate matter, which can affect vulnerable persons, e.g.
asthmatics and those with prevailing lung infections;  Volatile Organic compounds (VOCs), which can be carcinogenic (cancer causing);  Carbon Monoxide, that can cause asphyxia;  Sulphur dioxide, which can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems89.

The results of these tests revealed that toxic particulates in the Sea Lots area were thirteen (13) times the limit outlined in the Draft Air Pollution Rules.
Particulates were found to be above the acceptable standard of 150 micrograms per cubic meter per 24hr (µg/m3/24hr) at all initially monitored sites90.

Port of Spain readings revealed that particulate levels were over ten times the limit while the tests conducted near the Foreshore were more than twice the limit.

These substances contribute to greenhouse gases, which are a precursor to global warming and subsequent climate change.
It can negatively affect human health as particulates can reach deeper into the lungs.

The fires resulted in an increase in people going to the Accident and Emergency Department of the Port-of-Spain General Hospital for respiratory related illnesses91.

Figure 3.3.

Smoke resulting from Beetham Landfill fires Source: Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, (2014)92 88 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).

Update on Air Quality Monitoring in Port of Spain.


Retrieved from http://www.ema.co.tt/new/index.php/news-and-events/news/archived/archives-2014/398-update-on-air-quality-monitoring-in- port-of-spain 89 Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR), (n.d.).

What is the damage caused by sulphur dioxide (SO2) to human beings and the environment?

Retrieved from http://www.mma.gob.cl/retc_ingles/1316/w3-article-51518.html 90 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).
EMA Conducts Air Quality Monitoring in Response to Beetham Landfill Fires.

Retrieved from: http://www.ema.co.tt/new/index.php/news-and-events/news/archived/archives-2014/395-ema- conducts-air-quality-monitoring-in-response-to-beetham-landfill-fires 91 Kowlessar, G., (2014).

Fuad: More going to hospital.

Trinidad and Tobago Guardian (Newspaper).

January 31, 2014.

92 Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, (2014).

Smoke from Beetham Landfill fires affecting POS &Enviros.

January 29, 2014.
January 29, 2014.

Retrieved from: http://www.news.gov.tt/content/smoke-beetham-landfill-fires-affecting-pos-environs#.ViVA8dKrTcs 39 In an effort to reduce the potential health consequences of the air pollution caused by the fires, the EMA also notified the public of precautionary health and safety tips through the EMA’s website.

Arrangements were made to redirect operations to other landfill sites at Forres Park and Guanapo in an effort to bring the situation under control in the quickest time possible.
By January 31, 2014, the EMA determined that the above mentioned air quality parameters were at safe and acceptable levels of the above air quality parameters, in accordance with the EMA’s Draft Air Pollution Rules.

Despite the stabilized air quality in Port of Spain, authorities continued to work to extinguish the remaining fires.
Future plans to address air pollution in the nation include the establishment of a National Ambient Air Quality Network via the acquisition of air pointers that will monitor ambient air quality on a continuous basis (see 4.3.3 for planned action initiatives).

3.4.1 Gulf Coast Oil Spill Case Study The EMA was alerted to an oil spill that developed along the South-West coastline of the Gulf of Paria on Tuesday December 17, 2013.
The Authority received confirmation after dispatching compliance officers to investigate.

Approximately 17 kilometres of beaches along the South-Western Peninsula were impacted from this oil spill.

Mangroves and wetlands were heavily impacted causing repercussions by threatening marine species and increasing habitat loss.

Reports suggest spills occurred at four (4) locations namely the number 10 and 15 lines at Pointe-a-Pierre and Riser Platforms 5 and 1793.
In total 12 sites were impacted, which included: Petrotrin’s Point- a-Pierre facility on December 17, 2013; beaches located on the South-Western Peninsula, namely, Station, Carat Shed, Pt.

Sable and Coffee on December 18, 2013; and Fullerton, Bonasse Granville, Bellview, Unity, John Williams Bay and Point Coco on December 19, 2013.

Based on information supplied to the EMA, initial reports stated that approximately 7,500 barrels of oil were spilled.
A total of 4,200 barrels of oil were recovered and cleaned from the Southwestern coastline.

The Petrotrin Gulf oil spill had significant negative impacts on the southwestern peninsula of Trinidad.

This has only added to the amount of non-point source pollutants in the aquatic environment.

It is the source of further distress to the coastal areas of the Southwestern Peninsula and despite clean-up operations, the mangroves and affected wetland areas may not be naturally restored.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), “mangrove seedling and tree density and health are the only widely measured recovery indicators at many 93 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).

Report on Petrotrin Oil Spill.

40 spills”94.

As such, the mangrove systems were monitored to determine whether die-off would occur.
Based on observations from the field visits on Thursday January 16, 2014, the area most impacted by the oil spill was at La Brea Pitch Point/Coffee Bay (Figure 3.5-left).

The Wetland was already stressed by human activities and was further impacted by the presence of spilt oil.

The mangrove forest was severely impacted and though oil was removed and cleaned, there was still residue/oil at the roots of the mangrove forest (Figure 3.5-right).
It was observed during the field visit that there were dead prop root fauna, benthic fauna, fish and birds.

However, residents informed officers that there were dead fish, crabs and birds that were carried out of the mangrove with the changing tides.

Figure 3.4.
Figure 3.4.

Prop root of red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) covered with oil (left) and puddle of oil seen within the mangrove forest at Coffee Beach (right) Source: EMA, (2014)95 On December 18, 2013 the EMA, in consultation with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, invoked Section 25 of the EM Act which related to emergency response.

The National on December 19, 2013.


It comprised of several State Agencies, the EMA and the Ministry established to oversee all investigations into the source of the oil spill.

contingency activated (NOSCP) Plan Spill was Oil The ERI conducted regular aerial and ground surveys as well as meetings with relevant persons.
Based on the investigations and findings, the EMA identified Petrotrin as the violator and upon legal proceedings, the violator was served two (2) Notices of Violations (NOV) on January 03, 2014.

Petrotrin was fined Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD) 20 million, which was used towards the assessment, remediation and rehabilitation of impacted sites (Figures 3.6 and 3.7).

94 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), (2002).

Oil Spills in Mangroves Planning and Response Considerations.
Retrieved from https://www.fws.gov/contaminants/FWS_OSCP_05/fwscontingencyappendices/N-Manuals- Response-Assessment/mangrove.pdf 95 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).

Report on Petrotrin Oil Spill.

41 Figure 3.5.

Granville before clean-up (left) and after clean up (right) Source: EMA, (2014)96 Figure 3.6.
Oil soaked material on Station Beach to be removed (December 27, 2013) (left) and Coffee Beach, La Brea, Trinidad (right) Source: EMA, (2014)97 On a national scale, it must also be noted that efforts have been made to improve overall water quality and protect it from the anthropogenic pressures such as pollution through the development of Ambient Water Quality Standards (AWQS) for Trinidad and Tobago.

This is a three-phase EMA spearheaded project (see section B of EMA’s annual Report).
In 2014, Phase I was completed with an overall aim of developing/proposing water quality standards/guidelines for all watersheds in Trinidad and Tobago.
The project is expected to continue with a pilot study for designating water uses and criteria in two (2) watersheds in Trinidad and Tobago (Phase II), which will be followed by a national data collection programme and finalization of the water use classification and ambient water quality standards for Trinidad and Tobago (Phase III) (see 4.3.3 for other planned action initiatives).

96 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).

Report on Petrotrin Oil Spill.


97 Environmental Management Authority (EMA), (2014).

Report on Petrotrin Oil Spill.


42 Chapter 4 The Way Forward: 2015 and Beyond As highlighted in this 2014 ASOE report, Trinidad and Tobago has made progress in addressing the many environmental pressures placed on our environment and has achieved several milestones:  All five (5) species of sea turtles found in Trinidad and Tobago are now designated as Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESSs), which affords these endangered reptiles special protection under law.
 The Air Pollution Rules (APR) 2014 and Air Pollution (Fees) Regulations (APFR) have been signed by the Minister of the Environment and Water Resources.

This will allow the EMA to manage the levels of specific air pollutants known to cause harm to human health and the environment, thereby improving overall air quality.

 A National Biosafety Policy has been developed to protect human health and the environment from the potential effects of living modified organisms.
 The 1st National Wildlife Survey was launched, which allowed the quantification of several game species in various parts of Trinidad and Tobago.

 The first phase of a project to develop Ambient Water Quality Standards for Trinidad and Tobago was completed.

These standards will be designed to protect receiving water bodies and the uses that they support (e.g.

recreation, agriculture or aquatic life).


In order to move forward in evaluating trends in the state of environment of Trinidad and Tobago, Chapter 4 outlines the planned initiatives and proposes the use of biological indicators to assess trends specifically in biodiversity.

Lastly, this Chapter seeks to propose the use of environmental indicators in the country, which can be used to better inform the environmental decision-making process.
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is signatory to several Multilateral Environmental Agreements (e.g.

United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and its Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification).
Therefore, in order to ensure that there is no duplication of effort, the indicators that are to be used moving forward will be in alignment with reporting requirements necessary to satisfy the nation’s reporting requirements to these treaties.

4.1.1 Biological Indicators As stated briefly in Chapter 1, biological indicators are statistical measures of biodiversity that help scientists and decision makers to assess the conditions of biodiversity and the forces that 43 influence it98.
Therefore, indicators must be purpose-dependent and identify the decision making need if they are to be successful.

Three (3) currently used global indices of biological diversity are as follows99: 1.

The IUCN Red List Index (measures changes in the overall risk that a species may become extinct); 2.

The Living Planet Index (population-based indicators using trends of vertebrate species100); and 3.
The Global Wild Bird Index (population-based indicators using trends of a suite of representative wild birds101).

Biological indicators can be presented in a variety of scales, which can be global, national or sub global levels as indicated in the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP 11) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Table 4.1 illustrates several indicators for the twenty (20) targets as established in the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, to meet five (5) strategic goals for the period 2011- 2020102, which are set at global, sub-global and national levels.

Table 4.1.
Table 4.1.

Aichi indicator list for the strategic plan for biodiversity 2011-2020 [Indicators represented by (A) are ready for use at global level; Indicators that can be used at the global level but need to be further developed before being ready for use are represented by (B); Other indicators for consideration for use at the national or sub-global level are represented by (C).]
Aichi Biodiversity Target Headline indicators (in bold) and most relevant operational indicators Strategic Goal A: Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society Target 1 - By 2020, at the latest, people are aware of the values of biodiversity and the steps they can take to conserve and use it sustainably.
Trends in awareness, attitudes and public engagement in support of biological diversity and ecosystem services · Trends in awareness and attitudes to biodiversity (C) · Trends in public engagement with biodiversity (C) Target 2 - By 2020, at latest, biodiversity values have been integrated into national and local development and poverty reduction strategies and planning the · Trends in communication programmes and actions promoting social corporate responsibility (C) Trends in integration of biodiversity, ecosystem services and benefits sharing into planning, policy formulation and implementation and incentives · Trends in number of countries incorporating natural resource, biodiversity, and (IUCN), International Union International Union (2014).
Biodiversity 98 for Conservation of Nature http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/species/our_work/biodiversity_indicators/ 99 for Conservation of Nature http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/species/our_work/biodiversity_indicators/ 100 Zoological Society of London and World Wide Fund (WWF), (2012).

Living Planet Report 2012.Biodiversity, biocapacity and better choices.

101 Biodiversity http://www.bipindicators.net/WBI 102 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), (2012).
Decision adopted by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity at its Eleventh meeting.

(n.d.).

Global Wild Bird Indicators Partnership specialists.

Retrieved Indicators.

Retrieved Indicators.

Retrieved (2014).

Biodiversity (IUCN), (BIP), Index from from from 44 Aichi Biodiversity Target Headline indicators (in bold) and most relevant operational indicators processes and are being incorporated into national accounting, as appropriate, and reporting systems.
Target 3 - By 2020, at the latest, incentives, including subsidies, harmful to biodiversity are eliminated, phased out or reformed in order to minimize or avoid negative impacts, and positive incentives for the conservation sustainable use of biodiversity are developed and applied, the consistent and Convention and other relevant international obligations, taking into account national socio economic conditions.
in harmony with and ecosystem service values into national accounting systems (B) · Trends in number of countries that have assessed values of biodiversity, in accordance with the Convention (C) · Trends in guidelines and applications of economic appraisal tools (C) · Trends in integration of biodiversity and ecosystem service values into sectoral and development policies (C) · Trends in policies considering biodiversity and ecosystem service in environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment (C) Trends in integration of biodiversity, ecosystem services and benefits sharing into planning, policy formulation and implementation and incentives · Trends in the number and value of incentives, including subsidies, harmful to biodiversity, removed, reformed or phased out (B) · Trends in identification, assessment and establishment and strengthening of incentives that reward positive contribution to biodiversity and ecosystem services and penalize adverse impacts (C) the latest, Target 4 - By 2020, at Governments, business and stakeholders at all levels have taken steps to achieve or have implemented plans for sustainable production and consumption and have kept the impacts of use of natural resources well within safe ecological limits.
Trends in pressures from unsustainable agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture · Trends in population and extinction risk of utilized species, including species in trade (A) (also used by CITES) · Trends in ecological footprint and/or related concepts (C) (decision VIII/15) · Ecological limits assessed in terms of sustainable production and consumption (C) Trends in pressures from habitat conversion, pollution, invasive species, climate change, overexploitation and underlying drivers · Trends in biodiversity of cities (C) (decision X/22) Trends in integration of biodiversity, ecosystem services and benefits sharing into planning, policy formulation and implementation and incentives · Trends in extent to which biodiversity and ecosystem service values are incorporated into organizational accounting and reporting (B) Strategic Goal B: Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use Target 5 - By 2020, the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including forests, is at least halved and where feasible brought close to zero, and degradation and fragmentation is significantly reduced.
Trends in extent, condition and vulnerability of ecosystems, biomes and habitats · Extinction risk trends of habitat dependent species in each major habitat type (A) · Trends in extent of selected biomes, ecosystems and habitats (A) (decision VII/30 and VIII/15) · Trends in proportion of degraded/threatened habitats (B) · Trends in fragmentation of natural habitats (B) (decision VII/30 and VIII/15) · Trends in condition and vulnerability of ecosystems (C) · Trends in the proportion of natural habitats converted (C) Trends in pressures from unsustainable agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture 45 Aichi Biodiversity Target Headline indicators (in bold) and most relevant operational indicators so Target 6 - By 2020 all fish and invertebrate stocks and aquatic plants are managed and harvested sustainably, legally and applying ecosystem based approaches, that overfishing is avoided, recovery plans and measures are in place for all depleted species, significant adverse impacts on threatened species and vulnerable ecosystems and the impacts of fisheries on stocks, species and ecosystems are within safe ecological limits.
fisheries have no Target 7 - By 2020 areas under agriculture, forestry are managed aquaculture and sustainably, conservation of biodiversity.
ensuring · Trends in primary productivity (C) · Trends in proportion of land affected by desertification (C) (also used by UNCCD) Trends in pressures from habitat conversion, pollution, invasive species, climate change, overexploitation and underlying drivers · Population trends of habitat dependent species in each major habitat type (A) Trends in pressures from unsustainable agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture · Trends in extinction risk of target and bycatch aquatic species (A) · Trends in population of target and bycatch aquatic species (A) · Trends in proportion of utilized stocks outside safe biological limits (A) (MDG indicator 7.4) · Trends in catch per unit effort (C) · Trends in fishing effort capacity (C) · Trends in area, frequency, and/or intensity of destructive fishing practices (C) Trends in integration of biodiversity, ecosystem services and benefits sharing into planning, policy formulation and implementation and incentives · Trends in proportion of depleted target and bycatch species with recovery plans (B) Trends in pressures from unsustainable agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture · Trends in population of forest and agriculture dependent species in production systems (B) · Trends in production per input (B) · Trends in proportion of products derived from sustainable sources (C) (decision VII/30 and VIII/15) Trends in integration of biodiversity, ecosystem services and benefits sharing into planning, policy formulation and implementation and incentives · Trends in area of forest, agricultural and aquaculture ecosystems under sustainable management (B) (decision VII/30 and VIII/15) Target 8 - By 2020, pollution, including from excess nutrients, has been brought to levels that are not detrimental to ecosystem function and biodiversity.
Trends in pressures from habitat conversion, pollution, invasive species, climate change, overexploitation and underlying drivers · Trends in incidence of hypoxic zones and algal blooms (A) · Trends in water quality in aquatic ecosystems (A) (decision VII/30 and VIII/15) · Impact of pollution on extinction risk trends (B) · Trends in pollution deposition rate (B) (decision VII/30 and VIII/15) · Trends in sediment transfer rates (B) · Trend in emission to the environment of pollutants relevant for biodiversity (C) · Trend in levels of contaminants in wildlife (C) · Trends in nitrogen footprint of consumption activities (C) · Trends in ozone levels in natural ecosystems (C) · Trends in proportion of wastewater discharged after treatment (C) · Trends in UV-radiation levels (C) 46 Aichi Biodiversity Target Headline indicators (in bold) and most relevant operational indicators Target 9 - By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identified and prioritized, priority species are controlled or eradicated, and measures are in place to manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment.
Trends in pressures from habitat conversion, pollution, invasive species, climate change, overexploitation and underlying drivers · Trends in the impact of invasive alien species on extinction risk trends (A) · Trends in the economic impacts of selected invasive alien species (B) · Trends in number of invasive alien species (B) (decision VII/30 and VIII/15) · Trends in incidence of wildlife diseases caused by invasive alien species (C) Target 10 the multiple - By 2015, anthropogenic pressures on coral reefs, and other vulnerable ecosystems impacted by climate change or ocean acidification are minimized, so as to maintain their integrity and functioning.
Trends in integration of biodiversity, ecosystem services and benefits sharing into planning, policy formulation and implementation and incentives · Trends in policy responses, legislation and management plans to control and prevent spread of invasive alien species (B) · Trends in invasive alien species pathways management (C) Trends in pressures from habitat conversion, pollution, invasive species, climate change, overexploitation and underlying drivers · Extinction risk trends of coral and reef fish (A) · Trends in climate change impacts on extinction risk (B) · Trends in coral reef condition (B) · Trends in extent, and rate of shifts of boundaries, of vulnerable ecosystems (B) · Trends in climatic impacts on community composition (C) · Trends in climatic impacts on population trends (C) Strategic Goal C: To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity Target 11 - By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through equitably managed, and effectively ecologically and well- representative connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes.
threatened Target 12 - By 2020 the extinction of species has been known prevented and their conservation status, particularly of those most in decline, has been improved and sustained.
Target 13 - By 2020, the genetic diversity farmed and of cultivated plants and domesticated animals and of wild relatives, including other socio-economically as well Trends in coverage, condition, representativeness and effectiveness of protected areas and other area-based approaches · Trends in coverage of protected areas (A) (decision VII/30 and VIII/15) · Trends in extent of marine protected areas, coverage of key biodiversity areas and management effectiveness (A) · Trends in protected area condition and/or management effectiveness including more equitable management (A) (decision X/31) · Trends in representative coverage of protected areas and other area based approaches, including sites of particular importance for biodiversity, and of terrestrial, marine and inland water systems (A) · Trends in the connectivity of protected areas and other area based approaches integrated into landscapes and seascapes (B) (decision VII/30 and VIII/15) · Trends in the delivery of ecosystem services and equitable benefits from protected areas (C) Trends in abundance, distribution and extinction risk of species · Trends in abundance of selected species (A) (decision VII/30 and VIII/15) (UNCCD indicator) · Trends in extinction risk of species (A) (decision VII/30 and VIII/15) (MDG indicator 7.7) (also used by CMS) · Trends in distribution of selected species (B) (decision VII/30 and VIII/15) (also used by UNCCD) Trends in genetic diversity of species · Trends in genetic diversity of cultivated plants, and farmed and domesticated animals and their wild relatives (B) (decision VII/30 and VIII/15) · Trends in genetic diversity of selected species (C) 47 Aichi Biodiversity Target Headline indicators (in bold) and most relevant operational indicators as culturally valuable species, is maintained, and strategies have been developed and implemented genetic their genetic erosion and safeguarding diversity.
for minimizing Trends in integration of biodiversity, ecosystem services and benefits sharing into planning, policy formulation and implementation and incentives · Trends in number of effective policy mechanisms implemented to reduce genetic erosion and safeguard genetic diversity related to plant and animal genetic resources (B) Strategic Goal D: Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services essential services, Target 14 - By 2020, ecosystems that provide including services related to water, and contribute to livelihoods and well-being, are health, into restored and safeguarded, account the needs of women, indigenous and local communities, and the poor and vulnerable.
taking Target 15 - By 2020, ecosystem resilience and the contribution of biodiversity to carbon stocks has been enhanced, through conservation and including restoration of at least 15 per cent of degraded ecosystems, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation and to combating desertification.
restoration, Target 16 - By 2015, the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Trends in distribution, condition and sustainability of ecosystem services for equitable human well-being · Trends in proportion of total freshwater resources used (A) (MDG indicator 7.5) · Trends in proportion of the population using improved water services (A) (MDG indicator 7.8 and 7.9) · Trends in benefits that humans derive from selected ecosystem services (A) · Population trends and extinction risk trends of species that provide ecosystem services (A) · Trends in delivery of multiple ecosystem services (B) · Trends in economic and non-economic values of selected ecosystem services (B) · Trends in health and wellbeing of communities who depend directly on local ecosystem goods and services (B) (decision VII/30 and VIII/15) · Trends in human and economic losses due to water or natural resource related disasters (B) · Trends in nutritional contribution of biodiversity: Food composition (B) (decision VII/30 and VIII/15) · Trends in incidence of emerging zoonotic diseases (C) · Trends in inclusive wealth (C) · Trends in nutritional contribution of biodiversity: Food consumption (C) (decision VII/30 and VIII/15) · Trends in prevalence of underweight children under-five years of age (C) (MDG indicator 1.8) · Trends in natural resource conflicts (C) · Trends in the condition of selected ecosystem services (C) · Trends in biocapacity (C) Trends in coverage, condition,
 representativeness and effectiveness of protected areas and other area-based approaches · Trends in area of degraded ecosystems restored or being restored (B) Trends in distribution, condition and sustainability of ecosystem services for equitable human well-being · Status and trends in extent and condition of habitats that provide carbon storage (A) Trends in coverage, condition, representativeness and effectiveness of protected areas and other area-based approaches · Population trends of forest-dependent species in forests under restoration (C) Trends in access and equity of benefit-sharing of genetic resources · ABS indicator to be specified through the ABS process (B) 48 Aichi Biodiversity Target Headline indicators (in bold) and most relevant operational indicators Arising from their Utilization is in force and operational, national legislation.
consistent with Strategic Goal E: Enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity-building Target 17 - By 2015 each Party has developed, adopted as a policy instrument, implementing an and has commenced effective, participatory and updated national biodiversity strategy and action plan.
Trends in integration of biodiversity, ecosystem services and benefit-sharing into planning, policy formulation and implementation and incentives · Trends in implementation of national biodiversity strategies and action plans, including development, comprehensiveness, adoption and implementation (B) Trends in integration of biodiversity, ecosystem services and benefit-sharing into planning, policy formulation and implementation and incentives · Trends in land-use change and land tenure in the traditional territories of indigenous and local communities (B) (decision X/43) · Trends in the practice of traditional occupations (B) (decision X/43) Trends in accessibility of scientific/technical/traditional knowledge and its application · Trends in which traditional knowledge and practices are respected through their full integration, safeguards and the full and effective participation of indigenous and local communities in the national implementation of the Strategic Plan (B) Trends in accessibility of scientific/technical/traditional knowledge and its application · Trends of linguistic diversity and numbers of speakers of indigenous languages (B) (decision VII/30 and VIII/15) Trends in accessibility of scientific/technical/traditional knowledge and its application · Trends in coverage of comprehensive policy-relevant sub-global assessments including related capacity-building and knowledge transfer, plus trends in uptake into policy (B) · Number of maintained species inventories being used to implement the Convention (C) Trends in mobilization of financial resources · Indicators agreed in decision X/3 (B) Target 18 - By 2020, the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and their customary use of biological resources, are respected, subject relevant legislation to national fully international obligations, integrated the implementation of the Convention with the of full indigenous and local communities, at all relevant levels.
participation reflected effective and and and and in Target 19 - By 2020, knowledge, the science base and technologies relating to biodiversity, its values, functioning, status and trends, and the consequences of its loss, are and transferred, and applied.
improved, widely shared in accordance with Target 20 - By 2020, at the latest, the mobilization of financial resources for effectively implementing the Strategic Plan from all for Biodiversity 2011-2020 sources, and the consolidated and agreed process in the Strategy for Resource Mobilization, should increase substantially from the current levels.

This target will be subject to changes contingent to resource needs assessments to be developed and reported by Parties.
Source: CBD, (n.d)103 103 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), (2012).

Decision adopted by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity at its eleventh meeting.

49 4.1.2 Proposed Biological Indicators for Trinidad and Tobago In light of the value that biological indicators have in helping scientists and decision makers understand the condition of biological diversity, the GoRTT has made efforts to work with indicators.
On stakeholders to begin the process of establishing national biological September 17, 2014, the Environmental Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, held a National Biodiversity Indicators meeting to facilitate this process.

At this meeting, a proposed list of draft national targets and biological indicators were presented.
The proposed draft national targets were modelled against the Aichi Biodiversity targets and indicators as presented at the COP11 to the CBD (as seen in Table 3.1 above).
Draft targets encompassed a wide range of facets related to biodiversity, which included: improved biodiversity awareness, knowledge, science and technology; addressing environmental pressures in terrestrial and aquatic areas; biodiversity valuation; incentives; management plans; fisheries and agricultural management; and access to technology and financing for the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.
Apart from the proposed list of draft national biodiversity targets and indicators, other national efforts have been made to mainstream biodiversity and ecosystem services considerations into national policies, programmes and plans in Trinidad and Tobago.

This was fostered through the Project for Ecosystem Services (ProEcoServ) Trinidad and Tobago, a project that was launched in Trinidad and Tobago in 2012.
ProEcoServ intended to offer support through the development of policy support tools like natural capital accounting, and provide support for building capacity in applying and implementing similar tools.

This project aimed to integrate “ecosystem assessments”, scenario development and economic valuation of ecosystem services into sustainable national development planning104.
ProEcoServ is therefore an example of an initiative that can aid in development of tools that support Trinidad and Tobago’s efforts to meet the Aichi Biodiversity target number two (2), which speaks to integrating biodiversity valuation into local and national plans (Table 4.1).

4.2.1 Environment Indicators and the State of Environment Report As seen in section 4.1.1, biological indicators can be used to guide our understanding of the state of biodiversity in the nation.
However, biodiversity is just one component of the environment, which is made up of both the physical/non-living components as well as the biological factors that interact and influence organisms.

To gain insight into what is happening in the environment, several institutions use State of the Environment Indicators.

As defined by McQueen and Noack (1988), indicators are “measures that summarize information relevant to a 104 Project for Ecosystem Services (ProEcoServ), (2012).
Retrieved from www.proecoservtt.org 50 particular situation, or reasonable proxy for such a measure”105.

Some examples of State of the Environment Indicators (as identified by the European Environment Agency) include106: 1.

Greenhouse gas emissions (as a driving force indicator); 2.

CO2 emissions in key sectors such as residential, business, transportation (pressure indicator); 3.

Global temperature (state/impact indicator); and 4.

Greenhouse gas emissions and removals (response indicator).
An example of a partnership which uses environmental indicators is the Regions for Sustainable Change (RSC).

This European group focuses on the objectives of encouraging climate friendly economies and developing strategies to move towards a low carbon economy.
In the RSC indicator toolkit, one can examine proposed indicators under several topics including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, sustainable use, sustainable processes in other sectors, policy framework, institutional capacity, socio-political awareness and financial aspects.

Some frequently used low carbon indicators for the region developed under the RSC are listed in Table 4.2.

Table 4.2.
Frequently used Environmental Indicators for GHG emissions107 Indicator Measurement unit CO2/GHG emissions GHG emissions per capita CO2 emissions per capita GHG emissions intensity Tonnes of CO2 or CO2 equivalent Tonnes of CO2 equivalent Tonnes of CO2 equivalent/unit of GDP (USD or EUR) Tonnes of CO2 equivalent/unit of GDP (USD or EUR) Annual growth in GHG emissions (also by sector) Change in emissions (%) As discussed in Chapter 1, frameworks such as the DPSIR model help structure our thinking about our interaction with the environment and have been proposed as a way to guide the environmental indicator selection process108.
This model is based on a “causal network”, which 105 McQueen, D.V.

& Noack, H., (1988).

Health promotion indicators: current status, issues and problems.

Health Promotion 3(1): 117-125.

106 Jackosben, S., (2008).

Environmental indicators.

Retrieved from http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/152625/ 107 Regions for Sustainable Change, (2013).

Indicators toolkit GHG emissions (Frequently- used indicators).
Retrieved from http://www.rscproject.org/indicators/index.php?page=ghg-emissions 108 Niemeijer, D. & de Groot, R.S., (2008).

A conceptual framework for selecting environmental indicator sets.

Ecological Indicators 8: 14-25.

51 can effectively capture the wide range of cause and effect of environmental issues and their interconnected relationships.
The environmental indicators that will be developed for reporting on the state of the environment in Trinidad and Tobago should be selected on a defined basis.

Indicators, for example, should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bounded109.

Alternatively, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has also proposed criteria for selecting indicators in that they should be policy relevant, analytically sound and measurable110.
With this in mind, the selected State of the Environment (SOE) indicators should be well defined, be measured either quantitatively or qualitatively, be realistically achieved based on the available resources, and be relevant for the current environmental issues111.

Regardless of the method chosen to select state of the environment indicators, in order to examine trends in environmental issues, there needs to be sufficient data to analyse.
Therefore, the EMA intends to continue its development of data and information management systems to supply the necessary measurements for environmental indicators.

The data collected should be based on the variables outlined in the NEP.

As seen in Chapter 3, efforts have been made to collect environmental data on a national scale, such as the quantification of game wildlife species through the First National Wildlife Survey.
As these data are collected throughout the rest of the study, a baseline value can be used to assess trends in game species populations over the years.

As other projects such as the Project for Ecosystem Services (ProEcoServ) progress, selected data collected can be used to provide the statistics for the proposed indicators.

The indicator based SOE reporting style is therefore proposed for Trinidad and Tobago.
This follows the type of indicators developed by the European Environment Agency (EEA), which has been adopted by several international institutions using the DPSIR framework.

In SOE Reports, environmental indicators act as useful communication tools to simplify valuable information related to key environmental facets, whether physical, biological, socio-economic or chemical.
Furthermore, the use of indicators can provide a rationale for environmental monitoring plans by accentuating the critical measures needed to assess trends in the environment as a whole system112.

109 Schomaker, M., (1997).

Development of environmental indicators in UNEP.

In: Paper Presented at the Land Quality Indicators and their Use in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development, January 25-26, 1996, Rome, FAO, pp.

35-36.

110 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), (2003).
Environmental Indicators, Development, Measurement and Use, Reference Paper, OECD, Paris.

111 Niemeijer, D. & de Groot, R.S.

(2008).

A conceptual framework for selecting environmental indicator sets.

Ecological Indicators 8: 14-25.

112 Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANSEC), (2000).

Core Environmental Indicators for Reporting on the Environment Reporting Task Force.
Retrieved from https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/pages/a94a73f8-79db-4347-8a7a-f03ecdc48074/files/core-indicators.pdf the Environment.

State of the State of 52 According to the EEA, SOE indicators are “descriptive” indicators, which can be used for all aspects of the DPSIR, describing situations with respect to the state of environmental affairs113.

Several indicators have followed the trend of using environmental indicators for state of the environment reporting.
One example is the Indicator based State of the Environment Report of Montenegro, created by the Montenegro Protection agency (Box 4.1).

Box 4.1.

Case study: Montenegro Indicator-based State of the Environment Report In 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency of Montenegro generated its first indicator-based state of the environment report based on the typology of indicators developed by the EEA, using the DPSIR model.
This was created after years of implementation and monitoring programs for all segments of the environment and collection of data from relevant institutions.

The report segmented the environment into the following areas: air, water, climate change, agriculture, energy, tourism, transport, fisheries, waste, biodiversity and marine ecosystems.

For each aspect of the environment, a few key questions were asked and suitable indicators were applied in an effort to determine a suitable answer.
Tourism, for example, was subdivided into three sections: tourist arrivals; overnight stays of tourists; and the number of tourists on cruise lines.

With respect to Tourist Arrivals, the key question asked was: Is the number of tourist arrivals increasing, thereby putting pressure on the environment?

The indicator monitored trends of tourist arrivals (foreign and domestic) in total and by country of origin, according to the type of tourist sites.
Using this indicator, the report was able to assess trends over time in tourist arrivals, by looking at the percentage increase and deduce how it may impact the environment.

Source: Montenegro Protection Agency (2013)114 Although environmental indicators are extremely useful, the limitations associated with their use must be noted.
For instance, while indicators provide perspective on what is happening in the environment, it may not indicate why it is happening, and therefore require further analysis to supplement it.

Moreover, as mentioned above, environmental indicators require both qualitative and quantitative data.

Therefore, scientifically sound and cost effective data must be collected within given time-constraints, and properly managed to obtain the necessary information needed for environmental indicators.
4.3.1 Planned initiatives to address environmental pressures By examining the strategic responses in Chapters 2 and 3, it is clear that Trinidad and Tobago faces an expansive range of environmental pressures.

This section proposes alternative measures to manage these pressures, which include the introduction of new policy instruments as well as several action initiatives discussed below.

Moreover, there is a need to develop a 113 European Environment Agency (EEA), (2014).

Digest of EEA indicators 2014.


Technical report No.

8/2014.

114 Environmental Protection Agency of Montenegro, (2013).

Indicator based State of the Environment Report of Montenegro.

Retrieved from http://epa.org.me/images/dokumenti/Izvjestaj-final-engl.pdf 53 nationally accepted list of indicators to use in determining the overall trends in the state of environmental affairs in Trinidad and Tobago.
Air Pollution Rules The Air Pollution Rules (APR) 2014 and Air Pollution (Fee) Regulations (APFR) were signed by the Minister of the Environment and Water Resources in December 2014.

The enactment of these laws shall enhance air quality in Trinidad and Tobago and reduce the risk that air pollution poses to human health and the environment.

The APR shall be administered by two (2) processes: 1.
Source Registration – In accordance with the Air Pollution Rules, 2014 Sub-rule 4(1) and 4(2), every operator who operates an emitter facility or intends to release any substance in excess of the permissible levels is required to be registered with the EMA as a source emitter.

This process shall begin in 2015.


The information gathered during this phase will be used to create an inventory of the nation’s air pollutant sources, and the types and quantities of air pollutants released into the atmosphere and the receiving environment.

The Registrant will be issued with a Source Emitter Registration Certificate.

2.

Permitting – After a Source Emitter Registration Certificate has been issued, the EMA may notify a Registrant to apply for an Air Pollution Permit (APP).
The purpose of the APP is to control the types and quantity of air pollutants emitted into the atmosphere, with the purpose of protecting ambient air quality.

Waste Management (Hazardous Waste) Rules Presently, the Draft Waste Management (Hazardous Waste) Rules, 2014 are undergoing revision.

Implementation of these rules will protect human health and the environment from the potentially harmful effects of hazardous wastes (e.g.

cleaning fluids and pesticides).


National Environmental Policy The National Environmental Policy (NEP) 2006 is scheduled to undergo revision.

With the implementation of revised NEP objectives, it can be used to better inform strategic action responses to environmental pressures, including the creation of an indicator based State of the Environment report (Section 4.2.4).
These updates can also help to inform future national strategic objectives and hence improve management of environmental pressures in Trinidad and Tobago.
54 Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Policy An Integrated Coastal Zone Management Draft Policy Framework, 2014 was developed through a Multi-sectoral Steering Committee chaired by the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), and the engagement of a variety of stakeholders including government agencies, the business sector, the energy sector, fisherfolk and the general public.
In April 2014, a Cabinet note was sent requesting an extension of the ICZM Steering Committee in order to carry out post-policy consultations to finalize the Policy Framework and develop the strategies and action plan.

The enactment of this policy shall assist Trinidad and Tobago in achieving a balance between development and conservation by managing anthropogenic activities that affect the coastal zone and addressing conflicts among various resource users and uses.
Projects in 2015 and Beyond As mentioned in Chapter 3, many projects such as the Sea Turtle Hatchery Project and the National Wildlife Survey are still in progress and are expected to continue in the upcoming years.

Additionally, the feasibility of using biological indicators to monitor trends in biodiversity was explored in 2014, and is expected to be examined in further detail in the coming years.
Other planned action initiatives include but are not limited to the following:  Additional educational awareness symposiums related to Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Species (see Section B of EMA’s annual report for 2014 National Sensitization on ESAs and ESSs);  Ambient air quality monitoring using air pointers;  Implementation of the Pilot Phase (collection and analysis of water and sediment samples) of the project to develop Ambient Water Quality Standards for Trinidad and Tobago;  Geo-tagging to monitor sea turtle populations;  Revisions to offshore seismic survey guidelines and improvements in the screening process with respect to quarrying CEC applications (see Section B of EMA’s annual report);  Increased use of a Geographical Information System to aid in database management of environmental information (see Section B of EMA’s annual report); and  Development of an indicator based State of the Environment Reporting Style.
55 Chapter 5 2014 Key Activities and Accomplishments The EMA (in accordance with Section II, 14 (1) (b) of the EM Act) is required to interact with several external stakeholders including the public, civil society and international agencies.

Coordination with other state agencies in particular, played an important role in the effective delivery of the strategic goals set out for the Authority in 2014.
The Authority’s key activities and accomplishments in 2014 were as follows: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) Designation of Five (5) Sea Turtles as Environmentally Sensitive Species.

Drafting of the Air Pollution Rules, 2014.

Coordination of the 2013/2014 PETROTRIN Oil Spill response and clean up.

Organisational restructuring.

Addressing Noise Pollution through a multi-stakeholder approach.

Working with stakeholders for Public Education.


National Restoration, Carbon Sequestration, Wildlife and Livelihoods Project.

Beverage Containers Cleanup Project (BCCP).

9) Permitting and enforcement.

5.1.1 Designation of Five (5) Sea Turtles as Environmentally Sensitive Species.
STRATEGIC GOAL 4: TO PROTECT, CONSERVE AND/OR RESTORE SELECTED ECOSYSTEMS AND SPECIES TO ENSURE THAT THE BIODIVERSITY OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO IS SUSTAINED In 2014, the EMA successfully coordinated the drafting, amendment, consultation and rollout of the Designation of five (5) sea turtle species as Environmentally Sensitive Species.
This effort required inter-agency collaboration with the Fisheries Division, Forestry Division, Civil Society (NGOs and CBOs) for review of relevant legislation, followed training and sensitization of enforcement agencies such as the TTPS and EPU, and civil society groups involved in turtle conservation.
The designation of five (5) sea turtles culminated with the hosting of the 2nd Sea Turtle Symposium on October 28th and 29th, 2014, which sought to introduce NGOs/CBOs to new strategies to support and facilitate their efforts in the conservation and protection of their community’s natural resources.

Several state agencies played important roles in the symposium, reinforcing the inter-agency/inter-sectoral approach required to achieve effective sea turtle protection in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Symposium was a resounding success.

The 56 two-day symposium themed, ‘Partnership for a Sustainable Future’, was done in collaboration with the Turtle Village Trust, Atlantic and Green Fund and aimed at spearheading a more holistic approach to safeguarding sea turtles, with greater input from community groups.

This event also marked the end of a month of activities dedicated to Sea-Turtle Awareness in Trinidad and Tobago.
Participating stakeholders included:  Ministry of Tourism; Wildlife Section, Forestry Division; Fisheries Division, Ministry of Food Production; Institute of Marine Affairs; Tobago House of Assembly (Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries and Department of Natural Resources and the Environment); University of the West Indies (Department of Life Sciences and School of Veterinary Medicine); University of Trinidad and Tobago (Department of Marine Science and Department of Environmental Science and Management); WIDECAST (Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Network); Various community and civil society groups including fishing associations; Companies within the oil and gas sector including Petrotrin, Atlantic, bpTT; BG T&T; BHP Billiton and Repsol; and Cayman Islands Turtle Farm (a conservation and research facility and tourist attraction, located in the West Bay district of the Cayman Islands); Key accomplishments-:  Successful amendment to legislation- Designated five (5) sea turtle species as Environmentally Sensitive Species- the Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, and Olive Ridley;  Updated legal framework for Sea Turtle Management- o Forestry Division - Conservation of Wildlife Act (Chap 67:01); o Fisheries Division- Fisheries Act (Chap 67:51).
Amended to protect turtles year round; o EMA- Environmentally Sensitive Species Rules (2001); 57 Inter-agency coordination- roles of sea turtle protection agencies Forestry Division Fisheries Division EMA NGOs Enforcing laws; Involved in identifying and promoting less destructive gear types Coordination of governmental agencies Conducting research; Patrolling prohibited beaches; Enforces laws related to sea turtles ESS designation Patrolling beaches; the Implementing Game Warden Programme; Collection turtle data.
of sea and Producing public engaging the with awareness materials/consultations Regulation of activities through CEC and other rules Conducting sea turtle tours; Collection of data; Promoting sea turtle protection  National Sensitization on Sea Turtle Designation - The EMA partnered with Turtle Village Trust (TVT) to conduct a series of consultations in sea turtle hot spots throughout Trinidad & Tobago in an attempt to increase fisher folk awareness of the (then) pending sea turtle designations;  Second Sea Turtle Symposium- hosted a 2nd Sea Turtle Symposium on October 28th and 29th 2014which sought to introduce NGOs/CBOs to new strategies to support and facilitate their efforts in the conservation and protection of their community’s natural resources with a focus on sea turtles; the desired outcomes from discussion included: o Development of species & beach management plan o A national management plan focused on sustained interventions on sea turtle conservation 58  Inter-agency strengthening- Sea turtle legislation training with enforcement agencies- Officers from the Environmental Protection Unit (EPU), Forestry Division, Fisheries Division and TTPS were trained on the relevant legislation associated with sea turtles for enforcement.
Legislation included: o Conservation of Wildlife Act (CoWA Chap 67:01); o Fisheries Act (Chap 67:51); o Protection of turtle & turtle eggs regulations; o Fisheries (Conservation of Marine Turtles) regulations; o Environmental Management Act (Chap 35:05) Section 70 (2) o Environmentally Sensitive Species Rules 2001 o Legal Notice No.

88 of 2014 – Leatherback Turtle o Legal Notice No.

89 of 2014 – Loggerhead Turtle o Legal Notice No.

90 of 2014 – Green Turtle o Legal Notice No.


91 of 2014 – Hawksbill Turtle o Legal Notice No.

92 of 2014 – Olive Ridley Turtle 5.1.2 Drafting of the Air Pollution Rules, 2014.

STRATEGIC GOAL 1: TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE AIR QUALITY TO REDUCE AND ELIMINATE RISK TO HUMAN AND ECOSYSTEM HEALTH The Authority collaborated with stakeholders to draft and have signed-off by Cabinet, the Air Pollution Rules, 2014.
The development of the Air Pollution Rules, 2014 required stakeholder interaction and collaboration not only at a State-level, but also with the business community, who inevitably, will be a critical success factor to the implementation of the legislation once enacted.

In this regard, the Authority made determined efforts to ensure that the business community participated in the consultative process during the drafting of the rules.
In an effort to gear-up for the enactment, the EMA also created a new business unit (Air Unit) to ensure the effective administration of the Air Pollution Rules, 2014.
Key accomplishments-:  Air Pollution Rules, 2014 – the Air Pollution Rules, 2014 were successfully drafted, signed- off in Cabinet and is before the public for Negative Resolution;  Creation of an Air Unit- in anticipation of the enactment of the Air Pollution Rules, 2014, the Authority took proactive steps towards creating and staffing of an Air Unit comprising the following personnel: o Assistant Manager- 1 (also in charge Noise and Waste Units); o Technical Officer II- 5 59 o Environmental Programme Assistant- 1 o Administrative Assistant(Air)- 1 5.1.3 Coordination of the 2013/2014 PETROTRIN oil spill response and clean up.
STRATEGIC GOAL 3: TO PROTECT COMMUNITIES AND ECOSYSTEMS FROM THE HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL SPILLS AND THE UNSAFE HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTES In January 2014, the Authority had to coordinate emergency response and clean- up/remediation efforts among multiple external agencies following the December 2013 PETROTRIN oil spill.
This unprecedented local environmental incident resulted in an unplanned release/spillage in excess of 7,000 barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Paria, affecting approximately 24 kilometres of shoreline along the southwest peninsula, with communities and ecosystems close to La Brea and environs being most acutely affected.
The EMA’s response efforts resulted in coordination among the following agencies:  Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs (custodian of the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP));  Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM);  Siparia Regional Corporation (closest affected Regional Corporation);  Ministry of Local Government;  Ministry of National Security- T&T Defence Force, Air Guard & Coast Guard;  Clean-up/remediation contractors;  CBOs/NGOs from affected communities;  The general public The EMA not only responded in accordance with its general mandate, but also within the parameters of its role as identified under the NOSCP to ensure that clean-up activities were carefully monitored, gross contamination was removed from impacted areas and wastes generated were stored in accordance with approved strategies.
During spill clean-up, the EMA availed itself and engaged the affected community of La Brea on a continuous basis to ensure that they were well advised of ongoing activities throughout the process.

Through intervention, the EMA stipulated the continuous presence of fire responders and medical teams within the community to handle all contingencies related to fire and health, which may have occurred.
60 Key accomplishments-: The EMA’s investigation of the incident resulted in the identification of breaches of environmental requirements as outlined within the Environmental Management Act Chapter 35:05.

The EMA pursued enforcement action against Petrotrin regarding these breaches, which resulted in the issuance of a Notice of Violation to Petrotrin in January 2014, which was resolved through a Consent Agreement.
The Cabinet Appointed Committee, ‘National Environmental Assessment Task Force’, guided all subsequent actions regarding this matter.

5.1.4 Organisational Restructuring STRATEGIC GOAL 3: TO PROTECT COMMUNITIES AND ECOSYSTEMS FROM THE HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL SPILLS AND THE UNSAFE HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTES The Authority reviewed its mandate and formulated a new organizational structure to achieve all its objectives.
Three divisions were created:  Administration and Support Services - Finance, Procurement, Human Resources and Information Technology;  Technical Services -Certificates of Environmental Clearance (CECs), Water, Air, Noise  and Waste and Strategy and Research Legal Enforcement and Compliance – Legal Services, Permit Monitoring & Complaints, Health Safety & Environment, Emergency Response & Investigations Key accomplishments-:  The establishment of an Emergency Response and Compliance unit In fulfillment of Section 25 of the EM Act Ch35:05, which refers to emergency response activities, ERI was given the core function of response activities for environmental emergencies, through coordination, oversight, containment an, mitigation measures.
In support of the restructuring effort, the EMA expanded its office locations adding the Chaguanas office for the housing of the ERI and EPU;  61 5.1.5 Addressing Noise Pollution in a multi-stakeholder approach STRATEGIC GOAL 6: TO PROTECT HUMAN HEALTH AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT FROM THE IMPACTS OF NOISE, AND THE MAINTENANCE OF THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF AN INDIVIDUAL TO THE ENJOYMENT OF PROPERTY, WHILST STILL ALLOWING REASONABLE SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY In 2014, noise pollution continued to be a major source of disturbance, especially with respect to the entertainment/restaurant/bar industry.
The Authority continues to utilize the Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2001 (NPCR), through the issuance of Noise Variations and monitoring of sound pressure levels as the primary tools to tackle noise, along with public education and stakeholder dialogue on the issue.
However, given the obvious overlap between the NPCR and ‘nuisance’ noise complaints typically regulated by the TTPS via the ‘Summary Offences Act’, the EMA has had to work closely with the TTPS and Municipal Corporations (who also have Municipal Police Units).

Working with other stakeholders such as the Copyright Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (COTT) and the Magistrates’ Courts have also proven useful in addressing the problem of noise pollution in a coordinated manner.
Challenges to the effective combating of noise pollution stem in large part from the pervasive nature of the problem, coupled with continuing growth in the entertainment/restaurant/bar industry throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

The regulation and enforcement of noise pollution through the NPCR and Summary Offences Act by the EMA and EPU/TTPS respectively, continued to place enormous burden on the already stretched resources within the EPU and TTPS.
Notwithstanding the growing challenges of enforcement and monitoring noise pollution, the Authority has made steady progress through delivery of key activities related to the NPCR as follows:  Collaboration – in 2014 the Noise Unit collaborated with the newly formed ERI Unit to contact Noise Variation holders prior to events to remind them of the requirement to adhere to the NPCR and their Noise Variations;  The EMA via its Corporate Communications and Public Educations Units engaged in advertising and public educations campaigns to sensitize the public about noise pollution in general, and specifically, the legal requirements for event organisers under the NPCR.
 Stakeholder outreach- in 2014 the Noise Unit engaged with several stakeholders on the issue of noise pollution: 62 o Affected residents of targeted communities where persistent noise complaints originate; o National Carnival Bands Association for mitigating noise disturbances to sensitive receptors such as hospitals and homes for the aged during Carnival 2014; o Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism for improving noise control at cultural events; o Awareness sessions with the TTPS.
5.1.6 Working with Stakeholders for Public Education ENABLING STRATEGY 3: CULTIVATE POSITIVE ATTITUDES TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION THROUGH AWARENESS BUILDING, EDUCATION AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION The work of the EMA in Public Education demonstrated the core strategic value of ‘collaboration’, as a significant part of the outputs of the Unit required direct collaboration and coordination with external entities, both public sector and civil society.
Several of the activities of the Unit also supported core activities of the EMA as outlined in 1) – 5) above.

Key accomplishments-: In 2014, some of the notable successes of the Public Education Unit were:  Surveys with Fisher Folk- Collaborated with Fisheries Division and Turtle Village Trust on public consultations on pending designation of five sea turtles.
Survey were conducted with fisher folk at 11 fishing depots and community centres across Trinidad and Tobago to determine issues with respect to turtle by-catch and alternative forms of fishing gear that may be required.

 Public Tours to ESAs-Collaboration with Forestry Division, Nature Seekers and Sundew Tour Guiding Services to offer tours to the public at Bush Bush Sanctuary at the Nariva Swamp, the Matura National Park and the Aripo Savannas.
 Training on Turtle Protection Legislation- Collaborated with the Fisheries Division, Forestry Division and TTPS to offer training on turtle protection legislation to enforcement officers of various State agencies.

The objective was to develop a comprehensive understanding of sea turtle legislation in Trinidad and Tobago and the powers vested into enforcement personnel.
 National Poster and Art Competition-Collaborated with the Trinidad and Tobago Art Society on developing judging guidelines and criteria for the National Poster and Art Competition to depict ESAs and ESSs in Trinidad and Tobago.

63  National Sea Turtle Symposium-Collaborated with Turtle Village Trust to host the National Sea Turtle Symposium.
This two-day event comprised panel discussions, complemented by Q&A Sessions, which brought together experts from academia, government Ministries, agencies, research institutions, private sector organisations, as well as civil society groups.

 Commemorative Dates- worked with NIHERST and the Forestry Division on events to observe World Wetlands Day.
Also collaborated with the Forestry Division, WASA and T&T Meteorological Services on exhibitions for World Forestry Day, World Water Day and World Meteorology Day, respectively.

 Sensitization Sessions for Municipal Corporations- collaborated with the Ministry of Local Government to begin a series of sensitization sessions for municipal corporations.
This involved training of aldermen and councillors on the EMA’s regulatory processes and compliance and enforcement procedures, in order to improve the management of environmental issues in their municipalities.

 Green Leaf Awards- collaborated with the Environmental Policy and Planning Department of the Ministry of Water Resources and the Environment, the IMA, UNDP, Forestry Division, T&T Meteorological Services and COPE to establish the Steering Committee for the biennial Green Leaf Awards.
 Blue Flag Certification- worked with TIDCO and the local NGO Asclepius Green as part of the National Jury for the implementation of the Blue Flag Certification Programme in T&T, for the designation of the Las Cuevas Beach Facility.
5.1.7 National Restoration, Carbon Sequestration, Wildlife and Livelihoods Project In February 2014, the Nariva Swamp Restoration, Carbon Sequestration and Livelihoods Projects which commenced on August 15th 2008, was redesigned and included new activities in public education and wildlife research and conservation.

The re-designed project is now called the National Restoration, Carbon Sequestration, Wildlife and Livelihoods Project.
Key accomplishments-:  Fire Suppression- In February, over 100 persons from three communities were trained in fire management and health and safety.

The trained persons were then hired to conduct fire patrols in the reforested areas of the Nariva Swamp.

The training was conducted by the Forestry Division and the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service.

 Reforestation- 120 persons from eleven community organizations were hired to plant 22 hectares of the northern part of the Nariva Swamp.
Approximately 8800 seedlings were purchased from the various community nurseries in the Plum Mitan, Biche and Plum Road.

The monitoring and evaluation of the planting activities were done by the Forestry Division  National Wildlife Surveys- The project made history by conducting the first wildlife study done in multiple locations on various species.

The objective of the research was to 64 determine population density and distribution of five game animals (agouti, deer, quenk, tattoo and lappe).
The first study was done in Nariva in June followed by Trinity Hills, Southern Watershed, Central Range and the Northern Range.

Six groups were trained and hired to conduct the surveys.

The methodology, training and analysis was done by the University of the West Indies.

The Wildlife Division also assisted in granting permits.

The National Wildlife Survey was supplemented with island wide consultations and meetings in the months of May and June.
 EnviroCamp- The project hosted its third EnviroCamp in the communities of Plum Mitan in July and Biche in August.

The three-day camps were attended by fifty students between the ages of 8 and 12.

Participants were exposed to sessions in money management, respect, pollution, recycling, and craft and a field trip to Emperor Valley Zoo, Port of Spain.
5.1.8 Beverage Containers Cleanup Project (BCCP) A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and the EMA on 17th September, 2013.

The EMA was assigned the responsibility of general project administration and as such coordinated project activities in collaboration with the stakeholders (CEPEP, SWMCOL and IMA), and lead numerous participant logistic meetings.
After contract negotiations, the EMA entered into contractual agreements with the stakeholders that included their respective project deliverables, agreed payment schedules and end dates.

These contracts were signed on 4th February 2014.

Disbursement of funds was facilitated by EMA as the recipient of the fund allocation from the Green Fund Execution Unit (GFEU).

The initial payment schedule to the EMA entailed two tranches of twenty eight million (TT$28,000,000.00).
This schedule was derived due to the ceiling of fifty million (TT$50,000,000.00) for requesting funds from the Ministry of Finance and the Economy therefore the full amount of requested funds (TT$62,328,755) was not met.

The stakeholders however indicated that they could not commence operations without sufficient mobilization funds.
A cabinet meeting was held to increase the ceiling for the EMA’s BCC project and approval was granted for the full amount (less the contingency) to be released to the EMA amounting to a total of TT$56,662,505.00.

The first disbursement from the Green Fund occurred on 18th November, 2013 in the sum of $28,331,252.00 followed by a second disbursement of $28,331,253.00 on 27th January, 2014.

On the 25th February 2014 funds were disbursed and transferred to the accounts of the relevant stakeholders.
The stakeholders subsequently received training from the GFEU on the 65 requirements for recording their accounts.

They would submit monthly financial reports to the EMA and we compiled quarterly financial reports for onward submission to the GFEU for review.

BCCP was launched at the Hyatt Regency on 8th October, 2014 under the Project Tomorrow umbrella.

funds receipt of team, a Upon the stakeholders began making the necessary arrangements and purchases to commence their operations.
The EMA operated as the intermediary between stakeholders for the operations the of the project through project which Project encompasses and Manager, Monitoring Project Evaluation Accountant an Administrative Assistant, under the direction of EMA’s Senior Project Manager.

The stakeholders communicated all difficulties encountered and the progress of their deliverables verbally and through bi-weekly/monthly reports.
Monthly stakeholder meetings provided a forum for discussion and resolving logistical issues.

EMA also met with stakeholders on site during the preparation stages of some deliverables (see figure 1) – EMA/SWMCOL during the site visit in preparation of collection points at Guanapo and Forres Park.
Figure 1 Meeting with stakeholders Officer, and As project administrator, the EMA monitored the activities of the stakeholders, and ensured that the deliverables were achieved as efficiently and timely as possible.
Key Accomplishments-: Project Summary – CEPEP • Number of Districts involved – 134 • Number of Municipalities – 14 • Number of Contractors hired – 71 • Number of Jumbo Bags (beverage containers) recovered - 93,703 • Collection period - March 17th, 2014 to December 29th 2014 66 Project Summary – SWMCOL SWMCOL established three collection points in Trinidad and employed 50 sorters across the collection points: • NAMDEVCO in POS (started: March 17, 2014), • Forres Park Landfill (started: April 14, 2014) • Guanapo Landfill (started: May 5, 2014).
SWMCOL subcontracted operations in Tobago: • Environment Tobago handled collection of material in Tobago and delivered that material to Trinidad (started Oct 6, 2014); • Employed 53 people in this operation Table Showing All Materials Collected SITE NAMDEVCO FORRES PARK GUANAPO TOBAGO TOTAL BAGS 31,936 51,199 10,568 1,420 95,123 Kg 223,033 396,418 104,157 11,044 734,652 5.1.9 Permitting and Enforcement 5.1.9.1 Permit Monitoring and Complaints Unit In May 2014, the Compliance and Enforcement Unit was realigned into the Compliance Department, constituted by two inter operational Units, Permit Monitoring & Complaints (PMC) and Emergency Response and Investigations (ERI).
In fulfilment of S37 of the EMA Act 35:05, the PMC Unit was established and repurposed to: 67  Monitor all certificates, permits and consent agreements issued by the Authority;  Ensure compliance with terms and conditions stated.

Key Accomplishments -:  Monitored 880 CEC in 2014;  Awareness/Training sessions for staff;  Review committees - CEC Review Committee and the Water Pollution Permit review committee participation;  Review and comments on draft hazardous and non-hazardous waste rules.
 Recruitment of staff for the newly formed PMC & HSE Unit, in mid-2014- 2 Assistant Environmental Investigators; 1 Technical Assistant; 1 Environmental Investigator I;  Development of an Environmental Audit Programme; 5.1.9.2 Emergency Response and Investigations Unit The Emergency Response and Investigations (ERI) Unit carried out the following activities in 2014:  Emergency Response- comprehensive response to all environmental emergencies on a 24 hour basis;  Complaint Handling- receipt, categorization, documentation and assignment of all complaints received by the EMA, through the management of the EMA’s Complaint Hotline and utilizing a dedicated computerized Complaint Management System called ZOHO;  Complaint & Special Investigations- Investigation of all environmental complaints received by the EMA related to any aspect of the EM Act 35:05 and its subsidiary legislation:  Illegal Quarrying  Illegal Logging  Land Clearing  Illegal Dumping  Noise Pollution  Air Pollution  Water Pollution  All Designated Activities Key accomplishments -:  Change in process, through the streamlining and standardization of operating and response procedures; Implementation of file closure procedures;  68  The establishment of an efficient complaint management system and complaint  handling process; Increased rate of investigation, closure and resolution of an increased number of complaints; Increased rate of referral of breaches of environmental requirements;   24 hour response to all environmental emergencies;  Acquisition of monitoring equipment to support response activities and decisions.
 Increased public outreach (complainants, persons complained against (PCA), violators, Regional Corporations);  Personal response to all new complaints from the public;  Increased efficiency of the Environmental Police Unit and reporting lines; Compliant Category # Complaints Received AIR POLLUTION ANIMAL DEATH DESIGNATED ACTIVITY DUMPING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION EXTERNAL REFERRAL NOISE POLLUTION PERMIT MONITORING SPILLS & RELEASES TOTAL June-Dec 2014 3 7 30 3 2 0 16 0 97 158 # Matters closed for 2014 (June-Dec) 42 69 5.1.9.3 Work of the Certificate of Environmental Clearance Unit STRATEGIC GOAL 5: TO BALANCE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THROUGH APPLYING AND ENHANCING THE EFFECTIVENESS, EFFICIENCY AND TIMELINESS OF THE CEC PROCESS The Certificate of Environmental Clearance, Rules, 2001, continued in 2014 to provide the Authority with an effective tool for ensuring a sustainable balance between development and environmental protection.
Key accomplishments-:   In 2014 the CEC Unit received 298 CEC applications, a reduction of 8.6% from 2013 in which 326 CEC applications were received; In 2014 the CEC unit issued 223 CECs, representing an increase of 46% from the previous year in which 153 CECs were granted;  The number of CECs requiring EIAs remained fairly constant in 2014, with 12 CEC  applications requiring an EIA, compared to the 2013 figure of 13; In 2014 there was a 58.8% drop in the total number of CEC applications issued Notice of Refusals (NORs) with 7 NORs issued, compared to a total of 17 NORs issued in 2013;  Some ongoing challenges faced in 2014 in the administration of the CEC process included: o Monitoring operations established prior to 2001; o Ensuring operators comply with other subsidiary legislation (WPR & NPCR); o Development of incentive mechanisms to encourage voluntary compliance (Section 34 of EM Act); 5.1.9.4 Noise Unit The Authority continues to utilize the Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2001 (NPCR), through the issuance of Noise Variations and monitoring of sound pressure levels as the primary tools to tackle noise.
Key accomplishments-:  A total of 494 applications for Noise Variations were received, an increase of 20% over the previous 2013 total of 410;  A total of 412 Noise Variations were granted, representing an increase of 7.3% over the previous 2013 total of 384;  6 Noise Variation Applications were withdrawn by applicants, while 10 were cancelled owing to the event no longer taking place; 70 5.1.9.5 Water Unit The EMA continues to monitor permits issued under the Water Pollution Rules, 2001.
These include Source Registration, Source Registration Renewal, Water Pollution Permits and Water Pollution Permits Renewals.
Key accomplishments-: Permit Type Applications Received Permits Issued Source Registration 38 Source Registration Renewal 103 Water Pollution Permits 1 Water Renewals Total Pollution Permit 3 145 5.1.9.6 Legal Services Key Accomplishments-: Enforcement Action 15 66 7 1 89 The Legal Services Department effectuates enforcement action, as guided by Part IV of the Environmental Management Act, Chap 35:05 and in this regard served twenty-nine (29) Notices of Violation resulting from breaches of the EM Act and its subsidiary legislation.
Furthermore, one (1) Administrative Order was issued as a consequence of a Violator’s inability/unwillingness to resolve a noise-related matter.

Analysis of the matters indicated that about 14% were to due breaches of CECs, a range of Designated Activities, with the most frequent being Designated Activities 8 and 43a, which accounted for 10% and 14 % respectively, and lastly, 7% due to noise matters.
A total of forty-five (45) Consent Agreements were successfully executed thereby resolving their corresponding Notices of Violation.

The Consent Agreements included mitigation measures to minimize or eliminate the existing and/or potential negative environmental impacts caused by the Violators’ activities/facilities so that serious environmental concerns affecting the surrounding receptors, or continued harm to the environment, were properly managed.
71 Litigation A total of twelve (12) matters were heard and resolved before the Environmental Commission in 2014 as compliance and/or resolution of matters could not be achieved in the absence of the court’s involvement.

Two (2) matters were settled via mediation agreement whereas ten (10) were resolved via Consent Order.

A total of five (5) matters which involved the EMA were heard before the High Court and Court of Appeal in 2014.

As at December 2014, four (4) of those matters were still ongoing.
Legislative Review • Planning and Facilitation of Development Bill (2013) and The Urban Regional Planning Profession Bill (2013) – The EMA was asked to review and provide feedback on those draft pieces of legislation; a comprehensive review was done and comments were forwarded to the line Minister.

• The draft Legal Notices for the Designation of Five Sea Turtles were amended to incorporate the comments received from the public comment period.
The draft Legal Notices were formatted and forwarded to the office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel on 20 March, 2014.

• Waste Management Rules- In furtherance of fulfilling its mandate under Sections 55- 60 of the EM Act, the Authority pursued the drafting of the Hazardous Waste Rules and the Solid waste (non-hazardous) management rules.

Legal consultants were retained for the drafting of the aforementioned rules and the drafts were reviewed and vetted.
Neither piece of legislation were finalized or submitted due to changes in policy direction for waste management.

Projects & Other Activities • • In 2013-2014, Legal Services embarked and spearheaded one PSIP project, being an Environmental Economic Benefit Assessment which encompassed a calculation of the economic benefit gained by Violators under section 66 (c) of the Environmental Management Act Chap.

35:05.
35:05.

The final version of the Project was submitted by the Consultant, an Economist, on 29 October, 2014.

Legal Services processed fifteen (15) Claims of Confidentiality and twenty-five (25) Freedom on Information applications with statutory deadlines as required under specific legislation.

Coordination & Meetings • A presentation was done for the tenants of the PLIDECO industrial estate based on the CEC Process and the Water Pollution Rules on 14 March, 2014.
• Emergency Response to Spills regarding Hazardous Substances- A joint meeting was held between Legal Services, Emergency Response and Investigations, Permit Monitoring, Complaints and Health Safety and the Environment, and Technical 72 Services for discussing the designation of categories of circumstances involving accidental spills pursuant to Section 61 of the EM Act.

Advice was given on the interpretation of the law and procedure for having the subsidiary legislation laid before Parliament.
Legal Services supported EMA processes and functions by examining and vetting a total of 43 service and projects contracts in 2014.

• 73 Chapter 6 Financial Statements For The Year 103