Biodiversity, Climate Change and Planning Implications for South West Tobago

7/29/2019 Biodiversity, Climate Change and Planning Implications for South West Tobago

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Abstract:

Historically, Caribbean settlements developed along the coast usually around or near sheltered, deep-

water bays, in order to facilitate trade with neighboring territories and the colonial power. Often these

nodes experienced rapid demographic growth, which outpaced the capacity of supporting

infrastructure. Today, many of these urban centers suffer the detrimental repercussions of poor natural

resources management. The limited land resource of Caribbean SIDS and the fragility of their natural

resources exacerbate the problems associated with rapid urbanization and result in worsening

ecological challenges.

South-West Tobago accounts for about one-fifth of the islands total land area. It is highly bio-diverse

and is the most populated area of the island. Also the physical infrastructure, social, recreational and

cultural services are concentrated in this location. As such, this area lends itself to the current thrust of

built development. However, fragile coastal resources and ecosystems are left vulnerable to the impacts

of increasing tourism and erratic patterns of development. It becomes imperative then, for planning

policies and practices to address the issues of optimal use of coastal land, conflicting and competing

land uses, natural resource degradation and hazard vulnerability. This apparent dichotomy between

development and the environment is in actuality a symbiotic relationship that must be allowed to regain

its equilibrium. In theory this appears to be quite attainable but in practice the over-riding influences of

capital gain and political power often exacerbate the already wanting situation.


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Introduction:

The paper highlights the potential threat posed by climate change, outlines the importance of

biodiversity to the islands physical and economic environments, and examines the role of physical

planning in addressing these issues, using South-West Tobago as a case-study. In so doing, the intricate

relationships amongst climate change impacts, biodiversity and how it shapes livelihoods in a Small

Island Developing State, and the inadequacies of land use planning in shaping the aforementioned

factors are succinctly presented.


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CLIMATE CHANGE AND CARIBBEAN SIDS: The Reality and the Response

The term Small Island Developing States (SIDS) refers to low-lying coastal countries that share similar

sustainable development challenges. Small Island Developing States constitute only a tiny portion of the

worlds land area, yet represent unique and beautiful coastal and marine ecosystems with high species

diversity and a significant degree of endemism. Their often rich fisheries, forests, and other natural

resources have long supported the livelihoods of human settlements and formed the basis of SIDS

economies1. There is an interconnectedness of these diverse ecosystems that facilitates their rapid

depletion in health and sustainability. The Small Island Developing States Program of Action (SIDS PoA)

had its genesis in the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED/Rio

Summit). The international community realized that SIDS shared certain characteristics that made them

unique and often stymied their growth and development, inter alia:

Insularity which sometimes leaves them isolated,

Lack of economies of scale,

Weak and specialized economies subject to the vagaries of international trade,

High population size and densities,

Susceptibility to natural hazards,

Vulnerability to external shocks,

Disproportionately expensive public administration and infrastructure,

Heavy dependence on narrow and fragile resource bases,

High transportation and communication costs,


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Limited means and capacity to implement comprehensive sustainable development goals,

Small range of primary products for export, and

Dependence to a great extent on tourism, fisheries in vast ocean areas within exclusive

economic zones, and, on larger islands, mining and mineral extraction.

Figure 1 Trinidad and Tobago in Caribbean Context

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk

The Caribbean is a microcosm of this environmental and development global situation (Figure 1).

Natural resource intensity, often in products designed for export, has historically been one of the main

features of productive activity within the region. The regions agriculture, forestry, fishing and tourism

all depend for their economic success on a healthy and productive environment2. These qualities

rendered them more vulnerable than other territories and so special ways to assist SIDS in meeting


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these tests began to gain wider global focus. Thus in 1994, the first global conference on sustainable

development and the first dedicated to the dealing with the unique issues of direct concern to SIDS was

convened in Barbados. The Barbados Plan of Action (BPoA) effectively transcribed the principles of the

Rio Summit into a more relevant context for SIDS. The environmental issues of Caribbean SIDS ordered

from a regional perspective are illustrated in Figure 2 with the areas of major concern highlighted.

Figure 2 Regional Perspective of SIDS Priority Areas

Climate change poses both positive and negative impacts, which vary from one region to another. Table

1 shows some of the threats and benefits of climate change highlighting the issues of particular concern

to Caribbean SIDS like Trinidad and Tobago (Figure 3).


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Figure 3 Case Study Area: South-West Tobago in Focus

Table 1 Threats and Benefits of Climate Change

NEGATIVE IMPACTS (THREATS) POSITIVE IMPACTS (BENEFITS)

Sea level rise Opportunity for new technologies

Increase likelihood of flooding and/or drought Shifting climatic zones (some regions more

habitable)

Increased storm intensity and frequency; storm

surge

Greater access to resources in polar regions (oil,

gas, fish)

Increased forest fires Improved marine transportation

Reduced plant productivity in some regions Shifting tree line (production zone expands N & S

of Equator) and increased potential crop yield in

some regions


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NEGATIVE IMPACTS (THREATS) POSITIVE IMPACTS (BENEFITS)

Increased incidence of diseases

Change in precipitation quantities and

decreased water availability; salt water intrusion

of groundwater

Source: IPCC, 2001 (Adapted by author)

According to a 2004 United Nations Environment Program document, rising sea levels are already

contaminating underground freshwater supplies in several SIDS including those in the Caribbean Sea.

Effects of the expected sea-level rise include: inundated lowlands, damage to critical infrastructure

(physical, social and tourism such as sanitation, storm-water drainage and sewage disposal systems) and

a large, displaced coastal population.

Scientific studies report that a 1 degree Celsius rise in sea temperatures in tropical regions could result

in about a 33.3% increase in the number of storms. It is also believed that warmer ocean waters in turn

fuel stronger winds and observations of meteorological data for the past three decades support the

position of some experts who point to a direct correlation between increased hurricane intensity and

warmer sea temperatures. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment

Report (AR4) findings indicate that global sea surface temperatures had risen by 0.74 degrees centigrade

from 1906 to 2005, and predict a possible warming of between 1.8 and 4.0 degrees centigrade by 2100.

However, these figures cannot be directly applied to oceans for the following reasons:

1. Differences in sea depth;

2. The impact of ocean circulation;

3. The high specific heat capacity of large oceans;

4. The state of the El Nio system; and


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5. Changes in solar radiation.

Based on Trinidad and Tobagos green house gas emission and general climate models and projections

released by the IPCC it has been predicted that Trinidad and Tobago will experience a temperature rise

between 1.0 and 3.5 degrees centigrade, a sea level rise of 15 to 95 cm and a rainfall deficit of 15% by

2100. In South-West Tobago (Figure 4), such changes could translate into, inter alia: increased

incidences of flooding, disruption of road and air networks, damage to reefs and beaches and significant

property loss. Table 2 elaborates on the potential impacts of climate change in the area.

Figure 4 Location of Study Area within South-West Tobago


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Table 2 Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Resources of South-West Tobago

CHANGE FACTOR IMPACT

Sea level rise Extensive inundation of coastal areas and communities

Backing-up of rivers and impeded drainage

Saline intrusion of groundwater

Hurricanes Increased hurricane frequency and intensity will lead to more occurrences,

resulting in increased damage to housing, commercial buildings and

infrastructure due to wind damage and landslides

Increased likelihood of flooding

Loss of tourism infrastructure, such as jetties

Storm surge Damage/loss of property

Rainfall patterns Increased rainfall duration/intensity could result in greater incidence of

flooding

Temperature Increased surface air temperatures may increase the risk of random fires in

some places

Increased sea surface temperatures may result in coral bleaching and

mortality

Source: Lewsey et al, 2003 (Adapted by author)

The global response to climate change is centered on new innovations, public education and awareness,

development and enforcement of relevant regulations and an integrated approach to land use planning.

The most renowned example of such is the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement setting targets

for industrialized countries to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Regionally, a number of climate change initiatives and projects funded/implemented/supported by

international organizations were undertaken to promote the awareness of climate change impacts on

the regions SIDS and the mitigative and adaptive strategies and measures imperative for their survival

(Figure 5). Trinidad and Tobago participated in the:

Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change (CPACC) project and was one of three pilot

sites for the project Economic Valuation of Coastal and Marine Resources


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Adaptation to Climate Change in the Caribbean Project (ACCC) in which one of the outcomes

produced were statistically downscaled climate scenarios for development for Jamaica, Barbados and

Trinidad and Tobago.

Caribbean Planning for Adaptation toClimate Change (CPACC) 1997-2001

To build capacity in region for adaptation toclimate change and sea level rise

GEF/OAS/World Bank

Vulnerability assessments

Adaptation Planning

Capacity building4 regional projects, 5 pilot projects

Participated: ANU, BHM, BDS, BZE, DOM,

GND, GUY, JAM, SLU, SKN, SVG, T&T

Adaptation to Climate Change in theCaribbean (ACCC) 2001-2004

To sustain and supplement CPACC

World Bank/CIDA

9 components incl. public education &outreach, regional capacity building, riskmanagement approach, sectorialadaptation strategies

Mainstreaming Adaptation to ClimateChange (MACC) 2004-2007

To build on CPACCs achievements &integrate climate change & variability into

sectorial agendas

World Bank/GEF

Expansion of knowledge base

Integration of climate change impacts intoplanning and practice

Develop cross-sectorial strategies

Support dissemination and replication

Caribbean Community Climate

Change Centre 2005


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Figure 5 The Regional Response to Climate Change

On a national scale, Trinidad and Tobago has completed activities that demonstrate the governments

commitment to addressing impacts of climate change. A Cabinet-appointed Working Group was created

in 1990 to determine the implications of global warming, climate change and sea level rise. In

November 2001, Trinidad and Tobago submitted its Initial National Communication to the United

Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat. In an article dated March 18th

2008, the technical advisor to the Minister of Housing, Planning and the Environment, Odetta Alexander

affirmed Governments intention to tackle the continuing dangers caused by the emission of carbon

dioxide by employing a multi-pronged approach. The State has plans to explore alternate energy

sources as well as strengthen existing legislation as it acknowledges the need to reduce global

emissions. The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) will therefore be given greater legal license

under the Air Pollution Act to deal with carbon emissions. Unfortunately though, the Air Pollution Rules

already drafted by the EMA are yet to be passed by Parliament.

Despite the efforts and accomplishments noted previously, little else is being done nationally to mitigate

and adapt to climate change and its impacts. Locally, in Tobago, NGOs spearhead much of the action

(directly and indirectly) towards this end. The Buccoo Reef Trust (BRT) and Environment Tobago (ET)

engage in public education exercises, collaborate on projects with international organizations, and

facilitate scientific and technical research activities and studies. Although BRT focuses particularly on the

Buccoo Reef and its need for management and conservation, its main directive is to address the threats

facing Tobago's marine environment. Environment Tobago often features an environmental article in

Tobagos weekly newspaper where various environmental concerns of local relevance are addressed. ET

is also well-known on the island for its grassroots connections and approach to environmental issues.


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The National Environmental Management Agency (NEMA) Tobago recently implemented a

comprehensive early warning system within the South-West area to assist in disaster preparedness and

response efforts. Mr. Alex Browne, Public Relations and Training Officer for NEMA Tobago, indicated

despite that there is no comprehensive disaster management plan for the island, an area-wide plan for

South-West Tobago is in progress. To date, no risk or vulnerability assessments have been conducted

nor any hazard mapping done for the area. Mr. Browne emphasized NEMAs public education efforts but

admitted that climate change is not a prominent concern of communities in this area. Typically,

information on flooding, hurricanes and earthquakes is requested by the stakeholders as climate change

impacts are not regarded as immediately relevant. Attempts to raise the awareness and sensitivity to

this global issue are incorporated into NEMAs public outreach and education programs.


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BIODIVERSITY & LIVELIHOODS IN SOUTH-WEST TOBAGO: An Intricate Relationship

Climate change impacts invariably result in a loss of biodiversity. Biodiversity has both intrinsic and

anthropocentric (economic, aesthetic or recreational) values. The biodiversity of marine and coastal

environments of Caribbean SIDS is a vital resource for socio-economic development. They encompass

diverse ecosystems and habitats, which perform a number of functions and services (Figure 6). The

marine environment is also threatened by physical alterations of the coastal zone, including destruction

of habitats vital to maintaining ecosystem health (Plates 1 & 2).

Plate 1 Construction Works on Coast


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Plate 2 Residential Development on fringes of Coastal Wetland

Some Caribbean territories such as Jamaica and Saint Lucia have begun to develop national programs of

action to protect the marine environment from land-based activities. Coral reefs in particular are one of

the most important and extensive ecosystems in SIDS. When considered in conjunction with associated

mangrove, sea grass and beach systems, their importance cannot be overstated. Locally, tourism is

intricately dependent to the islands rich biodiversity. Data from the World Trade and Travel Council

revealed that in 2003 tourism and related activities were the major contributor to Tobagos economy3.

Wetland flora


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Figure 6 Wetland Services

Source: Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005 (Adapted by author)

Tobago typifies the Caribbean SIDS and the contradictory duality of the tourism sector that drives the

economy while deteriorating the natural resources it depends on. The most renowned ecosystems in

South-West Tobago make up the Buccoo Reef/Bon Accord Lagoon Complex. This marine complex has

been one of the nations major tourist attractions for over half a century. The Buccoo Reef is known

internationally for its beauty and the biological diversity of the species that dwell within its structures.

Coral reefs are highly sensitive ecosystems that develop only under specific conditions; even the

slightest disturbance in these conditions can have drastic repercussions. Since 1973, the Buccoo Reef

has been designated a Restricted Area. However, it was not until July 2005 that the Buccoo Reef/Bon

Accord Lagoon Complex was declared as a Ramsar site4 making it a wetland of international importance.

Within its five biological zones, the Buccoo Reef supports 70 species of fishes and 37 coral species. The

Lagoon, which consists primarily of red mangrove stands, provides habitat to aquatic animals such as

oysters, sponges and tunicates. The associated sea grass beds are a nursery for juveniles of commercially

Ecosystem

Services

Water supply

Food & Fibre

Climate regulation

Water purification

Flood regulation

Coastal protection

Recreational opportunities


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important marine species such as mollusks and fish. In addition, the reef and lagoon complex is a

feeding, and nesting ground for many land and sea birds including brown pelicans, terns and gulls.5

Since the 1930s local communities at Bon Accord and Buccoo have directly exploited the resources by

spear fishing, and diving for conchs, lobsters and sea eggs. By the early 1960s these activities were

superseded by tourism-related activities for example boat tours and curio items.6

Over the years the

Reef has suffered repeated damage from both natural and anthropogenic sources. The effects of abuse

and misuse of land in the coastal zone quickly reach these coastal ecosystems:

i. Improper use of agricultural pesticides and fertilizers overload the estuarine system with toxic

chemicals.

ii. Agricultural practices of clear felling and slash and burn increase siltation and reduce the ability

of mangroves to filter runoff as well as, dredging and coastal development activities for hotel

and marina construction and other economic development projects (Plates 3a, 3b, 4a, & 4b).

iii. Increasing densities of accommodations for hotels and higher concentrations of buildings

require comparable adjustment in wastewater runoff (drainage systems) and solid waste

management facilities. Improperly treated solid waste entering the sensitive marine ecosystems

has and continues to result in irreversible damage.


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Plates 3a & 3b Evidence of Human Abuse within Coastal Wetland

Plate 4a View of construction works taken from within mangrove

Plate 4b Floating Jetty erected at end of boardwalk built through mangrove stand


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By far, the persistent malpractices by locals and tourists alike cause the most sustained impacts to

the reef system:

i. Glass-bottomed boat tour-operators drop anchor directly on the reef flat damaging coral,

despite the anchoring buoys placed by the Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries.

ii. Oil and waste from vessels have been dumped into the water and there have been incidents

of wreckage and vessels running aground on the reef.

iii. Tourists are still guilty of reef-walking and souvenir hunting although discouraged by tour

operators and local officials.

iv. Local fishermen and divers ignore legislation prohibiting the practices of fishing and hunting

within the demarcated limits of the Buccoo Reef.

The South-West coast is inundated with several beaches, which are popular sites for bathing, snorkeling,

parasailing, jet skiing and scuba diving activities (Figure 7). As such there is a concentration of tourism

service providers located within the area.


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Figure 7 Aerial Depicting Competing Activities within Study Area

There have been a number of international multilateral agreements aimed at better addressing the

entwined issues linking development and the environment to which Trinidad and Tobago is a signatory

(Table 3).

Key

Fishing

Swimming/Bathing

Yachting, Pleasure Boats

Wind Surfing, Jet skiing


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TABLE 3 International Agreements Relevant to Development of South-West Tobago

(green biodiversity; pink sustainable development; blue climate change)

Treaty/Convention & Date

opened for signingNotable Highlights

Number of

Parties1

Date Signed

by T&T

Date

Ratified by

T&T

Convention on Wetlands

(Ramsar Convention)

Feb 02, 1971

Established in Ramsar, Iran

Came into force 21.12.75

Dealt with conservation and wise use

of all wetlands

Only global intergovernmental

convention addressing interactions

between water and ecosystems

3 pillars:

1. Wise use of wetlands2. Special attention to internationally

important wetlands

3. International co-operation

146 (2005) N/A 21.04.93

International Convention for

the Prevention of Pollution

From Ships (MARPOL 73/78)

Feb 17, 1973

One of the most important

international marine environmental

conventions

Designed to minimize pollution of the

seas

136

(2005)

N/A N/A

United Nations Conference on

Human Settlements (Habitat

I)

1976

Held in Vancouver, Canada

International conference held on

urbanization

Addressed problems related to urban

areas

Led to establishment of UN Centre

for Human Settlements (1978) and

adoption of Global Strategy forShelter to the year 2000

N/A N/A N/A

United Nations Convention on

the Law of the Sea

(UNCLOS)

Dec 10, 1982

Defines the rights and responsibilities

of nations in their use of the world's

oceans, establishing guidelines for

businesses, the environment, and the

management of marine natural

resources

Replaced four treaties from initial

meeting in Geneva

155 N/A N/A

Montreal Protocol on

Substances that Deplete the

Ozone Layer (Montreal

Protocol)

Sep 16, 1987

Designed to protect the ozone layer

by phasing out the production

halogenated hydrocarbons (HCFCs,

CFCs)

Four Amendments to the Protocol

the London Amendment (1990), the

Copenhagen Amendment (1992), the

Montreal Amendment (1997) and the

Beijing Amendment (1999).

191

(2007)

186

179

159

135

N/A 28.08.892

10.06.99

10.06.99

10.06.99

29.10.03


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Number of

Parties1

Date Signed

by T&T

Date

Ratified by

T&T

Basel Convention on the

Control of Transboundary

Movements of HazardousWastes and their Disposal

(Basel Convention)

Mar 22, 1989

Designed to reduce the movements of

hazardous waste between nations, and

specifically to prevent transfer ofhazardous waste from developed to

less developed countries

Also to assist LDCs in

environmentally sound management

of wastes

170 N/A N/A


Environment and

Development

(UNCED; Rio Conference;

Earth Summit)

Jun 3 -14, 1992

Held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Highest profile international

environmental conference ever

Discussed issues of development and

the environment

Evolution of Agenda 21 as the central

agreement and guiding document to

tackle the worlds ecological and

economic problems

Spawned additional documents: Rio

Declaration on Environment and

Development (Earth Charter), the

Convention on Biodiversity, Forest

Principles, and the Framework

Convention on Climate Change

Led to creation of Commission for

Sustainable Development by UN

General Assembly

172(?) N/A N/A

Convention on Biodiversity

(Biodiversity Convention)

Jun 5, 1992

Produced at Earth Summit

Key document regarding sustainabledevelopment

3 main goals:

1. conservation of biodiversity2. sustainable use of its components3. fair and equitable sharing of

benefits arising from genetic

resources

Includes Cartagena Protocol on Bio-

safety

190

143

11.06.92

N/A

01.08.96

05.10.003

United Nations Framework

Convention on Climate

Change (UNFCCC)

May 9, 1992

Produced at Earth Summit

Aimed at reducing emissions of

greenhouse gases in order to combat

global warmingPrincipal update is the Kyoto Protocol

with objective of reducing

greenhouse gases

Opened for signature on 11 December

1997

Entered into force on 16 February

2005

192

175

(2007)

11.06.92

07.01.99

24.06.94

28.01.99


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Number of

Parties1

Date Signed

by T&T

Date

Ratified by

T&T

United Nations International

Conference on Population and

Development

(ICPD; Cairo Conference)

1994

Held in Cairo, Egypt

First UN population conference

document to officially recognize theinterrelationship among population,

environmental protection, and

development, in contrast to the

previously narrow focus on

demographics

N/A N/A N/A

Global Conference on the

Sustainable Development of

Small Island Developing

States (SIDS)

April 1994

Held in Barbados

First global conference on sustainable

development and the implementation

of Agenda 21

SIDS Program of Action (SIDS POA)

developed as a key global strategy

geared towards the implementation of

Agenda 21

51(?) N/A N/A


Human Settlements (Habitat

II)

Jun 3 -14, 1996

Held in Istanbul, Turkey

International conference held on

urbanization

Large major UN conference of the

1990s

Notable for inviting the participation

of representatives of local

governments and grassroots

organizations

Led to adoption of Habitat Agenda

2 global themes addressed:

1. adequate shelter for all

2. sustainable cities

N/A N/A N/A

World Summit on Sustainable

Development (WSSD)

Aug 2002

Held in Johannesburg

Specific concerns and issues relating

to SIDS continued to occupy a

prominent place in the global agenda

on sustainable development

N/A N/A N/A

Mauritius International

Meeting (SIDS + 10)

Jan 1014, 2005

As a follow up to WSSD, the UN

General Assembly adopted

Resolution A/57/262 which called for

a full and comprehensive review of

the implementation of the SIDS POA

It provided an opportunity for

Caribbean SIDS to analyze their

experiences in the implementation ofthe BPOA and other international

sustainable development agreements.

It facilitated the identification of new

priority issues and individual and

collective actions to deal with them

N/A N/A N/A

1In some instances, not all parties are signatories. N/A Not Available

2Ascended

3Ascended to 11.09.03


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LAND USE PLANNING: The Implications for Sustainable Development

The apparent dichotomy between development and the environment is in actuality a symbiotic

relationship that must be allowed to regain its equilibrium. On the one hand, environmental issues have

a direct impact on development and on the other; efficient economic growth (development) can foster

better environmental management practices. In theory this appears to be quite attainable but in

practice the over-riding influences of capital gain and political power often exacerbate the already

wanting situation. To fully examine this complex issue, an understanding of the institutional

environment, as regards planning, in Tobago is imperative. Special circumstances prevail and influence

the decisions that may or may not determine actions that are taken in respect to planning and

development on the island.

Within the national physical planning context, Tobago is identified in the National Physical Development

Plan (NPDP)7

as one of ten planning regions in country. Two sectors targeted to play important roles in

national economic strategy of diversification are agriculture and tourism. Tobagos agricultural sector is

to be revitalized concurrently with the continued aggressive promotion and marketing of Tobago as a

premier international tourist destination.

Tobago has three levels of development influences:

1. National level: Tobago is included in Governments national policies and strategies

(Tobago is marketed by TIDCO for tourism).

2. Regional level: Concerns of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) including community

development, agriculture, physical resource planning, social and economic

development.


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3.Investment decisions made at both public and private level vary markedly from sector

to sector.

The legislative context presents certain challenges with the overlapping framework created by the Town

and Country Planning Act and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Act. Although the THA Act makes

provision for the Assembly to make decisions on the use of land in Tobago, the Town and Country

Planning Division (T&CPD) retains power to act on the behalf of the Minister who has the final say with

regard to all applications for land development. In theory then, there is devolution of power to the THA

but in reality development applications and projects for Tobago are decided and finalized in Trinidad.

To date, there are no statutory physical development plans for Tobago. However, in 1991 a draft Tobago

Regional Physical Development Plan was prepared to detail the spatial development strategy of the

National Plan at the regional level. This plan designated the South-West for significant expansion of

agriculture and fishing, resort development and housing, [as well as] provision [for] industrial

expansion8. Since the 1990s, there has been much evidence of capital investment in resort, housing and

more recently industrial development projects. However similar inputs into the primary sectors are yet

to materialize.

The level and intensity of built development in South-West Tobago exacerbates planning related issues

thereby intensifying the apparent dichotomy between tourism and natural resources management. The

South-West of Tobago because of its rich and diverse natural resources and its gentler, more

accommodating topography lends itself to the thrust of built development which has occurred in the

recent past (Figure 8). However, the fragile surrounding and nearby coastal resources are left


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Figure 8 Elevations within Study Area

vulnerable to the direct and indirect impacts from the increasing tourism traffic and erratic pattern of

built environment.

The underpinning principle of physical planning - to ensure public health and safety is grossly

compromised by the rapid rate of urbanization typical in Caribbean SIDS. The critical and most

immediate problems facing developing cities are the health impacts of urban pollution.9

It is the limited

land resource of Caribbean islands and the fragility of their natural resource base that augments the

problems associated with rapid urbanization and result in deterioration of the environment. Often, as is

the case in South-West Tobago, the urban nodes experience rapid demographic growth which outpaces

the capacity of supporting physical, social and environmental infrastructure and the capital investment

to ensure currency of those systems. The result is de-capitalized urbanization.10

,11


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Easily posing the greatest concern in South-West Tobago, waste management is not limited to disposing

of litter and presents special difficulties. Sewage and the growing percentage of hazardous and toxic

wastes also form part of the problem. The quality of solid wastes has changed over the last two decades

from the dense organic wastes associated with agriculture to less biodegradable wastes produced by

industry. It is obvious that this issue is a compounded one with different types of wastes each requiring

special handling and disposal treatment. Although South-West Tobago is partially serviced by a central

sewerage system, this and other types of rudimentary systems are often plagued by malfunction and

disrepair. As such, risk of polluting ground water supply and surface water courses is heightened

eventually presenting threats to public health and other resources.


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Conclusion:TOWARDS VISION 2020: MITIGATION & ADAPTATION

In the past, built development has resulted in problems of improper disposal of untreated sewage as

happened when sewage plants at Milford Court, Bon Accord and Coral Gardens, Buccoo malfunctioned.

Hoteliers have also been guilty of inadequate waste treatment facilities which led to pollution of nearby

bays and the cutting or clearing of mangroves for development often resulting in increased amounts of

freshwater entering the marine environment.

Today, the thrust is towards sustainable tourism12

practices. The international competition within the

industry is driven by greening standards such as Green Globe and Blue Flag. Within the region, many

territories such as Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Barbados are leading the achievements in this arena. In South-

West Tobago, it appears that the States emphasis is on developing mass tourism even though the area

seems better suited to tourism of an eco-tourism or heritage type.

The State (THA and Central Government) is determined to continue and encourage the popular thrust of

resort tourism supported by a fragile and already damaged natural resources base. Little concern for the

carrying capacity and threshold levels of these natural resources is displayed by the State and related

agencies. Efforts to establish a Buccoo Reef Management System continue to be retarded despite the

long-operating Management Committee. Sporadic species inventories and status reports conducted

and issued by the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) and other independent bodies are used merely as

reference materials with little implementation of suggested management approaches.

Meanwhile other stakeholders like the tour operators, dive shops and related activities, yacht industry,

traditional users, and most importantly the fishers (both game and commercial) continue their daily use

of the natural resources outside a legal framework for management of the Buccoo Reef/Bon Accord

Lagoon Complex. Thereare at least eleven relevant pieces of legislation governing use and conservation


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of the area, including the Environmental Management Act of 1995 and the National Parks and Wildlife

Bills of 1997, however, limited resources (particularly human), lack of inter-agency co-operation, and

absence of one explicit governing legislation for management of the marine park facilitate the continued

unsustainable use and degradation of these natural resources.

Land is one of the most critical resources in any country. The management of land is an important

requirement for sustainable development. Many of the issues that affect land development and

management impact on economic, financial and environmental sustainability at the national and

community levels. The growth of population and of the economy in recent decades has meant that the

natural environment is coming under increasing pressure from human activities. The impact of these

activities is accelerating, and their deleterious effects are to be found from forest ridge to coral reef.

Although Tobagos land resources hold more potential to contribute to economic growth and

development than currently expressed, resource-user conflicts and inadequate practices result in poor

use of the land. Despite the efforts of the various agencies and government ministries, more needs to be

done.

The causes of environmental degradation are as many and varied as its manifestations. There are many

determinants of the countries environmental status13

, but population factors and inadequate property

rights, combined with lack of enforcement of existing regulations, are the main causes of environmental

degradation in the Caribbean.

Tobago is no different. Its natural environment is also characterized by the fragility and small size of

ecosystems, and by the high level of inter-connectivity among these ecosystems and their natural

functions. This means that activities occurring in one area can have negative environmental impacts on

surrounding ecosystems. This is particularly true for environmental changes occurring in upper

watershed areas, which can impact negatively on all ecosystems in the lower watershed and coastal


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zones. At the same time, political and administrative factors increase Tobagos susceptibility to risks

associated with the impacts of natural disasters.

It is clear that vulnerability to climate change impacts raises serious concerns within South-West

Tobago. These impacts present various stakeholders, public and private, with an opportunity to develop

and implement a comprehensive, sustainable approach to the stewardship of precious resources.

References

1Global Environment Facility GEF and Small Island Developing States, (Washington D.C. 2005)

2Cox, J. and Embree, C. Sustainable Development in the Caribbean, (1990).

346 percent went towards the islands Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 51 percent towards employment.

4The Ramsar Convention also known as the Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides

the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands

and their resources. It was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975, and it is theonly global environmental treaty that deals with a particular ecosystem.5Caribbean Conservation Association. Management of the Buccoo Reef/Bon Accord Lagoon ComplexTrinidad

and Tobago. (1994).6

Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Report.7

The NPDP became statutory in 1984 to guide national development through to 2000.8

GoTT/OAS. Planning for Sustainable Development: South-West Tobago Development Strategy. (1996).9These impacts constitute the brown agenda and include inadequate water, sanitation, drainage, and solid waste

services, poor urban and industrial waste management, and air pollution.10

This is a phenomenon of urban form where antiquated infrastructural systems are overburdened by exponential

population increase thus ultimately having short- and long-term negative impacts on natural resources.11

Mycoo, M. An Overview of Caribbean urbanisation (1997).12

Sustainable Tourism is a positive approach intended to reduce the tensions and friction created by the complex

interactions between the tourism industry, visitors, the environment and the host communities. It is an approach

that involves working for the long-term viability and quality of both natural and human resources. It is not anti-

growth but it acknowledges that there are limits to growth.13Population growth and density, urban population growth, per capita income, inequitable income and land

distribution, number of unemployed, land use practices and tenure systems, demand for housing, especially by

squatters, sectorial output growth, price-tax-subsidy and natural resource managementpolicies, governments'

regulatory, legislative and enforcement capacity, degree of environmental consciousness, and other.

Biodiversity, Climate Change and Planning Implications for South West Tobago

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