Help save the Caroni Swamp

Friday, February 26th 2010

I am a regular visitor to the Caroni Swamp so the information I am about to give is based on my observation, spanning a period of 12 years. The Forestry Division’s wildlife section is responsible for the protection of the Scarlet Ibis, the prohibited area and the entire mangrove and wetland areas-approximately 5,611 hectares.

I can recall these areas being well protected, with daily patrols seven days a week; this system started in 1999. During this time, there was an increase in the Scarlet Ibis population and those who broke the law were prosecuted.

It has been almost two years since all this has changed for the worst, resulting in a breakdown in law and order in the Caroni Swamp, with poachers hunting the Scarlet Ibis, crab catchers, oyster vendors and fishermen entering the prohibited areas illegally. This means destruction to the flora and fauna.

The Caroni Swamp has been studied by many researchers and the conclusion is the need for the area to be protected, being recognised by The Ramsar Convention as a wetland of great importance.

So my call is for the Forestry Department to get their act together. The manpower is available while all that is needed is a boat and engine. Even getting a permit to legally pass through the swamp has become impossible, I have problems myself to meet the Game Wardens to get a permit; this can lead to citizens breaking the law.

I am appealing to the relevant authorities to do the simple thing and resume the patrols and the issuing of permits so that the swamp can be properly managed and the flora and fauna can once again flourish to its natural glory.

Chazart Fyzool

via e-mail

Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_opinion?id=161600701