Robinson-Regis advocates greener, energy efficient lifestyle

Robinson-Regis made the remarks in a statement to the media issued yesterday as part of the Ministry’s mandate to implement more effective managemental policies on resources. This mandate includes the revising of the National Environmental Policy (NEP) and the National Action Programme (NAP) in which the state of natural systems such as terrestrial forests, mangroves and waterways will be more routinely assessed better protected in keeping with international guidelines and standards.

“As minister with responsibility for the environment, I am particularly committed to the preservation of our environment. As part of the Government’s mandate, we recognise that the environment, in all its dimensions is an issue that encompasses all strata of society.

“The Government is also currently in the process of revising the National Environmental Policy which is the ‘blue print’ to guide actions to be undertaken to manage the country’s natural resources. The National Action Programme to address land degradation is also being revised to incorporate voluntary targets to meet overarching sustainable land management goals which support the protection, restoration and promotion of the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems” Robinson-Regis said while much more work needs to be done with respect to educating people on the issues of littering, bush fires and waste management, the ministry has made significant progress in introducing effective environmental management policies, which has gone on to yield long-term results for food security and tourism.

“Some critical strides have been undertaken at the national level to strengthen the protection of the natural environment. One such activity is the development of systems to modernise the way we manage protected areas. To this end, efforts have been initiated in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation to develop model protected areas at Matura Forests, Caroni Swamp, Nariva Swamp, Trinity Hills in Trinidad and Main Ridge and North East Marine Area in Tobago.

This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the private sector, civil society and government ministries and agencies.” Robinson-Regis further stressed that even in the face of national policy-making and strategies, each citizen has a responsibility to maintain and take responsibility for their environment within their communities adding that citizen willingness and participation underpins all national efforts.