Rambharat: Ours to preserve

“It is ours to preserve,” he said, as he delivered the feature address at a ceremony in celebration of World Wetlands Day 2017, under the theme ‘Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction.’ It was held last Friday at the Nariva Swamp.

The event was hosted in collaboration with the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and the Green Fund. In his address, in which he stressed action and impact, the minister called on officers to “do what you have to in support of the farmer, fisherfolk and hunters.” “There has been a lot of talk about the environment, sustainability and protected areas; and these protected areas are critical to this country. What we need is to put an end to the talk, what we need now is convergence. Some of this can be achieved through the newly established Protected Areas Working Group meant to sift through legislation, draft legislation...

all that has been discussed regarding policy change and provide for the Government, a clear path ahead in terms of what we need to do.

“They need to look at what is the form of legislation so we can manage our protected areas,” he said.

The minister stressed there must be a framework which secures the country’s assets — both environmentally and economically — while including community engagement and involvement.

Member of Parliament for Cumuto/ Manzanilla Christine Newallo-Hosein urged citizens to become the eyes and ears to protect TT’s wetlands since it sustains lives. She noted that, “we won’t have a future if we do not have the environment.” Dr Stephen Ramroop, chief executive officer of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) reminded that risk is proportional to exposure.

Teachers and children from various schools including Mayaro Government Primary, Mayaro Secondary, Ortoire RC, St Thomas RC, Mafeking Early Childhood Centre, Biche Presbyterian Primary, Biche RC Primary, Plum Road Presbyterian Primary, Plum Mitan Presbyterian Primary and Biche High School, were all present at the event.

Fun activities for the students included a mobile zoo, access to the Forestry Bus and an interactive tour of the Nariva Swamp in the conference room of the Field Station.

World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on February 2.