"Written for students at sixth form and undergraduate levels, and for 'the interested adult reader who might want to get a general feel for the subject', this is a systematic introduction to the rich diversity of Trinidad and Tobago's natural history, illustrated with maps and the author's own field photography. To manage a country's natural heritage effectively, the author argues, its organisms and ecosystems must be understood. Chronicling its degradation is not enough."--Publisher's description.
Conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of genetic resources have been priority issues for a number of countries and international organisations over the past decade. We have begun to realise that the rapid rate of development at all costs has generated forces that are threatening to destroy the very substratum of life on Earth.Biological diversity is the building block of the myriad life forms on our planet and our defence against global climate changes. Wider acceptance of this truth has given an impetus to the need for further work at political and scientific levels. However, little information is available on how to study, use and conserve our biological and genetic resources.The Commonwealth Science Council's programme on biological diversity and genetic resources attempts to redress this imbalance. Launched in 1986, this programme recognises that good policies for conservation of our genetic resources require not only public investment by a systematic approach for institutionalising the key process of such conservation. The programme supports the development of appropriate courses, documents and training materials for capacity building at the local level.This book discusses the programme and aims to contribute significantly towards establishing relevant mechanisms and developing practical action plans for conserving and sustainably using our rapidly vanishing biological diversity.
Photography is the emphasis of Edison Boodoosingh's book, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO – A Caribbean Expression of Colourful Diversity. The photographer seeks to give a probing pictorial perspective into the natural, social, economical and cultural character of this fascinating Caribbean nation of some 1.3 million people. The book is organised into seven sections: People & Culture, Architecture & Monuments, National Festivals, Eco-systems & Natural Wonders, Commerce & Industry, Sights & Scenes and The Faces of the Races. Whilst the vast array of wonderful photographs is the chief protagonist in the narrative of this book, there is a complementing balance of a well written series of insightful and informative supplemental articles and captions which give a qualified literary dimension. This pictorial reportage gives a 'through-the-lens' view of the modern face of the culture of Trinidad and Tobago. It is a perspective that captures facets of daily life which are based on a remarkable mixture of historical and social elements. These components are principally derived from a rich vein of such sub-cultures including the aboriginal Amerindians, Western Europeans, West Africans, East Indians, Chinese, Middle Easterners and sundry extra regional influences. This unique blend of cultural ingredients is a result of the great demographic redistribution and population infusion of the region which began during the nation's formative years in the modern era, roughly between the 16th and the 19th centuries. Geographically and ecologically, from the seaside, the country plains and into the lush hillside regions, the photographer snaps a broad and enthralling range of the nation's natural habitat. This kaleidoscope of scenic features make up a series of quite varied and expansive biological systems and physical landscapes which form the rich environmental complex of Trinidad and Tobago. The stunning photography across the pages of this volume gives a compelling and discerning visual commentary of this unique Caribbean nation. The wide assortment of images highlights the distinctly intricate cultural network of people and places, along with, characters and customs, mingling in the colourful social ambience of their local habitat. The surrounding backdrop is adorned with elaborate facades of tropical flora and fauna. It is altogether, a beautiful presentation of Trinidad and Tobago.
This accessible and timely book provides a comprehensive overview of how to measure biodiversity. The book highlights new developments, including innovative approaches to measuring taxonomic distinctness and estimating species richness, and evaluates these alongside traditional methods such as species abundance distributions, and diversity and evenness statistics. Helps the reader quantify and interpret patterns of ecological diversity, focusing on the measurement and estimation of species richness and abundance. Explores the concept of ecological diversity, bringing new perspectives to a field beset by contradictory views and advice. Discussion spans issues such as the meaning of community in the context of ecological diversity, scales of diversity and distribution of diversity among taxa Highlights advances in measurement paying particular attention to new techniques such as species richness estimation, application of measures of diversity to conservation and environmental management and addressing sampling issues Includes worked examples of key methods in helping people to understand the techniques and use available computer packages more effectively
Trinidad and Tobago ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity on August 1, 1996. and in accordance with Article 6 engaged in a national project for the conservation and sustainable use of the country's biodiversity resources. This document, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for Trinidad and Tobago represents the culmination of the first phase of planning, and resulted from a year long project characterized by workshops, consultations, public meetings and sensitization sessions for selected groups.
At the meeting of the International Tropical Timber Organization held in Bali in 1990, ITTO adopted the target of ensuring that all tropical timber marketed internationally should, by the year 2000, come from forests that are managed sustainably. This study is an attempt to determine whether the member countries of the ITTO have a legal and administrative basis for managing their production forests in ways which will allow these forests to contribute to biological diversity conservation. It also attempts to assess the extent to which such management is already applied on the ground through member country studies. A set of guidelines on ways in which management of production forests could be improved is included.
"Bats of Trinidad and Tobago by Geoffrey A Gomes and Fiona A Reid, serves as a comprehensive natural history and field guide to all bat species recorded in Trinidad and Tobago. It includes an introduction to bat biology, i.e. bat physiology and ecological habitats, species distribution, population status, dietary ecology, species reproduction biology, and echolocation behaviour where known. Insight into Amerindian bat mythologies, local folklore as it relates to bats, and the exuberance of the Carnival Bat are also explored. The ways in which Trinidadian bats are helping to advance knowledge in the biomedical fields of cardiology, neurology, and human female reproductive issues are revealed. The secret primordial relationships that exist between trees and bats are brought to light, including all indigenous, exotic and naturalised tree species known to benefit from seed-dispersal or pollination services provided by bats in the forests of Trinidad and Tobago. Practical guidance is provided on the humane eviction and exclusion of bats from dwellings and public buildings. Bats of Trinidad and Tobago is a wide-ranging, lavishly illustrated publication with full colour photos and art throughout"--Publisher's description.
This report sets the economic and business case for urgent and ambitious action on biodiversity. It presents a preliminary assessment of current biodiversity-related finance flows, and discusses the key data and indicator gaps that need to be addressed to underpin effective monitoring of both the pressures on biodiversity and the actions (i.e. responses) being implemented. The report concludes with ten priority areas where G7 and other countries can prioritise their efforts.
