[UPDATED] Tobago acquires UNESCO Man on the Biosphere status

North East Tobago has been awarded the prestigious UNESCO Man and the Biosphere designation. The area is now the largest UNESCO-branded site in the English-speaking Caribbean, spanning 15 communities from Belle Garden in the east towards Moriah in the northern part of the island.

North East Tobago has been awarded the prestigious UNESCO Man and the Biosphere designation. The area is now the largest UNESCO-branded site in the English-speaking Caribbean, spanning 15 communities from Belle Garden in the east towards Moriah in the northern part of the island.

The announcement was made at Wednesday morning’s 32nd sitting of the Man and the Biosphere international co-ordinating committee.

According to UNESCO, “The Man and the Biosphere programme is an intergovernmental scientific programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments.”

A delighted Secretary of Environment Kwesi Des Vignes said, “This is yet another milestone for Tobago and the nation on a whole…TT is a small nation with a fierce spirit. North-East Tobago has always been the pearl of our paradise. It is therefore no surprise that the area is worthy enough to attract the attention of the world.

"This award presents immense opportunities for business, culture and the arts and education, but more importantly, it will allow us to benefit from approaches that can better conserve and sustain the environment and experiences we gain from interacting with it.”

Des Vignes said the award would help leverage Tobago as a marquee site.

“The award could not come at a better time for Trinidad and Tobago…As the world grapples with covid19, this designation has placed us in an advantageous position as it relates to branding of our destination and attracting financial and technical support from the international community. We, in Tobago in particular, are excited and proud of this accomplishment and the many gains that will follow.”

Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis expressed delight with the designation and said it augurs well for the future.

"Despite the challenges that presently confront us, Tobago is still a paradise in bloom; a paradise that is beyond ordinary, destined to become more beautiful, more resilient and more prosperous," Dennis said.

He said the THA is committed to the sustainable development of Tobago and describe the designation as "a proud moment for this island and the entire country."

He said Tobago can now compare favourably with other Man and the Biosphere designations.

"It is is in the company of the likes of Mount Olympus in Greece and Baa Atoll of the Maldives. We may be small in size but we can truly accomplish great things."

He said the island was perfectly positioned to capitalise post-covid19.

"Our tourism industry will return stronger when this pandemic abates. Get ready for this island that actualises its potential; an island that is primed and ready to make its mark; a Tobago that understands its limitless value and asserts itself with a confidence that cannot be easily shaken."

The programme will cover blue and green economic activities including but not limited to tourism, fisheries, agriculture, cultural heritage activities, research and education. In the coming month, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) will begin the process of formulation a management plan for the UNESCO site that will consider further meaningful engagement of communities and stakeholders.

In a release issued on Friday, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) extended its "heartiest congratulations" to the people of Tobago, civil society organisations and the THA on receiving the award.

In describing the designation as a positive achievement for the island, the authority noted a memorandum of understanding (MOU) established between the EMA and the THA and signed in 2019. The agreement is meant to strengthen collaboration between the two bodies on environmental activities in Tobago and improving capacity.

The EMA added that it had discussed the protocol for processing certificates of environmental clearance (CECs), possible collaborations on environmental campaigns and expansion of protected areas in Tobago at quarterly meetings with the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment (DIQE).

"The EMA maintains its commitment to ongoing collaboration with the THA and civil society organisations in Tobago on sustainable development."

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

North East Tobago has been awarded the prestigious UNESCO Man and the Biosphere designation. The area is now the largest UNESCO-branded site in the English-speaking Caribbean, spanning 15 communities from Belle Garden in the east towards Moriah in the northern part of the island.

The announcement was made at Wednesday morning’s 32nd sitting of the Man and the Biosphere international co-ordinating committee.

According to UNESCO, “The Man and the Biosphere programme is an intergovernmental scientific programmes that aims to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments.”

A delighted Secretary of Environment Kwesi Des Vignes said, “This is yet another milestone for Tobago and the nation on a whole…TT is a small nation with a fierce spirit. North-East Tobago has always been the pearl of our paradise. It is therefore no surprise that the area is worthy enough to attract the attention of the world.

"This award presents immense opportunities for business, culture and the arts and education, but more importantly, it will allow us to benefit from approaches that can better conserve and sustain the environment and experiences we gain from interacting with it.”

Des Vignes said the awrad will help leverage Tobago as a marquee site.

“The award could not come at a better time for Trinidad and Tobago…As the world grapples with covid19, this designation has placed us in an advantageous position as it relates to branding of our destination and attracting financial and technical support from the international community. We, in Tobago in particular, are excited and proud of this accomplishment and the many gains that will follow.”

The programme will cover blue and green economic activities including but not limited to tourism, fisheries, agriculture, cultural heritage activities, research and education. In the coming month, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) will begin the process of formulation a management plan for the UNESCO site that will consider further meaningful engagement of communities and stakeholders.

The announcement was made at Wednesday morning’s 32nd sitting of the Man and the Biosphere international co-ordinating committee.

According to UNESCO, “The Man and the Biosphere programme is an intergovernmental scientific programmes that aims to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments.”

A delighted Secretary of Environment Kwesi Des Vignes said, “This is yet another milestone for Tobago and the nation on a whole…TT is a small nation with a fierce spirit. North-East Tobago has always been the pearl of our paradise. It is therefore no surprise that the area is worthy enough to attract the attention of the world.

"This award presents immense opportunities for business, culture and the arts and education, but more importantly, it will allow us to benefit from approaches that can better conserve and sustain the environment and experiences we gain from interacting with it.”

Des Vignes said the awrad will help leverage Tobago as a marquee site.

“The award could not come at a better time for Trinidad and Tobago…As the world grapples with covid19, this designation has placed us in an advantageous position as it relates to branding of our destination and attracting financial and technical support from the international community. We, in Tobago in particular, are excited and proud of this accomplishment and the many gains that will follow.”

The programme will cover blue and green economic activities including but not limited to tourism, fisheries, agriculture, cultural heritage activities, research and education. In the coming month, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) will begin the process of formulation a management plan for the UNESCO site that will consider further meaningful engagement of communities and stakeholders.