Rotary Wildlifers sets up Trinidad and Tobago chapter

The Rotary Fellowship of Wildlifers for Conservation (RFWCTT) has set up a Trinidad and Tobago chapter in partnership with the Faculty of Food and Agriculture at The University of the West Indies (UWI).

The launch took place at the faculty, St Augustine campus, and marked the beginning of projects aimed at safeguarding wildlife and preserving the sanctity of the neotropical region, a media release said.

The TT chapter said it is aiming to build a lasting legacy of stewardship, contributing to a more sustainable and harmonious future.

Prof Mark Wuddivira, dean of the faculty expressed the UWI's commitment to exploring collaborations with the Rotary when he addressed the launch. He emphasised the historical significance of both organisations, with over a century of history, now joining hands with the Rotary Fellowship of Wildlifers for Conservation to create a convergence of shared values and vision, the release said.

Wuddivira highlighted the need to expand conservation efforts to encompass both native and non-native species for the sustainable preservation of TT’s natural heritage.

Sanjay Krishna of India, global chair of the Rotary Fellowship of Wildlifers for Conservation, delivered his remarks virtually while Maria Mohammed-Maharaj, president of the local chapter, spoke about the mission of the fellowship.

She highlighted that Rotary Fellowships, distinct from Rotary Clubs, are international groups open to any individual who shares a common passion.

The local chapter is the first to be formed external to the global chapter based in India. The board and members comprise both Rotarians and non-Rotarians with diverse backgrounds, united by their passion for wildlife conservation.

As part of its activities the fellowship plans to assist with the educational component to the ongoing Garden with Wings – Pollinator Project, spearheaded by Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain and Friends of the Botanic Gardens TT;

● Create a primary/secondary school agriculture education project with pilot

project at the University School in partnership with the Early Act Club of the

school and the Rotary Club of St Augustine;

● Organise a transformative neo-tropical/wildlife tour and expedition

across TT, Guyana, Suriname, and potentially Brazil;

● To collaborate with the university field station on a neotropical animal project, involving research, study, and conservation efforts.

The board of directors of the RFWCTT:

Maria Mohammed-Maharaj – president, and past president of the

Rotary Club of St Augustine;

Professor Emeritus Gary Wayne Garcia –secretary, livestock

professor at The UWI;

Veronica De Souza-Phillip – executive member, past president of

the Rotary Club of Port of Spain West;

Ricardo Hospedales – executive member, agriculture education

specialist;

Tanya Western – executive member, president of the Rotary Club

of Central Port of Spain.

More info

visit https://www.rotaryfellowshipforwildlife.org/ or

https://www.rotarydistrict7030.org/sitepage/district-7030-fellowships/rfwc---tt.