The planet consists of a vast range of ecosystems; each piece fitting together to create one enormous puzzle. The air we breathe is linked to the water we drink which is connected to the food we eat. The environment sustains life filled with forests, oceans, people and so much more. Each connection goes hand in hand.
Tobago is one of the most biodiverse islands….a naturalist paradise! It is a habitat to many species inclusive of an array of endemic species of plants and animals. Tobago has been declared a Man and the Biosphere site (Northeast Tobago), a Ramsar site (Buccoo Reef) and consists of Marine Protected Areas.
Tobago has layers, each with its own unique populations and characteristics. The outer layer is the coral reefs surrounding Tobago. It is home to populations of coral, fish, mammals and sea turtles to name a few. Tobago is known for its high volume of sea turtle nesting. After this layer are the seagrass beds, estuaries and wetlands. The mangroves’ tangled prop and drop roots provide protection for the coastlines as well as important nurseries for fish and animal species.
Continuing inwards are the forests such as the Main Ridge Forest whose canopy hovers over, adding another layer of protection. While going through the Main Ridge Forest, the drop in temperature can distinctly be felt and the forest has a mystical peaceful ‘vibe’ to it. Waterfalls and rivers can be spotted throughout Tobago, most undisturbed. All of these areas are ideal bird watching hotspots, scuba diving attractions and general tourist attractions. The communities in and around Tobago have also created livelihoods based on these ecosystems, especially in the fields of fishing and agriculture. The environment is crucial to their survival.
With such breathtaking beauty and unique landscapes, it is easy to understand the need for conservation in Tobago. TobagoARC is committed to finding the balance between building community and promoting conservation which in turn protects the planet. However, the gloom of climate change looms heavily over and provides quite a challenge to do so. TobagoARC believes that with the support of the community combined with the efforts of neighbouring NGO’s and CSO’s, we can indeed create resilience against climate change and promote the building of livelihoods.
