Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve - Environmental Management ...

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY 

Administrative Record 

for the 

ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREA: 

ARIPO SAVANNAS 

STRICT NATURE RESERVE 

Monday March 21 2005 – Friday May 13, 2005 

EMA: The Administrative Record for the Designation of Aripo Savannas as an Environmentally Sensitive Area

Dear Reader, 

PREFACE 

The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) in accordance with Rule (4) of the Environmentally 

Sensitive Areas Rules, 2001 (“the Rules”), is preparing to designate the Aripo Savannas as a Strict 

Nature Reserve. 

Pursuant to section 28 (1) (b) of the Act, the EMA establishes the Administrative Record to make 

information available to the public of Trinidad and Tobago, for the purpose of their participation and 

comment on the proposed action. 

The Notice includes a written description of the proposed action, the boundaries of the area, the 

reasons for the designation, permitted and prohibited activities, wise use and mitigation measures. 

Other information in support of designation, which the Authority believes would assist the public in 

developing a reasonable understanding of the issues and of the Authority’s reasons for the proposed 

action is included. 

This Notice will advise of the matter being submitted for public comment, identify the locations 

where the Administrative Record is being maintained, state the length of the public comment 

period and advise where comments are to be sent. 

This Administrative Record is available to the public for viewing at the following offices from 8:00 am 

to 4:00pm from Monday March 21 to Friday May 13, 2005: 

(a) Environmental Management Authority, 8 Elizabeth Street, St. Clair, Port of Spain; 

(b) Forestry Division Office, Cumuto; 

(c) Forestry Division Office, National Parks Section, Farm Road St. Joseph; 

(d) Port of Spain City Corporation, 2-4 Knox Street, Port of Spain; 

(e) Tobago House of Assembly, Environment Division, Scarborough, Tobago; 

(f) Tobago Inland Revenue Division, Roxborough, Tobago; 

(g) Sangre Grande Revenue Office, Toco Main Road, Sangre Grande; 

(h) Chaguanas Borough Corporation, Cumberbatch Street, Chaguanas; 

(i) San Fernando City Corporation, City Hall, Harris Promenade, San Fernando; 

(j) Arima Borough Corporation, 8 Hollis Avenue, Arima; 

(k) Diego Martin Regional Corporation, Orchid Drive, Morne Coco Road, Petit Valley; 


(l) Mayaro/ Rio Claro Regional Corporation, High Street, Rio Claro; 

(m) Tunapuna/ Piarco Regional Corporation, Centenary Street, Tunapuna; 

(n) Couva/ Tabaquite/ Talparo Regional Corporation, Railway Road, Couva; 

(o) Princes Town Regional Corporation, Hosein Building, High Street, Princess Town; 

(p) Siparia Regional Corporation, High Street, Siparia; 

(q) Point Fortin Borough Corporation, Town Hall, George Street, Mahaica, Point 

Fortin; 

(r) Nature Seekers Inc., 10 1 /4 mm Toco Main Road, Matura; 

(s) SAD for Toco, Light pole 1005, Paria Main Road, Toco. 

This Administrative Record is also available on the Website of the EMA at : 

http://www.ema.co.tt 

The EMA invites the submission of written comments by the public on the proposed action of 

designation of the Aripo Savannas as an Environmentally Sensitive Area. We look forward to 

receiving your comments, which should be addressed to:- 

Sincerely, 

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY 

Kenwyn Ogeer 

CORPORATE SECRETARY 

The Corporate Secretary, 

The Environmental Management Authority 

#8 Elizabeth Street, St.Clair, 

Port-of-Spain. 


PREFACE 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1. SCHEDULE IV OF THE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS RULES FOR THE 

ARIPO SAVANNAS STRICT NATURE RESERVE 

2. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE ARIPO SAVANNAS STRICT NATURE RESERVE 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSED ACTION 

EXISTING LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR ARIPO SAVANNAS 

STRICT NATURE RESERVE 

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ARIPO SAVANNAS ENVIRONMENTALLY 

SENSITIVE AREA / STRICT NATURE RESERVE 

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION 

AN ARIPO SAVANNAS BIBLIOGRAPHY 

3. THE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS RULES 2001 


1.0 

SCHEDULE IV OF THE 

ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS RULES FOR 

THE 

ARIPO SAVANNAS STRICT NATURE RESERVE 


Legal Notice No. 

REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 

THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT, 2000 

NOTICE 

Made by the Environmental Management Authority under section 41 of the 

Environmental Management Act, 2000, and under rules 3, 4 and 5 of the 

Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules, 2001 

THE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREA 

(ARIPO SAVANNAS STRICT NATURE RESERVE) NOTICE, 2005 

Citation 1. This Notice may be cited as the Environmentally Sensitive Area 

(Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve) Notice, 2005. 

Interpretation 

Act No.3 of 2000 

2. In this Notice – 

“Act” means the Environmental Management Act, 2000; 

“animal” means any member of the animal kingdom, whether 

alive or dead in any stage of biological development, and 

any part or product of these; 

“Authority” means the Environmental Management Authority 

established under section 6 of the Act; 

“ecosystem” means a dynamic complex of plant, animal and 

micro-organism communities and their non-living 

environment interacting as a functional unit; 

“endangered” means the status of a species in which population 

numbers have fallen, for whatever reasons, to levels 

which place the species at risk of extirpation from parts of 

its range or extinction from its entire range; 

“Environmental Officer” means a person authorised under 

section 33 of the Act; 

“Environmentally Sensitive Area” means the portion of the 

environment so designated in clause 3;

Chap. 16:02 

Chap. 66:01 

“Environmentally Sensitive Species” means any species of living 

plant or animal so designated under section 41 of the Act; 

“explosive” has the meaning assigned to it in section 2 of the 

Explosives Act; 

“forest reserve” means those areas declared as forest reserves 

under the Forests Act; 

“Management Plan” means the Management and Development 

Plan: Aripo Savannas Scientific Reserve, 1982, Forestry 

Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Food 

Productions, Trinidad and Tobago, as amended; 

“natural resources” means the living plants, animals, organisms, 

and other biological factors within the environment, and 

the geologic formations, mineral deposits, renewable and 

non-renewable assets and the habitat of the living plants, 

animals, organisms and other biological factors; 

“plant” means any member of the plant kingdom, whether alive 

or dead, in any stage of biological development, and any 

part or product of these; 

“rare” means infrequently occurring species whose rarity may or 

may not be on account of human activity; 

“Relevant Authority” means the Authority and any other 

governmental entity with jurisdiction under existing law; 

“Rules” means the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules, 2001; 

“Strict Nature Reserve” means an area requiring protection for 

science possessing some outstanding or representative 

ecosystems, geological or physiographic features and/or 

species, available primarily for scientific research and/or 

environmental monitoring as defined in paragraph 3.B.(a) 

of the Guidelines set out in Schedule II of the Rules; 

“threatened species” means a species that is rare, vulnerable or 

endangered; 

“vulnerable” means the state of a species whose life history is 

such that makes it prone to population depletion and 

consequent endangerment by human activity; and 

“wise use” means the permitted activities listed in Part IV. 

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Designation of area 

Part I 

3. The Authority hereby designates as an Environmentally Sensitive 

Area (“ESA”) that portion of the environment described in Part 1, hereafter 

known as the Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve. 

Application 4. This Notice does not apply to private lands in the ESA. 

Reason for 

designation 

Limitations on use 

and activities 

Part III 

Permitted use and 

mitigating measures 

Part IV 

5. The reason for the designation is to meet the objectives set out in 

Part II. 

6. The limitations on use of and activities within the ESA with which 

compliance is required are as specified in Part III. 

7. Subject to clause 6 the wise use of the ESA is permitted and the 

mitigating measures to be undertaken are as specified in Part IV. 

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PART I 

DESCRIPTION OF THE ESA 

Boundary Description of Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve 

West Perimeter Boundary - The western perimeter commences on the northern boundary of the TGR 

Reserve and proceeds along the eastern boundary of the Cumuto Village on a bearing of 347 45’ fot a 

distance of 177m. It then follows a bearing of 257 45’ for a distance of 236m to the Cumuto road and 

thereafter along the eastern boundary of the Cumuto Road Reserve in a northerly direction up tp its 

intersection with the Aripo River. The direction then takes a northeasterly direction following the 

eastern bank of this Aripo River up to its junction with the Valencia River and thereafter follows the 

southeastern bank of this river up to its intersection with the Subdivision Survey Plan PA 43. 

North Perimeter Boundary - On the basis of Survey Plan PA 43 the boundary follows the southern 

boundary of layout at a bearing of 109 14’ from the Valencia River to the eastern main Road (The 

Long Stretch), to a distance of 483. 

East Perimeter Boundary – On coming into contact with the Eastern Main Road, the perimeter 

boundary then follows the western boundary of the eastern Main Road Reserve in a southeasterly 

direction to its junction with the Damarie Playground as defined on Survey Plan BK 937 Fol. 41 and 

BK 110 Fol. 105. 

South Perimeter Boundary – From the eastern Main Road the boundary follows the western 

boundary of the Playground on a bearing of 179 40’ and a distance of 232.69m to its intersection with 

the TGR Reserve. It then follows the northern boundary of the TGR Reserve in a westerly direction up 

to its intersection with the eastern boundary of the property as shown on Survey Plan KU 79 and as 

defined in the West Perimeter Boundary description. 

The size of the Aripo Savannas Strict Nature reserve is approximately 1,800 hectares.

Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve 

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- 

PART II 

OBJECTIVES OF THE DESIGNATION 

I. Protection of the actual or prospective habitat of an Environmentally Sensitive Species. 

II. In furtherance of Schedule 1 of the Rules, compliance with the Government’s international 

obligations under the following Conventions: 

(a) the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife to the Cartagena 

Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider 

Caribbean (the SPAW Protocol), which entered into force in Trinidad and Tobago on May 

26, 2000; 

(b) the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (the Biodiversity Convention), 

which entered into force in Trinidad and Tobago on August 01, 1996; and 

(c) the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 

(CITES), which entered into force in Trinidad and Tobago on April 18, 1984. 

III. In Furtherance of Schedule 11 of the Rules - 

1. Conservation of natural resources and protection of the environment including - 

(a) maintenance if the significance of the area in the national, regional and international 

context; 

(b) preservation of the biological diversity of the area including – 

(i) protection of the largest remaining natural savanna ecosystem, with endemic flora in 

Trinidad and Tobago; 

(A) Rhynchospora aripoensis 

(B) Xyris grisebachii 

(ii) protection of rare or threatened species and their habitat, such as- 

(A) Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet (Touit huetii); 

(B) White-tailed Goldenthroat Hummingbird (Polytmus guainumbi); 

(C) Savanna Hawk (Heterospizias meridionalis); 

(D) Red-bellied Macaw (Ara manilata); 

(E) Red Brocket Deer (Mazama americana trinitatis);

(F) Armadillo (Dasypus novemcintus); 

(G) Porcupine (Coendou prehensilis); 

(H) Matte or Banded-Tegu (Tupinambis teguixin); 

(I) Aripo Orchid (Otostylis brachystalix); 

(J) Epistephium parviflorum; and 

(K) Podocarpus trinitensis;. 

(c) protection of the ecological integrity of the marsh-savanna ecosystem; 

(d) protection of an outstanding representation of a naturally occurring marsh formation; 

(e) protection of the ecosystem and natural features of the area to allow the natural 

regeneration of the marsh forest and palm-marsh communities; 

(f) protection, preservation, management and rehabilitation of an area that is fragile, 

threatened and degraded; 

(g) prevention of overexploitation and extraction of natural resources; 

(h) management of the watershed of the area for maintaining the water quality and 

quantity within the Long Stretch Forest Reserve; 

(i) control of the banks of the Aripo River for the recuperation of the existing quarry 

operations; and 

(j) protection against forest fires through effective management. 

2. Logistic support such as environmental education and information sharing, including- 

(a) facilitation of relevant scientific research and environmental monitoring to improve 

understanding of the interactions between biotic and abiotic components of the 

environment, the processes involved and the attributes and potential of the area’s resources; 

(b) development of a database of information relevant to the ESA and maintaining public 

access to the information; 

(c) dissemination of information particularly to local communities and stakeholders; 

(d) development of low impact eco-tourism opportunities particularly bird watching; 

(e) management of visitor use for inspirational, educational and recreational purposes at a level 

which will maintain the area in a natural or near natural state; 

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(f) recognition of the needs of local communities in so far as it does not adversely affect the 

objectives of the Management Plan; 

(g) provision of opportunities for research and studies related to its natural history; and 

(h) identification and confirmation of endemic species of the Savannas. 

IV. In furtherance of Schedule 111 of the Rules, protection of an area referred to in the 

following Written Laws: 

(a) A Forest Reserve referred to in section 2 of the Forests Act Chap 66:01 declared under the 

Land Regulations deemed to have been made under the State Lands Act Chap 57:01. 

(b) The Long Stretch Forest Reserve, declared by Proclamation dated January 11, 1934 under 

the Forest Ordinance, Chapter 141 of 1916 and governed also by the Crown Lands Forest 

Produce Rules. 

(c) A prohibited area referred to in section 2 of the Forests Act Chap 66:01 by Legal Notice 

No. 113 of 1987. 

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PART III 

LIMITATIONS ON USE AND ACTIVITIES 

The following uses and activities are prohibited in the ESA unless otherwise approved by the 

Relevant Authority in accordance with existing law: 

(a) dumping, littering or polluting, including the discharging or depositing of any refuse, oily 

liquids, waste acids, deleterious chemicals or any toxic polluting substances of any kind, 

injurious to plants, animals or fish; 

(b) conduct or behaviour that unreasonably disturbs other persons in the ESA or unreasonably 

interferes with their enjoyment of the ESA; 

(c) any action that will alter or upset the integrity of the natural functioning of the ecosystems of 

the ESA or causes damage to the natural resources of the ESA; 

(d) the possession or use of firearms and other weapons harmful to animals and/or their habitats 

except by Environmental Officers; 

(e) hunting, trading, taking or killing of animals, juveniles and eggs; 

(f) cutting or extraction of plants, trees, soil or any other material; 

(g) keeping of domestic animals;

(h) introduction of any plant or animal species; 

(i) use of pesticides, fungicides insecticides and other chemicals; 

(j) removal, damage or exportation of animals or plants, soil or any material; 

(k) quarrying or mining from the surface of the ESA; 

(l) prospecting and surveying for the purposes of mineral extraction; 

(m) dredging, filling or excavating; 

(n) removing or destroying the natural physical features of the ESA; 

(o) the possession or use of explosives; 

(p) removal, destruction, damaging or defacing of any object which is of scientific, historical, 

archaeological, cultural or palaeontological interest; 

(q) any other activity which results in a negative impact on the physical, biological and/or socio 

economic integrity of the ESA; 

(r) lighting, usage or maintenance of any fire; 

(s) carrying out forestry, agricultural or aquacultural activities within the ESA; 

(t) alteration of the direction of watercourses; 

(u) introduction of any plant or animal species; 

(v) creation, construction, maintenance or operation of a road, railway, aircraft landing strip or 

helicopter pad in the ESA; 

(w) construction or development of pipelines for the transmission of oil, gas or any such materials; 

(x) any parking or use of vehicles; and 

(y) occupation or use of land except as provided for in Part IV section 1 (d) below. 

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PART IV 

WISE USE AND MITIGATION MEASURES 

1. The following activities are permitted in the ESA subject to existing law: 

(a) scientific research activities approved by the Relevant Authority; 

(b) educational activities; 

(c) activities permitted in the Management Plan in specified physical zones of the ESA; 

(d) any activity that is in keeping with the enjoyment and experience of the natural physical 

features, plants and animals and cultural attractions of the ESA; and 

(e) any other activity permitted by the Relevant Authority in accordance with the Management 

Plan and the objectives set out in PART II. 

2. The Relevant Authority shall implement mitigation measures in the ESA including – 

(a) scientific research; 

(b) development of public awareness and education programmes; 

(c) enforcement of existing law; 

(d) fire prevention and control of squatting; 

(e) visitor management; 

(f) training of the Environmental Officers and other persons involved in the management and use 

of the ESA; 

(g) community liaison; 

(h) local community participation; 

(i) adaptive management strategies designed to address present and future challenges to the ESA; 

and 

(j) any other mitigation measures prescribed in accordance with the Management Plan. 

Dated this day of , 2005. 

Chairman 

Environmental Management Authority

2.0 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE ARIPO 

SAVANNAS STRICT NATURE RESERVE 


1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

This Administrative Record discusses the reasons and issues involved in the proposed action of designating 

Aripo Savannas as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) under the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules, 

2001. 

The administrative record is designed to demonstrate the process and justification for the selection of Aripo 

Savannas as an Environmentally Sensitive Area, and to share this information with the public of Trinidad and 

Tobago, while soliciting their input and contributions. 

The significance of Aripo Savannas and its biodiversity has been recognised for many years as part of the 

larger Long Stretch Forest Reserve declared in 1934, as a proposed Scientific Reserve in 1980, and as a 

Prohibited Area in 1987. 

Aripo Savannas is the largest remaining natural savannah in the country, fanning out from the foothills of the 

Northern Range as old alluvial terraces. These terraces consist of layers of sands, gravels and clays that have 

been mined locally for the construction industry. 

The Aripo Savannas has an international reputation for its unusual flora in striking vegetation communities. It is 

one of the more intensively studied areas of natural ecosystems in Trinidad. The ten open savannah 

communities characterise the ‘savannas’ which have low growing herbaceous vegetation caused by an 

impervious hardpan layer a few centimetres below the soil surface. 

The complex of habitats making up the Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve possess characteristics not seen 

else where in the country coupled with the high density of rare, threatened and endemic species, the ecosystem 

can be considered as unique. Of the 457 species identified so far 38 are restricted to the Aripo Savannas with 

between16 and 20 that are rare or threatened, and 2 endemic floral species. 

The Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules of 2001, seeks to award protection to areas of Trinidad and Tobago 

that contain threatened and remarkable representations of this country’s biodiversity. Criteria laid down in the 

ESA Rules guide the selection and justification of the areas to be declared. A copy of the ESA Rules 2001 is in 

Appendix 1. 

The intention of the Environmentally Sensitive Species Rules, 2001, (ESS) is to provide added protection to 

certain species. The ESA and ESS Rules are complementary, and intended to support conservation efforts 

throughout Trinidad and Tobago. 


A brief history of action on the Aripo Savannas 

Date Activity 

1930 Selected timber harvesting began. Galba, firewood and wood for charcoal burning, handicraft and rods. 

1934 Aripo Savannas, as part of the Long Stretch Forest Reserve was proclaimed on January 11. 

1935 A management plan for controlled timber harvesting was prepared by the Forestry Division (FD). 

1940 1660 Hectares of the savannas and adjacent lands were leased to the US Armed Forces for a military base 

during WWII (construction included bunkers, drains, roadways), establishing Fort Read. 

1946 Vegetation of the AS is classified by J.S. Beard 1 as Marsh communities, consisting of Marsh forest, Palm 

Marsh and the Savannas. Unique forest vegetation provides the habitat for some of the country’s rare and 

endangered species of flora and fauna. 

1956 Fort Read lands returned to the Government. 

1961 Eight quarrying licences granted for extraction of sand and gravel. 

1964 W.D. Richardson publishes ‘ Observations on the vegetation and ecology of the Aripo Savannas, Trinidad.’ 

1977 Permit issued to WASA to clear a pipeline passageway to a width of 30 metres across the reserve. 

1980 GoRTT & OAS in the Systems Plan 2 of National Parks and other Protected Areas identified the Aripo 

Savannas as an area to be designated as a Scientific Reserve due to its unique assemblage of flora, and the 

major remaining natural savannah in the country. 

1982 Management and Development Plan 3 : Aripo Savannas Scientific Reserve, is published by the Forestry 

Division. Its objective is “to protect the Aripo Savannas ecosystem and provide for research and educational 

use through the management of the area as a Scientific Reserve.” The proposed area is 1800 ha. 

1982 T&CPD 4 , Ministry of Finance & Planning identify AS as a critical conservation area, an ‘area of 

natural/scientific interest to be preserved/protected.” 

1985-88 S. Schwab conducts studies on flora and fauna of AS 

Status report and inventory guidelines for the Aripo Savannas. 

Faunal checklist of the Aripo savannas. 

Floral and faunal composition, phenology, and fire in the Aripo Savannas Scientific Reserve. 

1987 June 15 Aripo Savannas declared Prohibited Area under the Forests Act. Chapter 66:01. Legal Notice # 113 

of 1987. 

1998 Sundew Tour-Guiding Services, a group of concerned citizens from the Cumuto area forms this Community 

Based Organisation. Their mission is to work with the Forestry Division towards collaborative management 

for the protection of the savannas. 

2002 May 29, Sundew and the Forestry Division host a stakeholders consultation on the Aripo Savannas at Caroni 

Swamp. 

2002 August 28, the EMA hosts a stakeholders consultation to prioritise areas for designation as Environmentally 

Sensitive Areas. Aripo Savannas emerges as priority #3. 

2003 25 March, the Director of Forestry, acting on the recommendations of the public consultation, sets up a 

Working Group on the Management of the Aripo Savannas. 

The working group’s task was to recommend actions that the Division could implement, and to advise on 

management issues coming out of the consultation. 

The committee submits report to DF in December. 

2004 Acting on advice of the EMA and FD, The Ministry of Public Utilities and the Environment awards a 

contract for the boundary description of AS for the purpose of ESA designation. 

2005 The EMA puts out the AS Administrative Record for public comment. 

1 Beard, J.S. 1946. The Natural Vegetation of Trinidad. Oxford Forest. Mem. 20 

2 Forestry Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Food Production 1980. Systems Plan of National Parks and other Protected Areas for Trinidad and 

Tobago. 

3 Forestry Division Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Food Production 1982. Management and Development Plan: Aripo Savannas Strict Nature 

Reserve. 

4 Town & Country Planning Division, Ministry of Finance & Planning 1982: The National Physical Development Plan, Trinidad and Tobago. Vol. 2 

Strategies & Proposals. Development Planning Series No. T.T.3 – September 1982. 


2.0 BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSED ACTION 

2.1 Biodiversity of Trinidad and Tobago 

Biological diversity or biodiversity is the variety of life in all its forms on the earth, and the diverse kinds of 

habitats in which these plants and animals live together. The word originates from the words “Bios” which is 

Greek for life, and “diversity” which means variety. Biodiversity includes genetic diversity, species diversity 

and ecosystem diversity. 

An ecosystem is the complex interacting web of living organisms and their non-living environment. Examples of 

ecosystems are swamps, reefs, savannas, tropical forests or deserts. Within these large ecosystems are habitats. 

Habitats are smaller components of ecosystems where plants and animals live - an earthworm will live in the soil or a 

scorpion under a rock. Ecosystem diversity is the variety of different habitats or ecosystems. In Trinidad and Tobago 

we have a very rich ecosystem biodiversity, with different kinds of terrestrial or land, marine and freshwater 

ecosystems. 

Species diversity or the variety of species, allows us to tell the difference between living things that make them distinct 

from each other. We can tell the difference between a dog, a fish, and a beetle, and we can also tell the difference 

between different kinds (species) of fish. We can identify a carite, a shark and a flying fish, as three separate species of 

fish. 

Genetic diversity is the variety within each species. If we look at the human family, each one of us is different from 

each other, although we are all human. We can identify individuals amongst ourselves because of our different genetic 

makeup. This difference in genetic makeup has enabled us to use the technologies of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) 

testing to solve crimes and determine the parenthood of people 5 . This is possible due to the differences in our genes, 

which therefore, contribute to make us unique. 

The importance of biodiversity can be looked at in three broad aspects: Economic, Ecological and Cultural values. 

Provisioning 

Goods produced or 

provided by 

ecosystemsFood 

• Freshwater 

• Fuel wood 

• Fiber 

• Biochemicals 

• Genetic resources 

Biodiversity & 

Ecosystem 

Services 

Regulating 

Benefits obtained from 

regulation of ecosystem 

processes 

• Climate regulation 

• Disease control 

• Flood control 

• Detoxification 

Cultural 

Non-material benefits 

obtained from 

ecosystems 

• Spiritual 

• Recreational 

• Aesthetic 

• Inspirational 

• Educational 

• Communal 

• Symbolic 

5 Environmental Management Authority. 2001. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad. 


The islands of Trinidad and Tobago have a complex geological history due to the islands’ recent separation from 

the northern portion of South America, only some 11-15,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age 6 . Trinidad 

and Tobago are merely offshore islands of the South American mainland retaining the diversity of flora (plants) 

and fauna (animals) of the continent. 

In Trinidad and Tobago, few species have evolved, adapting to local conditions, resulting in new species or subspecies/ 

varieties that are different from similar variations on the South American continent. The local Pawi 

(Pipile pipile) from the forests of the North East is believed to be a sub-species of a South American variety, and 

two plant species from the Aripo Savannas are endemic to Trinidad. An endemic species is a species, which is 

found native to a particular habitat or region and occurs only there 7 . 

Other sub-species and species for Trinidad and Tobago include the Blind Cave Fish (Rhamdia quelen), Oilbird 

(Steatornis caripenesis), Golden Tree Frog (Phyllodytes auratus). 

Although there are roughly 4,174 known species of flora and fauna in Trinidad, there remain many 

undocumented and un-described species, especially among the lower groups of organisms, for example 

invertebrates. Information on the country’s genetic diversity is largely confined to the agricultural sector such as 

the Cocoa Gene Bank in Centeno, the genetic stock of sugar cane and commercial timber species 8 . 

2.2 Threats to Trinidad and Tobago’s Biodiversity 

Habitat loss in Trinidad and Tobago has led to the erosion of biological diversity. The country is the most 

industrialised of the Commonwealth Caribbean. The expanding population has placed increasing pressures on 

the islands, which have a limited land space of only 5,123 km 2 . The consequence of these demands means that 

the natural resources experience pressures that impact on the environment, including the pollution of land, 

marine and freshwaters, chemical spills, deforestation and the overexploitation of fisheries wildlife and forest 

resources 9 . 

Globally, biodiversity is under threat from human civilization, expansion and consumption. Human beings, 

having the ability to modify their environment have done so on a scale unknown in human history today. 

Human activities have had a dramatic effect on the natural environment and resources to the extent that species 

extinctions have become common occurrences; pollution is affecting human health, water resources, livelihoods 

and the well-being of humans. Environmental degradation has become a serious challenge to our survival, 

health and civilization as the biodiversity on which all life depends is depleted. 

The loss of biodiversity holds unique concerns for islands of the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago are small 

islands and the erosion of biodiversity means that residents will feel the implications directly. Biodiversity 

contributes in significant ways to the economic development of the country through tourism, recreation, and 

resources harvested from the natural environment 10 . 

6 

EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 1997. State of the Environment Report 1997. EMA, Port of Spain, Trinidad. 

7 

Kricher, J. C. 1997. A Neotropical Companion: An Introduction to the Animals, Plants, and Ecosystems of the New World Tropics. Second Edition, 

Revised and Expanded. Princeton University Press, New Jersey, United States of America. 

8 

EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 1999a. Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Trinidad and Tobago. EMA, Port of Spain, 

Trinidad. 

9 

EMA: Environmental Management Authority. 1999b. The Administrative Record for Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules 1999. EMA, Port of 

Spain, Trinidad. 

10 Bacon P.R. 2000 


2.3 Overview of the History of the System of Protecting Areas in Trinidad and Tobago 

Trinidad and Tobago has had a long history of reserving lands for their environmental and biodiversity goods 

and services to people. However, present day management and legislation has not kept abreast of recent 

knowledge and developments in biodiversity conservation and management. 

After Independence in 1962, the Forestry Division was charged with the responsibility of protecting the 

country’s the flora and fauna. However, ever-increasing levels of exploitation and degradation proved to be too 

much for existing legislation and policy 11 . 

In 1977 the Government of Trinidad and Tobago requested the Organisation of American States (OAS) to assist 

the country in establishing a plan for a system of Scientific Reserves and Protected Areas and create a policy 

from which legislation could be developed 12 . 

The approach was based on the conservation and preservation of vegetative communities and the protection of 

endemic and native species of wildlife 13 . Thelen and Faizool (1980a) identified 61 sites that required protection. 

Of these, the following were proposed in six categories of Protected Areas: 

13 National Parks; 

8 Scientific Reserves; 

8 Natural Landmarks; 

13 Nature Conservation Reserves; 

6 Scenic Landscapes, and; 

13 Recreational Parks. 

The Systems Plan of 1980 identified Aripo Savannas as one of the proposed Scientific Reserves selected for 

protection due especially to the nature of the floral composition of the area. This study also indicated that such a 

Reserve would require special management objectives that would ensure that the uniqueness of the Reserve be 

maintained. 

At present, there are four main legal categories of protected areas in Trinidad and Tobago. These are: 

1. Wildlife or Game Sanctuaries; 

2. Prohibited Areas; 

3. Protected Marine Areas; 

4. Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA’s). 

The first reserve of the country and indeed one of the first of the western hemisphere was the Main Ridge of 

Tobago, declared in 1776 for protection of the watershed that fed agricultural lands and therefore the economy 

of the island. The importance of maintaining forests to attract rain had long since been recognised, and the 

downstream effects on the whole economy of the island of Tobago. The history of the reservation of state lands 

for conservation and production for Trinidad and Tobago includes the following landmarks: 

11 Leach, M., and J. Fairhead. 2001a. Science, policy and Scientific Reserves in Trinidad and Tobago. Working Paper from the Project ‘Forest Science 

and Forest Policy: Knowledge, Institutions and Policy Processes’. The Institute of Development Studies, United Kingdom. Available at the Internet 

URL: http://www.ids.ac.uk/ids/env/PDFs/TrinidadNationalParks.pdf 

12 Fairhead, J., and Leach, M. 2001. Sustainable Forestry in Trinidad? Natural Forest Management in the South-East. Working Paper from the Project 

‘Forest Science and Forest Policy: Knowledge, Institutions and Policy Processes’. The Institute of Development Studies, United Kingdom. Available 

at the Internet URL: http://www.ids.ac.uk/ids/env/PDFs/TrinidadSustainableForestry.pdf 

13 Leach, M., and J. Fairhead. 2001a. 


1765 The Main Ridge Reserve in Tobago, was set aside as “Woods for 

the protection of the rains” 

1922-1960 A system of 43 Forest Reserves declared for managing timber 

resources 

1934-1968 A system of 11 Wildlife or Game Sanctuaries declared for the 

protection of wild animal species. 

1972 Chaguaramas Development Act, for the protection of the 

Chaguaramas peninsula 

1973 Marine Preservation and Enhancement Act used to declare Buccoo 

Reef a Protected Area. 

1987- 1999 Prohibited Areas declared under the Forests Act, to prevent entry 

into sensitive areas at specific times of the year. Increasingly used 

to protect nesting animals and Forest Reserves from fires. 

2004 Matura National Park becomes the first Environmentally Sensitive 

Area to be declared. 

Wildlife sanctuaries 

An interest in the protection of wildlife began to take shape in Trinidad and Tobago as early as 1928, when the 

first game sanctuary was established. Subsequent designation of wildlife sanctuaries continued from 1933. The 

Conservation of Wildlife Act (67:01) was enacted in 1953 with the aim of protecting the wildlife of Trinidad 

and Tobago. 

Between 1928 -1968, thirteen (13) Game Sanctuaries were declared prohibiting hunting in specific locations. It 

is interesting to note that of the thirteen areas, six (6) were specifically dedicated to the protection of nesting or 

roosting bird species. Five are in fact small islands, islets and rocks where breeding colonies of seabirds were to 

be protected from poaching and hunting. 

Three Game Sanctuaries were located in the hilly and mountainous terrain of the island, also representing a 

geographical spread, i.e. the Northern Range, Central Range and Southern Range. Although the selection of 

sanctuaries appears to have favoured bird habitat, the value of wildlife was recognised and an effort made to 

have a geographical spread of habitats and diversity 14 . 

1. Kronstadt Island 

2. Soldado Rock 

3. Little Tobago 

4. St. Giles & Marble Islands 

5. Saut d’eau Island 

6. Caroni Swamp 

7. Trinity Hills 

8. Bush Bush 

9. Central Range 

10. Northern Range 

11. Southern Watershed 

12. Morne L’Enfer 

13. Valencia 

14 Environmental Management Authority. 2001. Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Trinidad and Tobago. EMA, POS, Trinidad. 


Forest Reserves 

Between 1922 and 1960 a series of 43 Forest Reserves were declared in the country. Although 

Forest Reserves are primarily for the exploitation of forest resources, Trinidad and Tobago has 

developed forest management systems that are world renowned for their sustainability. While 

exploitative of the forest resources, biodiversity values were recognised early, and efforts were 

made in some Forest Reserves to conserve habitats as Nature Reserves. 

Prohibited Areas 

More recently, during the period 1987 - 1997, nine (9) prohibited areas under the Forest Act were 

declared. Key objectives for declaring Prohibited areas during this period were: 

1. To confer added protection by restricting entry without a permit; 

2. The protection of an individual species, e.g. the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys 

coriacaea) during their nesting season on selected beaches on Trinidad. This latter reason 

accounts for three of the prohibited areas 15 . 

Prohibited 

Area 

Table 1: Prohibited Areas of Trinidad and Tobago 16 

Previous 

Designation 

Date Declared Prohibited 

Aripo Savannas Long Stretch Forest Reserve 1987 

Caroni Swamp Wildlife Sanctuary and Caroni Swamp Reserve 1987 

Northern Range Wildlife Sanctuary 1989 

Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary 1989 

Trinity Hills Wildlife Sanctuary 1989 

Matura Beach Manzanilla Windbelt Reserve 1990 

Fishing Pond Beach Manzanilla Windbelt Reserve 1990 

Nariva Swamp Wildlife Sanctuary and Windbelt Reserve 1993 

Grande Riviere Beach None 1997 

Protected Marine Areas 

There has only been one such area, declared thus far, Buccoo Reef, which was declared in 1973 

under the Marine Preservation and Enhancement Act. 

2.4 Planning Protected Areas in the 1990’s 

Planning for areas to be set aside for the purposes of conserving the natural flora and fauna of 

Trinidad and Tobago has suffered from fits and starts and successive efforts have often 

overlapped with previous designations. The lack of a comprehensive system and the required 

legislation has encouraged opportunistic use of existing legislation and the skewed selection of 

sites and species for designation. The most comprehensive plan was that of 1980, for a ‘System of 

15 

Environmental Management Authority. 2001. Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Trinidad and Tobago. EMA, POS, 

Trinidad. 

16 

Environmental Management Authority. 2001. Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Trinidad and Tobago. EMA, POS, 

Trinidad. 


National Parks and other Protected Areas for Trinidad and Tobago 17 ’. A more recent Site 

Prioritisation study (1996) took a rational approach to key areas that should be declared sensitive. 

2.5 Designating Aripo Savannas an Environmentally Sensitive Area 

Aripo Savannas was one of the areas identified in the Systems Plan of National Parks and other 

Protected Areas 18 due to its unique assemblage of plant species, and the presence of threatened 

animal species. This proposed Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) is also the home to several 

species that appear on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild 

Fauna and Flora (CITES) 19 appendices. There are also several species that are hunted for “wild 

meat”, and collected, that are in danger of over-hunting and being removed from the area or 

extirpated. 

A unique ecosystem: 

The complex of habitats making up the Aripo Savannas possess characteristics not seen else 

where in the country coupled with the high density of rare, threatened, endemic and possible 

endemic species, the ecosystem can be considered as unique. Of the 457 species identified so far 

38 are restricted to the Aripo Savannas with 16 to 20 that are rare or threatened, and 2 endemic 

floral species. 

Ecosystem Diversity: 

Habitats have been identified in Aripo Savannas are based on the dominant vegetation type, with 

a total of 457 plant species recorded so far. These have been categorized into six vegetation 

communities each having distinct characteristics as follows: Open Savanna, Palm Marsh, Marsh 

Forest, Palm Island, Intermittent Open Water, Trackside. 

1. Open Savanna, these vegetative communities are located into ten separate savanna areas. 

Vegetation found here include grasses, sedges and herbs; the soil is thin with a hardpan 

layer close to the surface preventing larger plants from establishing in the area. The soils 

of this area are infertile and organisms in this area have adapted to these conditions, 95 

species have been recorded for this community type. 

2. Marsh Forest, These are the communities that cover most of the reserve, the dominant 

vegetation type being forest species. There is little overlap between open savanna and 

marsh forest and 118 plant species have been recorded for this community type. 

3. Palm Marshes and Palm Islands, these are found at the fringes of open savannas or as 

islands in the savannas and are characterized by stands of moriche palms. 

4. Intermittent open water and Trackside, these habitats are due to human activities, which 

have disturbed the area and resulted in these modified habitats. 

The designation of Aripo Savannas as an ESA under the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules 

of 2001 will be the culmination of work and planning that began decades ago. Under the ESA 

Rules, it can be expected that Aripo Savannas will be protected from further environmental 

degradation, habitat conversion and fragmentation. 

In selecting areas in need of protection, the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules of 2001 

identify certain criteria that proposed areas should fulfil that make it worthy of protection. These 

criteria are set out in Schedule II of the ESA Rules and may be viewed at Appendix I. 

17 Environmental Management Authority. 2001. Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Trinidad and Tobago., Trinidad. 

18 Thelen, K.D. and S. Faizool. 1980a. System of National Parks and Other Protected Areas in Trinidad and Tobago. Forestry 

Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries, Port of Spain, Trinidad. 

19 CITES is further explained in Section 3.1.1 


3.0 EXISTING LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR ARIPO 

SAVANNAS STRICT NATURE RESERVE 

National legislation was enacted for the protection of Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 

Species in 2001. Prior to this, the following laws have already been utilised to assist in the 

protection of the natural ecosystems and biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago: 

The Forests Act, Chapter 66:01; 

The Conservation of Wildlife Act, Chapter 67:01; 

The Marine Areas Preservation and Enhancement Act Chap 37:02. 

The Aripo Savannas area was included in the Long Stretch Forest Reserve which was 

declared on January 11, 1934 under the Forest Ordinance Chapter 141 of 1916. Under the 

Forests Act Chapter 66:01, it was designated a Prohibited Area by Legal Notice No. 113 of 

10 June 1987. 

Being signatory to various international treaties and conventions confers upon Trinidad and 

Tobago national obligations to develop and enact national policy guidelines and legislation. Some 

of these treaties have been reflected in the ESA and ESS Rules of 2001. These actions assist the 

country in fulfilling agreements for the protection of biodiversity. 

3.1 International Agreements 

3.1.1 CITES 

Trinidad and Tobago is a signatory to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered 

Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and it entered into force in the country in 1984. Its 

primary goal is to provide protection for plant and animal species that may become threatened 

due to the activities of international trade by controlling the international trade of specimens of 

certain species of wildlife. The species listed under the CITES Convention require a Licence for 

export, import, re-export and introduction into a new area. The species of CITES are listed in 

three Appendices: 

Appendix I is inclusive of all species that that are threatened with extinction, and trade is 

completely restricted and allowable only in exceptional circumstances; 

Appendix II are those species that are vulnerable or rare and as such their trade is incompatible 

with their survival; and 

Appendix III covers the species that are protected in at least one country, the CITES Parties are 

asked to help control their trade 20 . 

The signatories to CITES are mandated to set up Management Agencies that administer the 

licences needed for species trade, and Scientific Authorities to act as advisors on the effects of 

trade on the status of certain species. Under this treaty, funding was provided for conservation 

projects. Although the Forestry Division is the Management Agency for CITES, the designation 

of protected species often requires the coordination of more than one governmental department. 

Many of the species that warrant protection under CITES are yet to be safeguarded nationally. 

The proposed Aripo Savannas ESA is the habitat for species that fall under the CITES listing of 

20 CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. 2001b. How CITES Works. Geneva, 

Switzerland. Available at the Internet URL: http://www.CITES.org/eng/disc/how.shtml 


threatened and endangered species, including the Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and the Pawi 

(Pipile pipile). 

3.1.2 The Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) 

Trinidad and Tobago became signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity at the historic 

Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The CBD was the first convention that specifically 

addressed the issues of conservation and sustainable usage of the Earth’s biological diversity. 

Sustainable use is broadly defined as the process whereby the needs of humans are met without 

sacrificing environmental integrity. The most important aspects of the Convention were the 

protection and conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of these resources and the 

equitable distribution of the benefits earned from the use of the earth’s genetic resources 21 . 

As a signatory Government, Trinidad and Tobago formulated the National Biodiversity Strategy 

and Action Plan (NBSAP) 22 in 2001, in keeping with Article 6 of the convention. The NBSAP is 

a framework for enhancing the management of natural resources of the country and serves to 

effectively highlight the key issues involved in achieving these. 

Article 8 of the Convention requires each party country to establish protected areas and prevent 

species eradication. Public participation and education and awareness are encouraged with 

regards to planning for and managing biological resources and diversity 23 . 

3.1.3 The SPAW Protocol 

The Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife to the Cartegena Convention (the 

SPAW Protocol) was formulated to provide protection to the particular habitats and threatened 

species. It entered into force in Trinidad and Tobago in May 2000. It is a regional agreement that 

includes countries located in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. This Protocol specifies 

the protection of threatened and endangered wildlife species, the establishment and management 

of protected areas and species conservation through national, co-operative processes 24 . 

As a contracting Party to the SPAW Protocol, the Government is obligated to protect areas of the 

country under its jurisdiction as specified by Article 4, and to enact national legislation to do so. 

There is also a mandate to prevent the trade in species that are included in its listing of threatened 

or endangered species, complementing the CITES agreement 25 . 

Under Article 11 of the Protocol, there are three species Annexes and the contracting Parties are 

to adopt all necessary measures to protect and recover species listed in Annexes I, II and III: 

Annex I: includes floral species requiring total protection and recovery; 

Annex II: includes faunal species requiring total protection and recovery; 

Annex III: includes faunal and floral species whose usage must be regulated 26 . 

21 

CBD: Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. 2000. Sustaining Life on Earth: How the Convention on Biological 

Diversity Promotes Nature and Human Well-Being. Available at the Internet URL: 

22 

http://www.biodiv.org/doc/publications/guide.asp 

Environmental Management Authority 2001. Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad & 

Tobago. 

23 

CBD: Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. 2000. Sustaining Life on Earth: How the Convention on Biological 

Diversity Promotes Nature and Human Well-Being. Available at the Internet URL: 

24 

http://www.biodiv.org/doc/publications/guide.asp 

UNEP: The United Nations Environment Programme. 2000. International Trade in Species Listed in Both the Protocol 

Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species 

(CITES). 

25 

Refer to Appendix IV. 

26 

UNEP: The United Nations Environment Programme. 2000. 


3.1.4. The IUCN Red List 

The IUCN receives voluntary academic and technical contributions from a host of scientists and 

experts from more 180 countries. It contributes to environmental conventions, global standards 

and disseminates scientific information and knowledge 27 . 

The IUCN formulated the renowned Red List to draw attention to the importance and 

vulnerability of the world’s biodiversity. The Red List is deemed by the IUCN as being the most 

exhaustive catalogue of the current status of plants and animals in the world. Criteria are 

generated for the evaluation of the status of a particular species with regard to its risk of 

extinction. It can be used to determine how threatened a particular species is, and identify priority 

species that need to be elevated for dedicated conservation efforts and further protection. It is 

also used to provide information to the policymakers of the CBD and CITES 28 . 

3.2 National Legislation 

The Forests Act Chap. 66:01 focuses on the regulations of the sale of forest products, and 

identifies forest reserves. These reserves are managed for timber extraction (EMA, 1999a). 

Under Chapter 66:01 of the Forest Act, Aripo Savannas is included in the Long Stretch Forest 

Reserve, which was declared in 1934. 

The Conservation of Wildlife Act regulates game species using a permitting system, gaming 

seasons and wildlife refuges. There is need for a revision of the present Act to address 

management issues more comprehensively and to increase fines, which presently offer little 

incentive to curb illegal hunting (EMA, 1999a). 

The State Land (Regularisation of Tenure) Act of 1998 provides protection to squatters from 

being evicted from State lands. The schedules of the Act require the addition of areas of Trinidad 

and Tobago where regularisation of tenure will not be granted by state authorities. These areas are 

to be those that have been designated as ESAs; those that are important for the provision and 

protection of water resources; and green belt areas, like forestry conservation areas (EMA, 

1999a). 

The Environmental Management Act of 2000 (EM Act), sought to address the issue of 

biodiversity loss and protection, by the formulation of guidelines on the designation and 

protection of “environmentally sensitive species” and “environmentally sensitive areas”. The 

primary goal of designating an area an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) under the Rules, of 

2001 is the protection and conservation of areas representative of the different ecosystems of the 

country and their species diversity. This will involve the prevention of activities that will 

negatively impact the biological, physical and socio-economic integrity of the ESA. 

27 

IUCN: The World Conservation Union), 2003. What is IUCN? Available at the Internet URL: 

28 

http://www.IUCN.org/about/index.htm 

IUCN: The World Conservation Union), 2000a. 2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Background. Gland, Switzerland. 

Available at the Internet URL: http://www.iucn.org/redlist/2000/background.html 


3.3 The Role of NGOs 

The NGOs and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) have also been instrumental in raising 

awareness for the value of biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago and the benefits of conservation 

and protection of natural resources. 

Sundew Tour-Guiding Services, a group of concerned citizens from the Cumuto area formed this 

Community Based Organisation in 1998 and in May 2002 Sundew and the Forestry Division 

were host to a stakeholders consultation on the Aripo Savannas. Their mission is to work with 

the Forestry Division and other stakeholders towards collaborative management for the protection 

of the savannas. The consultation resulted in stakeholders reiterating their support to work 

together for the benefit of the Savannas and supporting each other in that quest. 


4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ARIPO SAVANNAS 

ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREA 

4.1 Location and Boundaries of the Aripo Savannas ESA 

The Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve lies in North Central Trinidad between Arima and 

Sangre Grande. The Long Stretch of the Eastern Main Road is its eastern boundary. The Aripo 

River, a cut survey line and the Cumuto Main Road bounds it on the west and the course of the 

abandoned Trinidad Government Railway forms the southern boundary. The area of the Aripo 

Savannas is approximately 1800 hectares or 4448 acres. 

The Aripo Savannas Environmentally Sensitive Area Notice 2005 provides a more accurate 

description of the boundaries of the Aripo Savannas ESA. 

Lands of the proposed ESA of Aripo Savannas are state owned. The Forestry Division is charged 

with the primary responsibility of managing the Aripo Savannas. The area falls within the North 

East Conservancy. 


4.2 Geomorphology and Soils 29 

Old alluvial terraces fanning out from the foothills of the Northern Range and uplifted during the 

Pleistocene era are the geological setting of the Savannas. The alluvial terraces consist of layers 

of gravel, sands and clays representing different depositional environments. 

Weathering and ground water movements have subsequently modified the alluvial sediments, 

most notably creating a hardpan layer of cemented clays that is impervious to water infiltration. 

Weathering has also created an infertile soil A-horizon (fine sands and sandy clays) that overlies 

the hardpan. The hardpan and the infertility of the soils due to weathering are the two most 

important features that have determined the natural savannah ecosystem. The hardpan prevents 

the vertical movement of water creating alternating conditions of drought and waterlogging where 

the hardpan is close to the surface. In these areas the only vegetation able to survive are grasses, 

sedges and herbs. 30 Where the hardpan is found at greater depths, trees and other woody 

vegetation are able to grow and create a forest ecosystem. 

Generally the soils throughout the Aripo Savannas are of extremely low fertility and are of little 

use for agriculture. 

4.3 Vegetative Communities of Aripo Savannas 31 

With a total of 457 plant species recorded so far, the ASSR can be subdivided into several distinct 

vegetation communities based on the structure and species composition. Sharon Schwab, a 

research student who studied the ASSR in the 1980s, divided it up into the following vegetation 

communities and habitats: 

Open Savanna 

Palm Marsh 

Marsh Forest 

Palm Island 

Intermittent Open Water 

Trackside 

Open Savanna 

The Open Savanna community is what people naturally think of when visualising a savannah. It 

is found in ten discrete areas or savannas of varying size and is a very distinctive community of 

open, low growing herbaceous vegetation on a flat plain, very striking when first encountered 

after walking through closed, crowded forest vegetation. The low stature of the vegetation is 

caused by the impervious hardpan layer a few centimeters beneath the soil that prevents larger 

plants establishing in anything but isolated individuals. In addition the soils on the Open Savanna 

have a very poor nutrient status. To cope with this stressful environment, plants have adopted a 

number of characteristics to help them survive such as trapping and eating insects and nematodes. 

95 species are found in the Open Savanna community, some of which are confined to the ASSR. 

29 Thelen, K.D. and S. Faizool. 1980a. System of National Parks and Other Protected Areas in Trinidad and Tobago. Forestry 

Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries, Port of Spain, Trinidad. 

30 Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve Issues Document November 2001. Sundew Tour Guiding Services. 

31 Oatham, M., Flora of the Aripo Savannas: A Summary Prepared for the Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve Stakeholder 

Consultation. Caroni Swamp Visitors Centre 29 th of May 2002 (Entire section on vegetative communities of Aripo is reproduced from 

M. Oatham. 


The most common species in the Open Savannas are grasses, and sedges. Other notable plants of 

the open savanna include the carnivorous Sundew Plant (Drosera capillaris) and many terrestrial 

orchid species such as Pogonia tenuis or Epistephium parviflorum. 

Marsh Forest 

Marsh Forest is the community that covers the most of the land area of the ASSR. As the name 

implies this is a forest that grows on land that becomes waterlogged or marshy during the wet 

season. It is a relatively low forest, with a closed canopy populated by species that can tolerate a 

period of the year waterlogged. The hardpan layer found under the Open Savannas is also found 

under the Marsh Forest (although thinner and at greater depth) and is responsible for the flooding 

of the Marsh Forest as water cannot drain away through the impervious hardpan layer. There are 

a few species that are restricted to the Marsh Forest in Trinidad (for example the Lady Slipper 

Orchid Selenipedium palmifolium (Lindl.) Rchb.f.). However, the assemblage of the species is 

unique. There is not much overlap in the dominant species composition between the Open 

Savanna and the Marsh Forest. There are approximately 118 species of plants found in the Marsh 

Forest. The Marsh Forest in Trinidad has been severely depleted in recent years with large areas 

being cleared for quarrying and agriculture. At the moment the ASSR contains one of the largest 

and most secure fragments of this community left in the country although even in the ASSR there 

has been severe degradation of much of the Marsh Forest by fires that have encroached from 

outside the Reserve. 

Palm Marshes and Palm Islands 

These are the communities found on the fringes of the Open Savannas and in isolated clumps or 

islands in the middle of the savanna. They are dominated by the picturesque Moriche Palm 

(Mauritia flexuosa L.) that form evenly spaced stands with a thick understory of shrubs (e.g. 

Clidemia neglecta D.Don or Miconia ciliata (Rich.) DC.) or tall sedges and grasses (Seleria 

bracteata Cav. or Panicum parvifolium Lam). Because of their visibility across the savanna, these 

communities are also well known by visitors to the savannas. 

Intermittent Open Water and Trackside 

These are two habitats that are common in the ASSR but due to their non-natural origins or 

ephemeral nature are often neglected. The result of human activities, which have disturbed the 

area and resulted in these modified habitats, they each have a distinct suite of species adapted to 

their peculiar environmental conditions. 

4.4 Endemic, Threatened and Rare Species, and native species found only in the Aripo 

Savannas 

Endemic Species 

As mentioned earlier, the ASSR is thought to be home to two, but maybe as many as 15 species 

endemic 32 to Trinidad 33 . In other word these species are found nowhere else, except in Trinidad. 

However, there is the need for further research to confirm the status of any of the species thought 

to be endemic to Trinidad & Tobago. The two tentatively confirmed endemic species are both 

restricted to the Open Savannas. The endemics are: 

32 List of Plants Exclusive to the Aripo Savanna Baksh–Comeau, Y. & Quesnel, V. 

33 Beard, J.S. 1942. The Natural Vegetation of Trinidad. Oxford. 


a. Rhynchospora aripoensis Bitton, 

b. Xyris grisebachii Malme 

Such concentration of endemic species make the ASSR a very important conservation area that 

Trinidad & Tobago needs to maintain to meet their obligations under the Convention on 

Biological Diversity to conserve endemic species. 

In addition to the endemic species of Aripo, there are a number of species that are threatened or 

rare, or their status is unknown. These include: 

(i) Rare plant 34 species of the Aripo Savannas: 

(a) Lagenocarpus rigidus (Kunth) Nees ssp. Rigidus 

(b) Rhynchospora aripoensis Britton 

(c) Rhynchospora emaciata Boeck. 

(d) Scleria hirtella Sw. 

(e) Websteria confervoides (Poir.) Hooper 

(f) Eriocaulon caesium Griseb. 

(g) Genlisea pygmaea St. Hil. 

(h) Utricularia adpressa Salzm. ex St. Hil. & Girard 

(i) Utricularia benjaminiana Oliv. 

(j) Lycopodiella caroliniana (L.) Pic.Serm.var. meridionalis 

(L.M.Underw. & F.E.Lloyd) B.Ollg.&P.G.Windisch. 

(k) Aganisia pulchella Lindl. 

(l) Bifrenaria longicornis Lindl. 

(m) Pogonia tenuis 

(n) Podocarpus trinitensis Gray 

(o) Schizaea pennula Sw. 

(p) Sphagnum perichaetiale Hamp. 

(q) Otostylis brachystalix 35 

(r) Episterphium parviclorum 36 

(ii) Rare or threatened animal species 

(a) Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet (Touit huetti) 37 

(b) White-tailed Goldenthroat Hummingbird (Polytmus 

guainumbi) 38 

(c) Savanna Hawk (Heterospizias meridionalis) 39 

(d) Red-bellied Macaw (Ara manilata) 40 

(e) Red Brocket Deer (Mazama americana trinitatis) 41 

(f) Armadillo (Dasypus novemcintus) 42 

(g) Porcupine (Coendou prehensilis) 43 

(h) Matte or Banded-Tegu (Tupunambis teguixin) 44 

34 

List compiled by M. Oatham based on work by Schwab (1988), Comeau (1989-1990). D.Jodhan & W.Johnson (1997-1999) 

35 

(orchid species) CITES Appendix I, CWB Schedule IV 

36 

(orchid species) CITES, Appendix I 

37 

CITES Appendix II, Conservation of Wildlife Act Chp. 67:01 (CWA) 

38 

CITES Appendix II, CWA 

39 

CITES Appendix II, CWA 

40 

CITES Appendix II, CWA, Conservation of Wildlife Bill (CWB) Schedule IV 

41 CWB Schedule I 

42 CWB Schedule I 

43 CWB Schedule IV 

44 CITES Appendix II, CWA, CWB Schedule I 


A variety of native plants of Trinidad and Tobago are found exclusively in the Aripo Savannas. 

(iii) Plants exclusive 1 to the Aripo Savannas 

(a) Lycopodiella caroliniana var 

meridionalis 

(b) Spagnum perichaetiale (moss) 

(c) Becquerelia teberculata 

(d) Lagenocarpus rigidus 

(e) Rhynchospora curvula 

(f) Abolboda americana 

(g) Xyris fallax 

(h) Xyris glabrata 

(i) Burmannia capitata 

(j) Cyrtopodium parviflorum 

(k) Epistephium subrepens 

(l) Epistephium parviflorum 

(m) Habenaria leprieurii 

(n) Habenaria leprieurii var. heptodactyla 

(o) Otostylis brachystalix 

(p) Cleistes rosea 

(q) Pogonia rosea 

(r) Cleistes tenuis 

(s) Pogonia tenuis 

(t) Cassytha filiformis 

(u) Drosera capillaris 

(v) Polygala adenophora 

(w) Polygala appressa 

(x) Polygala exserta 

(y) Polygala longicaulis 

(z) Polygala timoutou 

(aa) Sauvegesia sprengelii 

(bb) Genlisea pygmaea 

(cc) Utricularia adpressa 

(dd) Utricularia amethystina 

(ee) Utricularia. benjaminiana 

(ff) Utricularia gibba 

(gg) Utricularia guyanensis 

(hh) Utricularia hispida 

(ii) Utricularia juncea 

(jj) Utricularia myriocista 

(kk) Utricularia. pusilla 

(ll) Utricularia subulata 

(mm) Utricularia. viscosa 

(nn) Perama hirsuta 

4.5 Threats to the Aripo Savannas 45 

In their 2001 issues document, Sundew Tour Guiding Services compared aerial photographs of 

1969 and 1994, which indicated that Marsh Forest and Palm Swamp in the ASSR have shown 

marked deteriorated from a number of human induced activities. In the 1994 air photos the Marsh 

Forest and Palm Swamp ecosystems appeared extensively disturbed. Only small patches of the 

Ecosystems appeared intact with a smooth and intact canopy. The majority of the Marsh Forest 

and Palm Swamp ecosystem had broken, lower canopies, which were interpreted as fire damaged. 

Extensive fires have disturbed much of the Forest and quarrying and clearing for agriculture have 

destroyed some areas. Fire appears to be a threat to all parts of the reserve while quarrying was 

concentrated to the SE of the reserve. 

Quarrying: Quarrying has disturbed approximately 2 - 5 % of Marsh Forest and Palm 

Swamp in the ASSR. Savanna IX was extensively disturbed in the 1994 air photo by 

quarrying operations and a WASA pipeline right of way The same WASA right of way 

cut through Savanna X disturbing the centre of it 

• Agricultural activities: Clearing for agriculture has taken place in the north of the 

reserve close to the Valencia town site and along the Eastern Main Road. Areas of 

clearing for agriculture have also been observed in the extreme SE of the reserve. In both 

cases clearing for agriculture is occurring fastest closest to established centres of 

population (Valencia and Guaico). Clearing for agriculture has disturbed approximately 5 

– 10 % of Marsh Forest and Palm Swamp in the ASSR. 

45 Sundew Tour Guiding Services 2001. Aripo Savannas Stakeholder Consultation Issues Document 


• Agricultural and residential Squatting: Clearing for agriculture and residential 

squatting has taken place mainly close to established population centres of Guaico and 

Valencia. 

• Fires: The Aripo Savannas ecosystems are not dependent on fire for their continued 

existence as is the case for many other savannas in the neotropics. The savannas in Aripo 

own their existence to the soil or edaphic factors found in the reserve. It is unlikely 

therefore that fire occurred with any great frequency in the reserve naturally. Fires in the 

recent past (most notably in 1987 & 2003) have been result of human carelessness and 

have damaged large areas of Palm Swamp and Marsh Forest. However, records from the 

1930’s indicate that fires have been used by hunters to ‘flush game’, although this is an 

illegal practice. Despite the damage that it does, fire was probably not completely absent 

from the ASSR prior to human intervention, therefore the ecosystems in the ASSR are 

adapted to recover from fire damage. The natural fire regime was probably very 

infrequent however, meaning the ASSR should be protected from further fires for the 

foreseeable future to allow its ecosystems to recover. 

• Railway and road construction and drainage channels. The main human traces 

visible on the savannas from aerial photographs were the tracks and drainage channels 

constructed by the US Military prior to 1956 and affecting savannas I, II, V, VI, VII, 

VIII. 

• Establishment of pine plantations by the Forestry Division occurred after the lands 

were returned to the Government in 1956. 

4.6 The Biological and Historical Significance of the Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve 

Biologically the ASSR is a nationally important area that contains ecosystems with communities 

of plant and animal species that are found together nowhere else on the island. Indeed several 

species of plants and animals are found only in the ASSR. The types of ecosystems and their 

communities are represented outside the country in South America but at least some of the plants 

and animals are endemic to the ASSR meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. It is for 

these species that the ecosystems and plant and animal communities of the ASSR should be 

conserved as any country fortunate enough to have endemic species also has a responsibility for 

conserving those species. 

The ASSR is also significant for its value as an educational tool, a recreational resource and 

tourism draw-card. It is also important for the opportunities it offers for ecological and biological 

research. Historically the ASSR is important in its role of stimulating local and international 

researchers in their biological and ecological studies. The ASSR and particularly the savanna 

ecosystems have the distinction of being one of the most intensively studied areas in the 

neotropics. Many international and local biologists have studied aspects of the savannas. This 

level of interest increases the historical value of the ASSR in the field of biology. 


5.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION 

Section 16 (1) of the EM Act (2000), details of the functions of the Authority, which includes the development 

and establishment of environmental standards and criteria. In its commitment to the wise use of natural 

resources, conservation and the subsequent management of these resources, the Authority prepared the 

Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Species Rules, 2001. This Administrative Record has been prepared in 

order to give the public of Trinidad and Tobago the opportunity to comment and contribute to the process of 

designating the Aripo Savannas as a Scientific Reserve under the Rules to declare environmentally sensitive 

areas for the country. Designation will assist in the enhanced management and conservation of the natural 

resources of Aripo Savannas in perpetuity for the benefit of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. 

5.1 Process of consultation towards Designation 

In proposing the designation of Aripo Savannas as an ESA, the Environmental Management Authority is 

satisfied that the decision was made on the basis of the best available scientific data and information available at 

the time. The decision was also made in a participatory manner in consultation with civil society and 

governmental stakeholders, and it built upon previous initiatives for the conservation and protection of this area. 

A notice of the intention of the Authority was sent out to various governmental departments, whose operations 

involve, impact or in any way relate to the proposed Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve. The EMA also sent 

this draft Notice (Schedule IV) to all the organisations with which it has signed a Memorandum of 

Understanding (MOU). Their feedback and comments have been incorporated into the present draft that is 

before you for public comment. 


An Aripo Savannas Bibliography 

Adams C.D. and Baksh Y.S. 1981-2. What is an endangered plant? Living World, J. Trinidad and Tobago Field 

Naturalists’ Club 

Ahmad N. and Jones R.L. 1969a a plinthaquult of the Aripo Savannas, North Trinidad: I Properties of the soil 

and chemical composition of the natural vegetation. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 33(5): 762-765 

Ahmad N. and Jones R.L. 1969b A plinthaquult of the Aripo Savannas, North Trinidad: II. Mineralogy and 

genesis. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 33(5): 766-768 

Alkins M., de Sousa G., Julien M., Koo M., Lue Chee Lip R., and Shadid S. 1981-82. A study of the aquatic 

fauna of the Aripo Savannas. Living World, J. of the Trinidad & Tobago Field Naturalists Club 1981-2: 16-19 

Anonymous 1970. Aripo/Waller Field. Annual Report Virus Laboratory of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain. 

Anonymous 1979. Interesting notes from Aripo. Bull. Of Trinidad and Tobago Field Nat. Club 

Anonymous 1985. Botany group tour to Aripo Savannas (Scientific Reserve). Bull. Of Trinidad and Tobago 

Field Nat. Club 

Beard J.S. 1946. The natural vegetation of Trinidad. Oxford Forest. Mem. 20 

Beard J.S. 1953. The savanna vegetation of northern tropical America. Ecol. Monogram. 23(2): 149-215 

Chenery E.M. 1949. The soils of central Trinidad. Roth Amsted Experimental Station, Harpenden 

Comeau P.L. and Clubbe C.C. 1997-8. Savanna expansion in Trinidad, W.I. Living World J. Trinidad and 

Tobago Field Naturalists’ Club 

Comeau P.L. 1990. Savannas in Trinidad. Living World, J. Trinidad & Tobago Field Naturalists’ Club. Pp. 5-8 

Farrell T.F., Hilton A., Hilton J., Quesnel V.C. and Zuniaga L. 1987-8. The flowering phenology of some plants 

of the Aripo Savannas. Living World, J. Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalist Club 

ffrench R.P. 1991. A guide to the birds of Trinidad and Tobago. 2 nd Ed. Comstock Publishing, Ithaca N.Y. 

Forestry Division/Organization of American States. 1979. Policy for the Establishment and Management of a 

National Park System in Trinidad and Tobago (draft). Forestry Division, Port of Spain. 

Forestry Division/Organization of American States. 1980. Management and development plan Aripo Savannas 

Strict Nature Reserve. Technical Document Forestry Division/OAS Project on the Establishment of a System of 

National Parks and Protected Areas. 

Hendricks C. 1992. Building the Atlantic Bases. In Fowle B.W. (ed) Builders and fighters: U.S. Army engineers 

in World War II. Office of History, US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Belvoir, Virginia 

Hislop G. 1985. Report on faunal census at Aripo Savannahs. Unpublished Report. Wildlife Section, Forestry 

Division, Min. of Agric, Lands and Food Prod. 11p. 

Kingsley C. 1871. At Last. A Christmas in the West Indies. London 


Leotaud N. 1992. Ecotonal dynamics between Aripo Savannas and surrounding marsh forest. Unpublished 

Research Report, University of the West Indies. 

Marshall R.C. 1934. The physiography and vegetation of Trinidad and Tobago. A study in plant ecology. 

Oxford Forest. Mem. 17 

Medina E. 1982. Physiological ecology of Neotropical savanna plants. In Huntley B.J. and 

Walker B.H. (eds). Ecology of tropical savannas, Ecol. Stud. 42: 308-335 Springer-Verlag, Berlin 

Murphy J.C. 1997. Amphibians and reptiles of Trinidad and Tobago. Krieger Publishing Co. Malabar 

Panton W.P. 1953. Field and Laboratory studies of the soils of the Aripo Savanna District. Unpublished Dip. 

Tropical Ag. Dissertation, Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture, Trinidad 

Quesnel V. 1979. The Aripo Savannas. Trinidad Naturalist 2(11): 25-29 

Richardson W.D. 1963. Observations on the vegetation and ecology of the Aripo Savannas, Trinidad. J. Ecol. 

51: 295-313 

Sarmiento G. 1984. The ecology of Neotropical savannas. Harvard Univ. Press Cambridge 

Sarmiento G. and Monasterio M. 1975. A critical consideration of the environmental conditions associated with 

the occurrence of Savanna ecosystems in tropical America. In 

Golley F.B. and Medina E. (eds). Tropical Ecological Systems. Trends in Terrestrial and Aquatic Research 11 

pp. 223-250. Springer-Verlag, N.Y. 

Schwab S. 1985. Status report and inventory guidelines for the Aripo Savannas (Scientific Reserve). 

Unpublished Report. National Parks Sect., Forestry Division, Min. of Agric. Lands and Food Prod. 227p. 

Schwab S. 1987-8. Faunal checklist of the Aripo Savannas (Scientific Reserve). Living World J. Trinidad and 

Tobago Field Naturalists’ Club 

Schwab S.I. 1988. Floral and faunal composition, phenology, and fire in the Aripo Savannas Strict Nature 

Reserve, Trinidad, West Indies. Unpublished M.Sc. Thesis, Univ. Wisc. Stevens Point 

Suter H.H. 1960. The general and economic geology of Trinidad B.W.I. London 

Wildlife Section, Forestry Division (Edited by Schwab S.) 1987-8. Role of the Wildlife Section, Forestry 

Division in the management development of the Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve. Living World J. 

Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists’ Club 

Williams R.O. et al. 1928- The Flora of Trinidad and Tobago. Govt. Printery, Port of Spain. 3 Volumes 


3.0 

THE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS RULES 

2001 


Legal Notice No. 37 

Legal Supplement Part B –Vol. 40, No. 37 –22 February, 2001 101 

REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 


RULES 

MADE BY THE MINISTER UNDER SECTIONS 26 (e) AND 41 OF THE 

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT, 2000 

ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS RULES, 2001 

Citation 1. These Rules may be cited as the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules, 2001. 

Interpretation 

Act No. 3 of 2000 

Act No 33 of 1996 

Standards and 

guidelines for 

designation of 

environmentally 

sensitive areas 

2. In these Rules – 

“Act” means the Environmental Management Act, 2000; 

“Authority” means the Environmental Management Authority established 

under section 6 of the Act; 

“biological diversity” means the variability among living organisms from all 

sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic 

ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this 

includes diversity within species, between species and between 

ecosystems; 

“ecosystem” means a dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism 

communities and their non- living environment interacting as a functional 

unit; 

“environmentally sensitive species” or “ESS” means any species of living plant 

or animal so designated under section 41 of the Act; 

“ESA” means a portion of the environment designated as an environmentally 

sensitive area under section 41 of the Act; 

“licensed surveyor” means a person registered as a Land Surveyor under the 

Land Surveyors Act, 1996; 

“Notice” means a Notice designating an ESA made under section 41 of the 

Act. 

3.(1) Subject to subrule (2), the Authority may by Notice designate as an ESA any 

portion of the environment that is – 

(a) the actual or prospective habitat of any environmentally sensitive 

species; 


Schedule I 

Schedule II 

Schedule III 

Form and contents 

of Notice 

Schedule IV 

Schedule II 

Procedures for 

designating an 


sensitive area 

(b) required to be protected for the purpose of meeting the 

Government’s international obligations under any of the 

International Conventions referred to in Schedule I; 

(c) an area to which any of the Guidelines set out in Schedule II applies; 

(d) an area that is referred to in a written law set out in Schedule III. 

(2) The Authority shall designate an ESA on the basis of the 

best scientific data available and after taking into consideration the economic impact and 

any other relevant impact of the designation. 

4.(1) A Notice shall be in the form set out in Schedule IV and shall include - 

(a) a description of the area with reference to its location, boundaries 

and size, and a map or plan certified by a licensed surveyor; 

(b) the reason for the designation as set out in rule 3 (1) or in paragraph 

1 of Schedule II; 

(c) the limitations on use of and the activities within the ESA that are 

permitted or prohibited; and 

(d) the appropriate mitigation measures which should be undertaken. 

(2) Where there is a discrepancy between the description of the area and the 

licensed surveyor's map or plan, the latter shall prevail. 

5.(1) Where the Authority proposes to make a Notice, it shall notify that fact, and 

transmit a draft of the proposed Notice to – 

(a) the government entities having responsibility for land, the 

continental shelf, forestry, conservation of wildlife and fisheries; and 

(b) any other government entity having responsibility for planning and 

management in the proposed ESA. 

(2) The notification shall invite written submissions with respect to the 

proposed Notice to be made to the Authority by a stated date, being not less than thirty 

days from the giving of the notification. 

(3) The Authority may revise the proposed Notice to give effect to the 

submissions received under subrule (2). 

(4) The Authority shall thereafter publish in the Gazette and 

at least one daily newspaper a similar notification inviting submissions from the public, 

with respect to the proposed Notice as may be revised. 


Recission of 

designation of 


sensitive area 

Schedule V 

(5) A submission shall contain the grounds therefor and may include 

additions, modifications or amendments to give effect to the submission. 

(6) The Authority shall have regard to any submissions received under subrule 

(4) before making the Notice and publishing it in the Gazette. 

6.(1) Where the provisions of rule 3 (1) cease to apply to an ESA the Authority may 

by Notice rescind the designation of the ESA. 

(2) The Notice shall be in the form set out in Schedule V and shall include - 

(a) the information contained in rule 4 (1) (a); and 

(b) the reason for the recission of the designation.. 

(3) The procedures as set out under rule 5 for the designation of an ESA shall, 

where appropriate, apply for the making of a Notice under this rule for the recission of that 

designation. 

SCHEDULE I 

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS 

Rule 3(1) (b) 

(i) The Convention for the Protection of Development of Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean 

Region which entered into force in Trinidad and Tobago in October 11, 1986 (the CARTAGENA 

Convention); 

(ii) The Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife to the Convention for the Protection 

and Development of the Marine Environment of the Water Caribbean Region which entered into force 

in Trinidad and Tobago on January 18, 1990 (the SPAW Protocol); 

(iii) The Convention on Wetlands (the Ramsar Convention, Iran 1971) which entered into force in Trinidad 

and Tobago on April 21, 1993; 

(iv) The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which entered into force in Trinidad 

and Tobago on September 22, 1994; 

(v) The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity which entered into force in Trinidad and 

Tobago on August 01, 1996; 

(vi) Any other international legal convention relating to the environment to which Trinidad and Tobago is a 

party. 


SCHEDULE II Rule 3 (1) ( c ) 

GUIDELINES FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS 

1. The designation of an area, as ‘environmentally sensitive’ is to meet one or more of three categories of 

general objectives: 

(a) conservation of natural resources and protection of the environment 

(b) Sustainable economic and human development 

(c) Logistic support such as environmental education, and information sharing 

2. The specific objectives are: 

(a) Appreciation of the broader ecological aspects of an area for its intrinsic values and functions as 

well as for its potential for direct material benefits. 

(b) Maintenance of the significance of an area in the national, regional or international context. 

(c) Preservation of the biological diversity of the area. 

(d) Preservation of the integrity of an area and its attributes with the aim of sustaining its potential 

for direct material benefits. 

(e) Maintenance of its role in the functioning of the wider ecosystem. 

(f) Protection, preservation, management or rehabilitation of an area that is fragile, threatened or 

degraded. 

(g) Regulation of the use of the natural resources contained within the area. 

(h) Maintenance of the cultural values of an area which are associated with preserving the integrity 

of the environment. 

(i) Maintenance of a stock of genetic resources in viable populations. 

(j) Facilitation of relevant scientific research or environmental monitoring to improve 

understanding of interactions between biotic and abiotic components of the environment, the 

processes involved and the attributes and potential of the area’s resources. 

(k) Dissemination of relevant information to stakeholders and the public at large. 

3. Areas will be selected on the basis of one or more of the following general or specific criteria: 

A. General 

(a) Uniqueness, rarity or important biological features 

(b) Good representation of a naturally-occurring ecological system or type 

(c) Particularly good representative of an ecosystem characteristic of one, or common to more than 

one biogeographical region. 

(d) Rare or unusual habitat, ecosystem, or community attributes in a biogeographical region. 

(e) Critical importance to the survival or recovery of endangered, endemic or vulnerable 

species/communities of plants or animals. 

(f) An appreciable or significant assemblage of endangered, or threatened species of plants or 

animals. 

(g) Special value as a habitat for plants or animals at a critical stage of their biological cycle. 

(h) Provision of appreciable social recreational or economic benefit to local communities or to 

wider areas. 

(i) Forest, purely conservation purposes. 

(j) Unique geological features. 

(k) High in aesthetic value. 

(l) Regarded by the scientific community as having significant value for non-destructive research. 

(m) Potential for fostering environmental awareness, appreciation or education. 

(n) Performing an integral role in the functioning of the wider ecosystem. 

(o) Representative example of all coastal and marine ecosystems. 

(p) Representative example of all wetland types. 


B. Specific 

(a) Strict Nature Reserve: an area requiring protection for science that possesses some outstanding or 

representative ecosystems, geological or physiological features and/or species, available primarily 

for scientific research and/or environmental monitoring. 

(b) National Park: an area requiring: (i) the protection of the ecological integrity of one or more 

ecosystems for present and future generations, (ii) the exclusion of exploitation or occupation 

inimical to the purposes of designation of the area, and (iii) the provision of a foundation for 

spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational and visitor opportunities, all of which are 

environmentally and culturally compatible. 

(c) Natural Monument: an area containing one, or more, specific natural or natural/cultural features of 

outstanding or unique value that require conservation because of inherent rarity, representative or 

aesthetic qualities or cultural significance. 

(d) Habitat/Species Management Area: an area requiring conservation through management 

intervention to ensure the maintenance of habitats and/or to meet the requirements of specific 

species. 

(e) Protected Landscape/Seascape: an area, that may contain coast and sea requiring protection for 

conservation and recreation, where the interaction of people and nature over time has produced an 

area of distinct character with significant aesthetic, ecological and/or cultural value, and often with 

high biological diversity. 

(f) Managed Resource Protected Area: an area containing predominantly unmodified natural systems, 

that require sustainable use and management to ensure long term protection and maintenance of 

biological diversity, while providing at the same time a sustainable flow of natural products and 

services to meet community needs. 

SCHEDULE III 

AREAS REFERRED TO IN OTHER WRITTEN LAWS 

Rule 3(1) (d) 

Ch. 1:51 (a) The territorial sea of Trinidad and Tobago and the internal waters of Trinidad and 

Tobago referred to in section 3 and 4 respectively of the Territorial Sea Act. 

Ch. 1:52 (b) A restricted area referred to in section 2 of the Continental Shelf Act. 

Ch 37:02 (c) A restricted area referred to in section 2 of the Marine Areas 

(Preservation and Enhancement) 

Ch 66:01 (d) A Forest Reserve and a prohibited area referred to in section 2, and a declared district 

referred to in section 7 (3), of the Forests Act. 

Ch 67:01 (e) A Game Sanctuary referred to in section 2 of the Conservation 

of Wild life Act. 

Ch 67:02 (f) An infected area and an infected place referred to in section 2 of 

the Animal (Diseases and Importation) Act. 

Ch 67:51 (g) A prohibited area referred to in section 2 of the Fisheries Act. 

Act No 24 of 1986 (h) The archipelagic waters referred to in section 2, and the exclusive 

economic zone established under section 14, of the Archipelagic 

Waters and Exclusive Zones Act, 1986. 


SCHEDULE IV 

THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT 2000 

NOTICE 

MADE BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY UNDER SECTIONS 41, 42 AND 43 OF 


Designation 1. The Environmental Management Authority, hereby 

designates as an environmentally sensitive area (the ESA) the 

Part I portion of the environment described in Part I. 

Reason for designation 2. The reason for the designation is to meet the objective 

Part II set out in Part II. 

Limitations on 3. The limitations on use of and activities within the ESA 

use and activities with which compliance is required are as specified in Part III. 

Part III 

Permitted use 4. Subject to paragraph 3 the wise use of the ESA is 

and mitigating permitted and the mitigating measures to be undertaken 

measures are as specified in Part IV. 

Part IV 

Made the day of 

PART I 

PART II 

PART III 

PART IV 

Chairman/Deputy Chairman/Secretary 

Environmental Management Authority 

EMA: The Administrative Record for the Designation of Aripo Savannas as an Environmentally Sensitive Area 

Rule 4

SCHEDULE V 


NOTICE 

MADE BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY UNDER SECTION 41 OF 


Recission of 1. The Environmental Management Authority hereby rescinds the 

designation designation of the plant/animal described in Part I as an environmentally 

Part I sensitive area (the ESA) made by Notice dated……and published in the Gazette of …… 

Reason for 2. The reason for the recission of the designation is that the 

recission objective set out in Part II has ceased to apply to the said ESA. 

Part II 

Revocation 3. Legal Notice No. of 20… is hereby revoked. 

Made the day of ,2001. 

Made the 13 th day of February, 2001. 

PART I 

PART II 

Chairman/Deputy Chairman/Secretary 

Environmental Management Authority 

A. NANAN 

Minister of the Environment. 

Laid before the House of Representatives the day of , 2001. 

Laid before the Senate the day of , 2001. 

Clerk of the House. 

Clerk of the Senate 

EMA: The Administrative Record for the Designation of Aripo Savannas as an Environmentally Sensitive Area 

Rule 6 (2)

Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve - Environmental Management ...

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