EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC IN NATURE CONSERVATION

Annual Report 2015Nature SeekersWe have celebrated 25years in turtle conservation

InsIde RepoRt

1. Executive Summary

2. Organisation Background

3. Main Highlights

4. Core Challenges

5. Programmes Executed

• Sea Turtle Conservation

• Sea Turtle Bycatch Education Project

• Craft Programme

Message From the ChairIt is with a great sense of pride that I write to you, our employees, volunteers, donors, partners and stakeholders in conservation to present the Annual Report of Nature Seekers for the past year 2015. As many of you may be aware, globally, our environment is facing great degradation on many levels as the effects of climate change become more visible. With increased pressure from other factors stemming from human activ-ity, the ecosystem dynamic is volatile given the resources intertwined in our fight to preserve the flora and fauna. Coastal erosion and a heavy influx of seaweed challenged our nesting beach last year but together we survived and will perpetuate the legacy built by our program pioneers in our small community of Matura, Trinidad. In 2015, Nature Seekers devised a plan to better equip itself to face these challenges head-on through an organi-zation-wide consultation and strategic planning process. Having completed this process, the organization success-fully ended 2015 better poised to mitigate future environmental crises. With a renewed sense of purpose we have streamlined each activity to achieve these goals and objectives. Our efforts are realigned focusing on the individ-

ual program contributions to organization success and building new avenues to create sustainability. These points are further elaborated throughout the report.

With this said, I take this opportunity to sincerely thank all staff, members, volunteers, donors, partners and stakeholders for their support and urge con-tinuous efforts geared toward environmental conservation and wise use of our natural fragile resources. We have grown together as a community with much dedication, passion and drive. I invite you to join us as we chart our future. Our positivity and vision invites all who are ready to come with us as we embark on a renewed path empow-ering community organizations and individuals to support our ecosystem.

• Reforestation Programme

• Outreach and Events

• Salybia Recreation and Watersport

Centre

6. Capacity Building

7. Financial Summary

8. New Strategic Direction

9. Acknowledgements

Suzan Lakhan-Baptiste

Executive Summary

2015 signalled a great milestone for Nature Seekers. The organization celebrated 25

years in the field of conservation. This anniver-sary began with much celebration as Nature Seekers was the recipient of the Best Environ-mental Project Award 2015 from the Energy Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago. The award was fittingly given for the organiza-tion’s Turtle Conservation project. Later in the year Nature Seekers also received the Business Excellence Award – (Direct Tourism Services) from the Trinidad Hotel Restaurants and Tour-ism Association Award Ceremony 2015 for a second consecutive year.

Nature Seekers also faced several challenges in 2015. The influx of seaweed and an increase in coastal erosion on the nesting beach of Matura created prohibitions for the conservation works that the organization engages in. With creative thinking, team-work and proper management of its resources and assets, Nature Seekers was able to withstand these drawbacks and emerge successful. Practical solutions were implemented to reduce seaweed along the nesting coast-lines through daily beach cleanups. Additionally, patrols and tour guides went beyond the call of duty to create alternative pathways to ensure that visitors safely enjoyed the turtle nesting experience.

To expand its product and service offering in a manner that is streamlined and beneficial to all its core stakeholder groups and the environment, Nature Seekers engaged in

an intensive Strategic Planning process in 2015. The result was the completion of

the organization’s new strategic plan. The Plan is geared towards provid-

ing a cohesive and thorough “roadmap” for the

organization as it seeks to make better use of its natural and human resources under the theme “Conservation through Experience”.

In mapping a new course to deliver its new mission and purpose, Nature Seekers launched its latest product innovation in 2015. The Turtle Warrior Bracelet was created to con-tinue the thrust towards repurposing waste into practical saleable items while simultaneously providing an opportunity for consumers to ac-tively contribute to conservation. The Turtle War-rior Bracelet offered a variety of classy styles all hand-crafted by artisans from Matura creating a practical social and business enterprise.

Acknowledging that education and awareness are integral to connecting with the wider public and creating a positive impact that can lead to behavioural change as it relates to human in-teraction with the environment, Nature Seekers continued its outreach activities through its Education Unit. The unit participated in national environmental events and hosted interactive sessions in schools from Matura to Matelot.

2015 was indeed a year of much creativity, visioning, team-work and stellar volunteerism by all members, staff and affiliates of Nature Seekers. From successful sea turtle rescues to continuous capacity building through several forms of training for staff, the organization kept steadfast to its new mission of providing superi-or conservation experiences for its customers in securing the regions natural resources.

A new BoARd of dIRectoRs

On October 4 2015, the membership of Nature Seekers elected a new Board of Directors . The elected board members and officers are:• Chair – Mrs. Suzan Lakhan-Baptiste• Vice Chair – Mr. Kyle Mitchell• Secretary – Mrs. Esther Vidale• Treasurer – Mr. Nevon Williams• Director – Mrs. Abigail TaylorManaging Director – Mr. Dennis Sammy is also a member of the Board.

Members of the Board

Organisation Background25 YeARs of tuRtle conseRvAtIon And communItY development

2015 heralded the 25th year anniversary of Nature Seekers as an organization which prides themselves on working with the community to ensure the conservation and wise use of its natural resources whilst generating sustainable livelihoods for the area’s residents. Its goal was to develop the community through training and educa-tion and to promote eco-tourism as a tool for conservation.

Established in 1990, through the engage-ment of the Wildlife Section of the Forestry Division and the support of other stakehold-ers including the private sector, the conser-vation of the leatherback turtles on Matura Beach became an internationally aclaimed community initiative.

Today, Nature Seekers is proud that the community is the nucleus of the leadership and management of this and other projects which are undertaken under the purview of the organization.

Indeed, while the core business of Nature Seekers is the conservation of the vulner-able leatherback turtle, the organization, in its attempt to increase the capacities of the community and expand its conservation activities has branched into complementary eco-tourism and sustainable development activities and practices.

Presently Nature Seekers’ offers Nature Tours and recycled craft products which provide not only a fulfilling experience for customers but also provide education and awareness in the area of environmental conser-vation and an avenue for customers to contribute to conservation efforts through product pur-

chases.

Nature Seekers is proud to have played a vital role in conserving our natural re-sources through successful collaboration with community members; and the public and private sectors. The organization looks forward to continuing its thrust to serve the country in securing a sustain-able ecosystem by providing memorable conservation experiences, through a myri-ad of innovative and exciting activities for all volunteers, visitors and supporters.

Main HighlightsBest environmental Project award 2015Nature Seekers commenced its 25th anniversary year on a high note as it was successful in winning the Best Environmental Project Award 2015 from the Energy Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago. The award was received at the annual Energy Chamber’s Conference. On January 27, 2015 the Best Environmental Project Award was presented to Nature Seekers for its unique contribution to the environment. Given under the area of Corporate Social Responsibility, the award assessed the organi-zation’s Turtle Conservation project and evaluated such factors as the sustainability and relevance as well as the impact the project had on its community and wider stakeholder base.

tourism Business excellence award 2015Nature Seekers took one of the top Awards (Business Excellence Award – Direct Tourism Services) from the Trinidad Hotel Restau-rants and Tourism Association Award Ceremony 2015. This is the second consecutive year in which the organization has won this award. Nature Seekers’ Board members and staff were able to meet with the Honourable Minister of Tourism Shamfa Cudjoe, The organization’s 25th anniversary celebrations were indeed highlighted with this award being the second Nature Seekers has received in 2015.

turtle warrior Bracelet

In 2015 Nature Seekers Turtle Warrior bracelet was designed and developed. Each recycled glass bead is handcrafted in our workshop through a process called flameworking, assembled into bracelets and completed with a cotton tassel and our signature hand-carved coconut turtle charm. Nature Seekers wanted to provide customers with a product which allowed them to more actively provide direct support to the conservation activities of the organization. This process creates meaningful employment oppor-tunities for community members and proceeds from all sales go directly back to Nature Seekers, supporting our community based conservation efforts.

2 Awards in 1 year

Nature Seekers Staff in photo with Minister of Tourism, Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe

Nature Seekers Chair and other Award winners 2015

Turtle Worrior Bracelets

Key Environmental ChallengesInflux of seAweed

In 2015 Trinidad, Tobago and other Caribbean islands experienced an influx of Sargassum (Seaweed) in quantities greater than had been experienced in recent years. Over a four-month period (April to July 2015) there were significant amounts of seaweed on Matura Beach. This posed a direct threat to the nest-ing females by obstructing their path and led to a reduction in the number of nesting events mainly for the months of April and May. Although turtles were still attempting to nest, the hatchlings were having great difficulties leaving the beach. This had a direct negative impact on Nature Seekers’ conservation activities and upon the organization’s resources.In response to this environmental threat, Nature Seekers commenced a full time daily sea-weed clean-up from July 6, 2015 until the end of the nesting season in August 2015. The activity focused on areas where the nesting was high in the past to improve the chances of successful emergence.

eRodIng seAscApes

Another problem encountered was eroding shorelines. As part of the natural dynamics of the beach there are many areas where beach erosion has occurred over the years and continued in 2015. This annual challenge affected data collection. Due to this occurrence it was difficult to access certain areas of the beach to collect data. Staff ’s ability to safely take visitors to nesting turtles in a timely manner was also greatly impaired. The few areas where the turtles were able to nest were inaccessible to visitors. To counteract these natural environmental effects, Nature Seekers initiated activities to clear alternative trails that would lead to an im-provement in the paths towards the shoreline where the turtles were nesting.

IncIdentAl cAtch of tuRtles In nets

There were 8 turtles (confirmed) that washed ashore dead in 2015 during the height of the seaweed influx on the Matura Beach and one ashore on Penzance beach. Reported incidenc-es of Sea turtles being caught in the nets of fishers were low during the period in which the seaweed was extensive. This, it has been deduced, is as a result of fishers reducing their fish-ing activities as the seaweed impaired their fishing efforts. However, once the seaweed subsided, the occurrence of incidental catch of turtles in nets was once again a real threat. To mitigate against this issue, Nature Seekers has activated its Bycatch project again by communicating with the authorities to lobby for a collective solu-tion where both fishers and the natural habitat can co-exist successfully.

Seaweed on Matura Beach over 6ft in height

A turtle rescue by Richard Villafana

Turtle Tour with Francis Superville

A trapped turtle that was freed

Key Programme Results

Sea TurTle ConServaTion This programme was designed to increase the popula-tions of turtles nesting in Trinidad and Tobago and enhance the capacity of the community, to advocate for the conserva-tion of these vulnerable species. The emphasis was placed on increasing hatchling production and decreasing the mortality of nesting females. Focus was placed on creating the right con-ditions to increase nesting activities on the beaches and using tourism to establish social enterprise and provide life changing experiences for visitors, while improving the management of sea turtles. The programme also put emphasis on reducing the bycatch of sea turtles in nets.

2015 Project Results:Number of Nesting events = 7097Number of Turtles Tagged and recorded =799Number of Visitors = 14131Number of Persons employed =19

Staff members on this programme were also able to successfully rescue three (3) turtles that had difficulty nesting due to the large amounts of seaweed and other obstacles along the shore-line.

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IncreasingVisitorNumbers

Sea TurTle ByCaTCh ProjeCT

Bycatch is the unintentional capture of non-target marine spe-cies during the fishing process. This project focused on Bycatch as it relates to Trinidad and Tobago’s Leatherback turtles.

Research shows that on average, 3,000 leatherbacks were uninten-tionally caught in gillnets annually, with a mortality rate of 33%. Through consultation, Nature Seekers confirmed that the problem could be even worse. As such the Sea Turtle Bycatch Education Project was conceptu-alised and designed to provide practical solutions to the alleviation of a problem which, if left unmanaged could lead to the drastic decline in the sea turtle population to Trinidad and Tobago’s shores.

Nature Seekers see a strong relationship between this awareness project and the reduction in sea turtle bycatch on the Northeast Coast in the area of Matura to Matelot (M2M).

The project is being implemented in 7 communities with plans to in-crease public support nationally. These communities are Matura, Salybia, Balandra, Cumana, Toco, Sans Souci, Grande Riviere and Matelot.

2015 Project Results: 1. 18 schools visited within Matura to Matelot2. Innovative educational methods were used to trans-

fer knowledge on the topic. These included: - • Interactive education displays• Videos• Topic specific educational games• Puppet shows

3. Stakeholder meetings were held with various fisherfolk regarding the issue of Bycatch.

4. The Education Unit attended national exhibitions included those hosted by the EMA, UNDP and Nature Seekers which were all used to share information on Bycatch issues with the wider public

CrafT Programme

The Nature Seekers Craft Programme was designed to provide a sustainable means of employment opportunities through small business development and to empower women through a focus on women entrepreneurs and personal development. It specifically addressed socio-economic and environmental issues that were affecting the community of Matura. This project repurposed glass bottles from the area’s waterways and surrounding environ-ment, which would have otherwise been waste, and transformed them into valuable, stylish pieces of jewellery. As such, it increased economic sustainability for participating members and helped to ensure social stability and environmental protec-tion.

In 2015 Nature Seekers refined its flame-working and craft production processes and launched its Turtle Warrior brand. This product line features the flagship Turtle Warrior bracelet as well as other products such as earrings and necklaces. Discarded glass bottles are also cleared from the turtle nesting beach and given new life as recycled beads which then transform into the collectible Turtle Warrior bracelets. Each bead on the Turtle Warrior bracelet is hand-crafted in our workshop by skilled men and women from the community and completed with a hand-carved coconut turtle charm.

This initiative utilises glass and coconut products that would have otherwise been waste matter on our nations beaches.

2015 Project Results: - 1. The brand Turtle Warrior was launched in March to increase revenue to the Craft Pro-

gramme with enormous success. Sales doubled within the year.2. Turtle Warrior made available to purchase through our Etsy store (online) – our first

sale was from Australia3. We expanded our distribution taking on new wholesale customers and Turtle War-

rior is now available through nine retailers throughout Trinidad & Tobago, one in Canada and one in the UK.

4. Turtle Warrior was included in Diembox twice for the year5. Participated in 20 markets for the year including Up Market, Racked and Bits

and Pieces.6. We sold over 1500 Turtle Warrior Bracelets7. A craft shop was built and opened at the Orosco Beach Facility8. Stable employment was achieved for five women and a further four people

were engaged through regular purchasing of craft products (coconut work and hand stitched gift bags)

9. We partnered with Bene Caribe to produce their wrapped necklaces and tote bags

10. Funding was received from Digicel Trinidad & Tobago Foundation to embark on a glass slumping and fusing project for which training began in the new year

11. Funding was also received from CIBC to begin a small woodwork shop to make products for the turtle season

12. 250,000 beads were made for the year.

fIRst InteRActIve envIRonmentAl exhItItIon 2015 On July 26, 2015, Nature Seekers hosted its first Interactive Environmental Exhibition at the Salybia Beach in North-east Trinidad. Under the theme “Promoting Sustainable Practices through Environmental Education”, the event sought to provide information to the public on environmental issues and solutions. The event objectives were: -1. To provide a marketing platform for Nature Seekers’ products and services.2. To create an avenue for stakeholders whose focus is Environmental Education to share relevant information to the

public.3. To provide information to the public on environmental issues.4. To promote the Salybia Beach Facility as a viable venue for the hosting of a variety of educational events that support

Nature Seekers’ environmental mandate and mission.

The event featured a total of eight (8) exhibitor groups. These were: - -The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA)-The Asa Wright Nature Centre -Forestry Division

RefoRestation PRogRamme

The National Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme is one managed by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Nature Seekers coordinates and manages human resources within its geographical area (Matura, Balandra and Salybia) towards contributing and achieving the goals of this important national programme. The core objectives of this national pro-gramme are to: -1. Engage communities in different regions throughout Trinidad and Tobago in

the re-introduction and maintenance of the indigenous species of trees in areas that has been under constant forest fires.

2. Alleviate a percentage of the unemployment in rural areas. Nature Seekers once again was part of this programme in 2015 and its efforts and teamwork contributed to the achieving of the results as stated below.

2015 Project Results:1. A total of 1500 seedlings were planted2. 500 wildings were planted3. 300 acres of forest state lands were maintained and the following activities

were undertaken: -• the team monitored and patrolled forested areas during the fire season• 20 - 30 foot fire traces were cleared and maintained• fallen trees were cut and cleared within the area• waterways were cleared and cleaned • access roads in the area were cut and cleared

4. 35 members of the community were employed on a full-time basis within this project.

5. Staff under this project also provided assistance in cleaning areas of the tur-tle nesting site to allow for easier and safer access for visitors and patrols.

fIRst InteRActIve envIRonmentAl exhItItIon 2015 On July 26, 2015, Nature Seekers hosted its first Interactive Environmental Exhibition at the Salybia Beach in North-east Trinidad. Under the theme “Promoting Sustainable Practices through Environmental Education”, the event sought to provide information to the public on environmental issues and solutions. The event objectives were: -1. To provide a marketing platform for Nature Seekers’ products and services.2. To create an avenue for stakeholders whose focus is Environmental Education to share relevant information to the

public.3. To provide information to the public on environmental issues.4. To promote the Salybia Beach Facility as a viable venue for the hosting of a variety of educational events that support

Nature Seekers’ environmental mandate and mission.

The event featured a total of eight (8) exhibitor groups. These were: - -The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA)-The Asa Wright Nature Centre -Forestry Division

Outreach and events

AnnuAl Pre TurTle SeASon BeAch cleAnuP 2015Nature Seekers opened the 2015 Turtle Nesting Season on Sunday March 1st, 2015 with its Annual Beach Clean-up at the Matura Beach on the North-East Coast of Trinidad. The event was particularly special as it sig-nalled the launch of Nature Seekers’ 25th Anniversary celebrations.The Matura beaches (Rincon & Orosco) are globally important nesting sites for critically endangered Leatherback sea turtles. The turtle nesting process can be hampered by the presence of debris and drift wood that gather along the shorelines in the rainy season. The core objectives of the event were to: - 1. Eliminate obstacles that prevent females from nesting and hatchlings

from emerging successfully.2. Provide a safe environment for the turtle viewing programme.3. Support a sustainable community enterprise repurposing glass litter

into crafts.4. Raise awareness on the protection of marine turtles

The event garnered support from a total of 1,485 volunteers who collec-tively removed over 250 bags of garbage along with several large items of debris.The event closed with the popular Sand Turtle Competition. Eighteen teams participated in the competition, vying for the number one spot and the opportunity to take home the treasured trophy for “Best Sand Turtle” 2015. Under the judging of Mr. Richard Sorrillo (Forestry Division); Mr. Ricardo Meade (El Socorro Centre for Wildlife Conservation) and Ms. Mariella Maynard (Turtle Village Trust), the coveted title and first winner prize was awarded to the USC GNOSTAI CLUB. They were followed by “Friends and Them” and the Asja Boys’ College who placed 2nd and 3rd respectively.

First interactive environmental exhitition 2015 cont............. -Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago-Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) -The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM)-Nature Seekers Education and Awareness Unit-Nature Seekers craft

The event proved to be very interactive and included:-The offering of games and activities by at least three (3) exhibitors (ODPM, Asa Wright Nature Centre and the Nature Seekers Education Booth)-Mini petting zoo provided by the Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago

Capacity Building - InvestIng In ouR humAn ResouRces

Nature Seekers understands the importance that continuous training plays in developing not only staff members but also the organization at large. As such, across the various programmes, staff members were provided with the opportunity for person-al and professional development through a myriad of training programmes executed in 2015. The wider community was also invited to partake in relevant training sessions that were offered. Continuous training enhances staff members’ ability to provide a higher quality of service and operate under higher stan-dards. Training was provided in the following areas: - - Defensive Driving Training, Entrepreneurial Skills Training, Events Management, First Aid Training, Public Speaking and Su-pervisory Training

Salybia RecReation and WateRSpoRt centRe

The Salybia Recreation and Watersport Centre is a partnership initiative with the Ministry of Toruism that provides a viable, sustainable employment which engage active community involvement in Local Tourism.This project allows for the engagement and empowerment of the local community as they are part of the process for the development, management and ownership of this local tourism product.

2015 Project Results: -Local community members supplied security services for the facilities, staff and visitors at the Salybia Beach.-A total of 13 persons were employed in the areas of Security Personnel, Wash-room attendants, Maintenance workers Kayak attendants and kitchen staff.

Financial Summary

6%

47%

12%

29%

6%

REVENUE

Reforestation

TurtleMonitoringprogramme

CraftProject

SalybiaProject

Administrativeandoperations

4%

29%

13%27%

27%

EXPENDITURE

Reforestation

TurtleMonitoringprogramme

CraftProject

SalybiaProject

Administrativeandoperations

New Strategic Direction

goveRnAnce: Nature Seekers believe that a strong gover-nance system is necessary to direct and achieve assured success. This is necessary as our success over the years is leading us to become a national and regional sustainable development NGO that uses experience of and in nature conservation as a tool to educate, give enjoyment, and provide a basis for conservation, research and sustainable livelihoods.

mAnAgement: It is the intention of Nature Seekers to strengthen its management system to increase perfor-mance and assurance. We aim to develop and improve operational efficiency and organizational effectiveness that enables Nature Seekers to innovate, execute, co-ordinate, audit, and report on the organization so as to maximise the impact on conservation. The institution and implementation of these systems will facilitate increased coordination, communication and interaction between and among the various operational functions/ departments/ programmes of NS.

seA tuRtle: This programme is designed to increase the populations of turtles nesting in Trinidad and Tobago and enhance the capacity of the stakeholders, to advocate for the conservation of these vulnerable species. The empha-sis will be to increase hatchling production and decrease mortality of nesting females. Firstly, focus will be placed on creating the right conditions to increase nesting activ-ities on the beaches while improving the management of sea turtles. Secondly, the programme will also focus on reducing the bycatch of turtle in nets. It is our approach

ouR new vIsIon

Nature Seekers envisions an empowered organisation supporting a sustainable ecosystem.

mIssIon

Nature Seekers is dedicated to providing superior, ex-citing and memorable conservation experiences for our

customers in securing the regions natural resources.

coRe vAlues

• Diversity of strength & talents of the peo-ple (members, partners and stakeholders).

• Natural Resources and the critical role it plays in the sustainability of life, health and happiness.

• Good Governance (integrity, transparency & accountability) in the performance or accomplish-

ments of our goals. • Innovation in seeking new solutions, new

resources and new collaborations in order to meet challenges and overcome limitations.

In a process that took 11 months, Nature Seekers cre-ated a bold new strategic direction that will be under-taken during the period 2015 – 2020. The strategy is focused on the theme ‘Conservation through Experience’ which focuses on the provision of opportunities for our customers to be engaged in the conservation initiatives by actively participating in ‘magical’ nature experience with purpose. The strategy will be executed by the imple-mentation of six (6) programmes.

AcknowledgementsNature Seekers wishes to express our gretest appreciation to our partners and stakeholders for the support in making 2015 a success. We especially wish to acknowledge the following partners for which without their support the result of 2015 would not have been possible.

We acknowledge:1. The Forestry Division in the Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries1. The Global Enivronment Facility Small Grants Programme2. The Green Fund Executing Unit in the Ministy of Planning and Development3. The Ministry of Tourism4. The National Reforestation Programme in the Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries5. Turtle Village Trust and their community partners6. Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network7. Trinidad Hotel Resturant and Tourism Association8. Digicel Foundataion9. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

to work with the fishers and other stakeholders to improve the conditions for effective use of alternative fishing equip-ment instead of nets

conseRvAtIon educAtIon: This programme is designed to increase the opportunities for experiential learning and to make the connection between the conservation activities and the opportunity for the public to have an experience in nature. The approach will be to involve the customers in achieving the conservation results while they gaining an ex-perience doing fieldwork and enjoying themselves. The focus will be on identifying different customer groups and their needs and creating valuable products and services to satisfy those needs. We will continue to create the right conditions for establishing meaningful business opportunities to support conservation in providing life changing experiences while improving the management of our natural resources.

wAteRshed conseRvAtIon: The conservation of important watersheds in the area is crtitical in sustaining the regions natural resources. The approach will be to improve the natural assets through the preparation and maintenance of the natural resources within important watersheds. This will be done by the transformation of unsustainable practices into social, environmental and economical activities. While enjoying the attractions in the area, customers will be involved in monitoring water quality, erosion, reforestation, species identification and the monitoring of various uses of the rivers. This initiative will aid in the reduction of flooding, manage climate change impacts and recreational pressures on the water-shed system with the aim to increase biodiversity within the M2M region.

gReen fARm: We aim to transform environmentally, economically and socially unsustainable conventional agricultural practices in the North/ East area into green approaches that contributes to the quality of the water in the area. We hope to positively affect the environmental health as well as to the economic and social welfare of the community. The focus will be on improving the water quality in the area by targeting farmers along the northeast coast of Trinidad that use pesticides in the production of farm produce. The aim will be to reduce the amount of pollutant from getting into our water ways. The programme will be designed for sustainability by creating valuable products and to work with the farmers to strengthen their production with the aim to purchase from them to expand supply capabilities.

STATEMENT OF PROMISE

“We will provide products and services that are special with unique stories, quality and

value that will inspire improvement in the lives of the consumers. We provide a prompt,

efficient service that allows customers to explore the magic of nature. We connect you to

the natural environment with a learning experience that binds you to our cause while we

inspire the best of the rural communities in delivering that experience”