IMA Presentation of Mangrove Forests of Trinidad and Tobago Books to NALIS
By Lorraine Barrow, Librarian
Institute of Marine Affairs
On February 23, 2021, the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) presented the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) with 162 copies of its most recent publication titled, Mangrove Forests of Trinidad and Tobago, reinforcing its commitment to public education and awareness.
Unveiled at a virtual book launch on February 2nd 2021 to commemorate World Wetlands Day, the publication describes the various types of mangrove trees that are indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago with a comprehensive description of the geographical distribution of this wetland ecosystem in our twin-island republic. Written by the Director (Ag.) of the Institute of Marine Affairs, Dr. Rahanna Juman and research officers – Mr. Hamish Asmath, Ms. Nikia Gooding and Mr. Gyasi Collins, the publication explores the unique flora and fauna associated with mangroves and provides sound tips on mangrove conservation.
In presenting the books, Dr. Juman said, “Mangrove forests play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and help in mitigating climate change. Hence we need to protect and conserve mangrove forests for our sustainable future”. With the theme for World Wetlands Day 2021 titled, ‘Wetlands and Water”, she said “mangroves are among the more powerful nature-based solutions of fresh water”. She further expressed hope that this new publication would help sensitise readers on conservation efforts to protect mangroves, which she described as being “among the most threatened ecosystems in the world”.
Executive Director of NALIS (Ag.), Ms. Paula Greene, expressed her gratitude for the donation on behalf of NALIS. She said, “It is the remit of NALIS to collect and preserve the intellectual memory of Trinidad and Tobago for future generations and so we are indeed truly elated and appreciative when organisations write and contribute to the national repository”.
Written in non-technical jargon and intended for the general public, decision makers and secondary and tertiary level students, the books will be made accessible to the public and schools by way of NALIS Heritage Division, Public Libraries Division and the NALIS School Library Media Centres.
Director of NALIS Educational School Libraries – Ms. Primatie Persad, Director of NALIS Heritage Library Division – Ms. Cherylann Quamina-Baptiste and Information Officer/PR, Officer-in-Charge of Information Centre of the IMA – Ms. Krystal Ganaselal were all present for the book donation.