IMA donates Books to The UWI Alma Jordan Library
Lorraine Barrow – Librarian
Institute of Marine Affairs
On February 23, 2021, the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) presented The University of the West Indies (UWI) Alma Jordan Library with three 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, inter alia, the various types of mangrove trees that are indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago with a comprehensive depiction of the geographical distribution of this wetland ecosystem in our twin-island republic. This book, which was 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, was funded by the Point Lisas Nitrogen Limited.
At the handing over of the books to The UWI Alma Jordan Library, Dr. Juman briefly explained that, “Mangrove forests play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and help in mitigating climate change”. 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”.
Acting Campus Librarian of The UWI Alma Jordan Library, Ms. Allison Dolland, expressed her gratitude for the donation on behalf of the Alma Jordan Library. She stated that the publication would greatly add value to the Library collection and assist students in their research studies.
Among the topics covered in the publication are: Benefits of Mangroves; Geographic Distribution of Mangroves in Trinidad and Tobago; Socio-Economic Importance of Mangrove Forests in Trinidad and Tobago; and Mangrove Conservation Efforts.
Head of Technical Services of UWI Alma Jordan Library – Ms. Elmelinda Lara and Information Officer/PR, Officer-in-Charge of Information Centre of the IMA – Ms. Krystal Ganaselal were all present for the book donation.