Making believers out of sceptics: Wetland’s Hidden Treasures
by Attish Kanhai “What about the area in front of Five Islands Amusement park?” was the suggestion from a colleague as we planned our activities for World Wetlands month (February 2022). “I don’t know, is there nice?” came my sceptical reply. “Well there’s a lot of birds and the place is quite scenic,” was the subtle retort. I remained unconvinced and with some trepidation, I prepared for a site visit. Granted it was five minutes away from the office and I am not much of a bird watcher, “How bad could it be?” I thought to myself. To my knowledge, much of the coastline in the western peninsula...
Recovering Marine Wildlife for our Sustainable Development
by Sheldon Ramoutar On 20 December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the 3, March World Wildlife Day to raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants. The theme for 2022 "Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration" was announced by the Secretariat for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES is one of the world's most powerful tools for wildlife conservation through the regulation of international trade, which was signed in 1973. It comprises 183 Parties (182 countries + the European Union). The 2022 theme is geared towards highlighting and promoting the best practices for...
Women and Girls in Science ‘Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Water Unites Us’
IMA Women in Science by Hannah Lochan...
World Wetlands Day 2022 – Tree Planting Ceremony
In the context of World Wetlands Day, celebrated annually on 2nd February, the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), organized a tree planting ceremony on the compound of the IMA. The tree species that were planted were not wetland type species like mangroves but species such as Pommerac, Soursop, Chatagne, Sour Cherry and Lime to name but a few....
VALUE – MANAGE – RESTORE: LOVE YOUR WETLANDS
Black-bellied tree ducks in Icacos Swamp by Rahanna Juman ...
Let us Empower ourselves with sound Information for 2022! – A Transparent and Accessible Ocean with Open Access to Data, Information and Technologies
by Paul Nelson and Lorraine Barrow There is something about the start of a new year that can bring a whiff of green optimism and a breath of fresh ocean air. It affords us the opportunity to pause and revisit occurrences and experiences of the past year and make new resolutions. One thing that stood out in 2021, against a backdrop of the unrelenting COVID-19 pandemic, were the extreme weather events signaling that climate change is REAL! As the year 2022 gets into its stride with new year resolutions, let us include self-empowerment with sound information and data to go GREEN as we make every...
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
On the rough and tumultuous journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a young family carried the world’s most precious cargo and birthed the promise of ages in a stable amongst the bleating of sheep and the din of other lowly barn animals. The child king received from wise men of old, gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh; yet it was He, that child king that gave the best gift of all. ...
Ocean Conservancy – International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day 2021
Did you know that marine litter such as plastic bottles, bottle caps, food wrappers and styrofoam are among the most common items found littered on our beaches? To learn more on the top ten items collcted on our beaches and coastal areas and across the world, please view this informative inforgraphic prepared Mrs. Christine Thomas-Dookie....