here - Caroni Swamp RDI

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Contact information
Phone: 1(868) 662-2002 Ext 83739
Fax: 1 (868) 663-5241
E-mail: [email protected]
I SSU E 2
Caroni Swamp RDI Project
Newsletter
©Luke Rostant
Research in the Caroni Swamp
National discourse on the
balance between the current
use of Trinidad and Tobago’s
natural resources and the
inter-generational imperative
to maintain biodiversity and
ecosystem services continues
to reflect a disconnect between the stated national policies and treaty obligations on
biodiversity, protected areas,
forests and land degradation
and the realities of natural
resource exploitation and
development that actually
occurs on the landscape. In
part, this disconnect reflects
the inability of national stakeholders to quantify the true
financial and developmental
implications of trading-off the
country’s current biodiversity
and ecosystem services for
current land-use and resource
exploitation exigencies. By
applying rigorous econometric
techniques to estimate total
economic value of the biodiversity and ecosystem goods
and services in a model ecosystem (the Caroni Swamp), this
TEEB study will provide one
of the first comprehensive
attempts to assign an economic value to the goods and services provided to the national
community by this iconic
natural area.
By demonstrating that natural
goods and services can be
accounted for in a manner
that is economically realistic
and biologically acceptable,
our study can provide a model
for mainstreaming this valuation approach in Trinidad and
Tobago. This approach will be
invaluable to a range of national stakeholders, from government environmental policy
and physical development
F EBRU ARY 2 014
Inside this issue:
Research Projects
planners to community and
NGO stakeholders, as it can
serve as a model for conducting similar TEV estimates for
other natural areas and important ecological services.
In this regard, this project
specifically addresses an information gap that is relevant to
the National Climate Change
Policy (2011), with respect to
the value of potential losses of
ecological goods and services
and sustainable livelihoods,
due to climate change.
Knowledge of the quanta of
economic losses through climate change can provide key
information for assessing the
scale of investments required
for national adaptation strategies to climate change, and for
assessing the economic viability of competing adaptation
strategies.
2-9
About RDI Fund
10
Contact information
10
Special points of interest:
 Briefly express your interests at the
following forum
http://apps.caroniswamprdi.org/Forum/
TopicGroup/
© Sherazade Ali
©Luke Rostant
HTTP : // WW W . CA RONIS WA M PRDI . ORG /
Local Community Use of the Caroni Swamp: Use, Attitudes and
Perceptions - Aditi Thanoo
Restricting use and access of prodetermine resource use and attitudes of
tected areas can lead to local people
the Cacandee community towards the
holding negative attitudes towards proCaroni Swamp; causative socio-economic
tected areas and violating regulations to
illegally use protected
areas (Allendorf et al.
2012). Negative attitudes can affect local
perceptions of any future policy action and
management strategies.
In this regard, one way
to improve protected
area management is to
develop an understanding of local people’s
resource use, attitudes
and perceptions, and
underlying
causative ©RDI Caroni Swamp Project
factors
(Chandool
2007; Allendorf et al.
factors were also investigated. Local per2012). Chandool (2007) suggested that
ceptions of the proposed Caroni Nationsocio-economic variables affected real Park were also discussed and willingsource dependency and attitudes. It
ness to be part of management strategies
was also proposed that perception of
was assessed. Data was obtained via selfimpacts from future management stratadministered questionnaires comprising
egies was inter-related with attitudes. It
of 44 close-ended questions. Sixteen semi
is proposed that the analysis of these
-structured interviews were conducted to
three factors (resource use, attitudes
provide further details on resource use
and future perceptions) can determine
and attitudes. Information was gathered
appropriate management strategies.
on predictor variables such as ‘family use’
The objectives of this study were to
and socioeconomic factors (gender, age,
education, length of residency, household size and income). Analysis was
conducted using binary logistic regressions; α=0.05. Two sub-models were
constructed for resource use to
differentiate between general
and frequent swamp use. Four
attitudinal sub-models were
constructed (overall attitudes;
attitudes to the protected area;
attitudes to current management and attitudes to future
management) and differentiated
between the two ‘resource use’
variables.
It is expected that the swamp
will be used minimally and attitudes towards the protected
area are expected to be negative
due to restricted access. Any
perception of impacts of future management strategies may be negative
due to current attitudes towards the
protected area. It is hypothesized as
well, that with negative attitudes and
perceptions, local residents would not
be interested in participating in any
future management. It is hoped that
with this understanding of local people’s views, management strategies for
protected areas would become more
effective.
© Sherazade Ali
Issue 2
Page 2
Student Research Projects -
http://www.caroniswamprdi.org/research.html
Habitat use by the Crab-eating Raccoon, Proycon cancrivorus, in the
Caroni Swamp, Trinidad - Danielle Lewis
The aim of the
study is to investigate occupancy of
the
crab-eating
raccoon population
within mangrove
habitats on selected
island areas of the
Caroni Swamp over
a four (4) month
period.
For the
purpose of this
study camera traps
will be used for
©RDI Caroni Swamp Project
animal trapping at
random locations
within the terrestrial area of the Caroni
studies to determine species richness,
Swamp and habitat surveys will be
density, abundance and spatial use
conducted at the camera traps sites.
among selected terrestrial vertebrates
Camera traps are a non-invasive sam(Foster and Harmsen, 2011; Silver et al.
pling methodology which poses a low
2004; Tobler et al 2008; Ahumada et
risk of environmental disturbance to
al. 2011; Trolle et al. 2007).
animals in an area (Rowcliffe et al.
Data collection started in November
2008, 108). The data collected will
2013 and is anticipated to continue
provide photographic evidence of the
until February 2014. The project team
presence of an animal in the study sites
consists of Danielle Lewis (M.Sc. stu(Rovero, Tobler and Sanderson 2010,
dent – Biodiversity Conservation and
28), and have been used in previous
Sustainable Development in the
Caribbean) under the supervision of Dr. Howard Nelson and
Dr Luke Rostant of the Department of Life Sciences of The
University of the West Indies,
St. Augustine.
It is anticipated that the study
will reveal critical features of the
crab-eating raccoon including:
characterization of habitat use
by the crab-eating raccoon; investigation of the spatial variability of racoon presence; and to
examine the relationship between spatial variability and the
size and distance between island areas
based on the presence/non-detection
of the target species. This information
can be used as baseline data for future
studies and can provide the necessary
tools for developing efficient and effective conservation and management
programmes for the crab-eating raccoon.
Bat Diversity in the Caroni Swamp - Rachel Campbell
Bats in the Neotropics are
ecologically important because
they aid in the dispersion of
seeds, pollination of flowers
and help to control the insect
population. Bats have a variety
of diets which include: insects,
small vertebrates, vertebrate
blood, fruit and nectar. In
Trinidad and Tobago, the
mammalian fauna comprises
almost 70 species of bats
which belong to 9 families
(Goodwin and Greenhall,
1961; Clarke, Rostant, and
Racey, 2005).
There is little known about
the composition of the bat
fauna in the Caroni Swamp. It
is therefore important that the
chiropteran fauna in this area
be documented and moni-
tored since there is the potential for alterations to the
swamp and its surrounding
areas to affect the welfare of
bat species.
This study utilized a combination of ground and canopy
mist nets as well as a harp trap
for collecting specimens. Trapping was done at two sites in
the swamp interior and two
sites at the edge of the swamp.
Information including the
species, age, sex and forearm
length of the bats captured
was collected and the bats
were then released.
The objectives of this study
are:
bats are present in the swamp
certain habitats in the swamp
vicinity of the swamp
A map was created using the program ArcGIS 10.1 to show the
location of each site surveyed.
Microsoft Excel, Community Analysis Package 4 (CAP4) and Species Diversity and Richness (SDR) software were
used to analyse data.
Statistical analyses, such
as Analysis of Similarity
(ANOSIM), Similarity
Percentages (SIMPER),
species accumulation
curves and dominance
indices were utilised for
data analysis.
© Rachel Campbell
Caroni Swamp RDI Project Newsletter
Page 3
Mangrove Forest Structure and Composition with a focus on the Black
Mangrove in the Caroni Swamp - Richmond Basant
Mangrove forests appear among the most
productive ecosystems on earth providing
important goods and services
to tropical coastal populations
(Fontalvo-Herazo 2011). Mangroves are specially adapted
plants capable of surviving in
intertidal regions under brackish conditions (Kumara et. al.
2010). Effective mangrove conservation measures should be
i m ple m e nt e d b as e d o n
knowledge of species type,
abundance, health status and
environmental conditions.
(DBH) and seedling counts respectively.
Randomly generated sampling stations,
The purpose of my project is to
obtain similar information for
the black mangrove in the Caroni Swamp. Baseline data for © Richmond Basant
the black mangrove (Avicennia
plots and quadrats would be generated and
germinans (L.) Stearn and A. schauriana
used along the Blue River. The sampling
Stapf & Leechman ex Moldenke) would
protocol is design based on the findings of
be collected in the Caroni Swamp as no
Juman and Ramsewak (2011) where alterarecent information has been published.
tions in land cover during the period 1942Basal area and seedling density would be
2007 is noted. Their study shows a spatial
calculated using diameter at breast height
gradient of mangrove re-establishment
from west to east during the above mentioned period. My study will investigate the differences in basal area
and seedling density between
natural stands and recently established stands along this gradient.
Simultaneously, correlation between abiotic parameters (namely
canopy closure, canopy height,
salinity and tidal amplitude) and
biotic parameters within the differently aged stands would be
investigated. The outcome of the
project will provide information
on the distribution and regeneration dynamics of Avicennia spp.
stands in relation to present environmental conditions. This would
create a snapshot view of the black
mangrove abundance, stand stability
and environmental conditions while
providing baseline data for future research into mangrove structure and
composition.
Leaf litter deposition rates of three mangrove tree species in the Caroni
Swamp, Trinidad W.I. - Kirby Harripersad
Leaf litter fall in the mangrove swamp
represents a significant portion of the
components of the mangrove production at the primary level.
It may be useful to carry out studies on
the rates of this litter fall since they can
be indicators of a stressful environment. Mangrove productivity can indicate soil fertility, presence of sulfides,
less than optimum soil salinities, changes in temperature and forest structure
development. Litter fall rate may be
related to canopy cover which represents stand biomass and thus the
forest's productivity and health. This
reflects the swamp's ability to preserve
the biodiversity and wetland functions.
Estimating leaf fall and litter deposition
rates can also gauge the mangrove's
response to climate change since litter
fall production is influenced by solar
radiation, temperature and rainfall.
period October 2013 to February 2014
every fortnight. The dry weight of the
leaves will be recorded and a daily rate
calculated. The data will then give a rate
for the different species of mangroves
found at Caroni, and a daily rate for
the forest as a community.
This data will be tested against with
rainfall, wind, temperature and salinity
measurements to test for significant
correlations
The method used to estimate the rate of
leaf fall is that of leaf litter traps. These
traps are strategically placed throughout
the swamp according to canopy cover,
species type and distance from the coast.
The traps are being sampled during the
It is anticipated that the results will give
a better understanding of the effect that
biotic factors have on the mangrove
and thus be useful for management
strategies. Studies that provide information for analysis such as this one are
critical to adaptively control dynamic
systems such as an intertidal mangrove
swamp.
Issue 2
Page 4
Passerine bird habitat selection in the Caroni Swamp - Rachel Boodoo
© Rachel Boodoo
The Caroni Swamp is the largest wetland on the west coast of Trinidad
(Cuffy, 2002) and the largest mangrove
forest in Trinidad and Tobago (Juman
and Ramsewak, 2011 and White,
2008). Covering an area of approximately 6,125 ha the Swamp consists of
about 60% of the island’s mangrove.
Previous studies have recorded between
138 and 157 avian species (Cuffy,
2002), indicating the swamp’s significance as an important habitat for avian
species. Birds can indicate the integrity
of landscapes such as wetlands (U.S.
EPA, 2002) and the determination of
habitat use is important for the conservation of bird species (Chandler,
2011).
Nearctic-neotropical migratory songbirds are passerines (perching birds)
which breed in temperate areas; however, they spend the winter in tropical
environments (Moore and Woodrey,
1993). Trinidad is located along a
main migration pathway between
North America to South America and
several species of migratory songbirds
have been recorded at the Caroni
Swamp (Kenefick,et al, 2011). However, relatively little is still known about
the migrant songbird population of the
Caroni Swamp. As such, this project
seeks to build on the existing
knowledge of the distribution and
abundance of the migratory bird species at and around the Caroni Swamp.
This project is assessing the abundance
of the passerine bird species at and
around the swamp through the use of
mist netting and bird banding at seven
sites. These sites correspond with the
different habitat types at and around
the swamp: mangrove forest, herbaceous marsh/marshland and coastal
area. Mist netting is a commonly used
method for the estimation of bird population size and trends (Ralph et al,
1993). Mist netting involves capturing
and banding birds in order to attain
data on age, sex, breeding status, molt,
and survivorship and movement of
many species. The banding and recapture of bird species provide information on populations, movement and
management; as such, banding is important in the conservation of bird
species (The North American Banding
Council, 2001).
March 2013. Surveys are being conducted by Mr. Carl Fitz James
(certified bird bander) and Ms. Rachel
Boodoo (M.Sc. student). Ms. Boodoo
is a final year research student in the
M.Sc. program in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development
in the Caribbean and is currently
working under the under the supervision of Dr. Howard Nelson and Dr.
Luke Rostant of the Department of
Life Sciences of the University of the
West Indies, St Augustine.
The establishment of species abundance and diversity at different habitat
types is expected to help in establishing
the value of the different habitat types
to bird populations. Information obtained on migratory species will give
some indication about the value of the
swamp to these species and its significance as a wintering habitat along the
North America- South America migratory passageway.
Mist netting surveys began in September 2013 and is expected to run until
© Sherazade Ali
© Sherazade Ali
Page 5
Density of the Silky Anteater (Cyclopes didactylus)
within the Caroni Swamp - Danya Alexander
© Danya Alexander
The Caroni Swamp is a dynamic wetland
ecosystem. It contains about 60% of
Trinidad’s mangrove forest and is the
country’s largest mangrove wetland. The combination of such diverse
ecosystems has led to the
Caroni Swamp being the
home to many species
resulting in a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Its
support of these species
is a direct outcome of the
swamp’s production and
protective characteristics
as an ecosystem, enabling
it to provide food and a
range of habitats to an
array of organisms. The
Swamp hosts 3 types of
mangrove (red, white and
black), over 190 species
of birds (Bacon, 1970),
various species of fishes
and mammals. The silky
anteater which is native
to the mangrove forest of the Caroni
Swamp can be found just below the uppermost canopy. However, few studies have
been done on the silky anteater and its
density within the swamp.
The main objective of this study is to
assess the silky anteater’s population
within the swamp and determine its
density distribution per km2. The Line
Transect method would be conducted
to survey the silky anteater’s population. This method is widely used as an
observational technique for estimating
the size of populations and as such is
best suited to this study. These transect
lines along which all visual counts of
individuals are executed would be done
repeatedly and the data on the number
of detections made from all transect
lines would be pooled together after
which the population density can be
calculated. A study of this nature would
be vital in the compilation of baseline
data on biodiversity, assist in the formulation of management plans and aid in
the monitoring of long-term changes
that may occur within the silky anteater’s population.
Stand dynamics of Rhizophora mangle in Caroni Swamp - Peter Elvin
The Caroni Swamp is of tremendous
value both for its economic resources
and the ecological benefits it provides.
Some of these benefits include being a
nursery and a breeding site for fishes,
birds, mammals, crustaceans, reptiles
and shellfish; shoreline protection
against erosion and the filtration of
pollutants.
There has been a decline in mangrove
forest worldwide in recent decades.
Wilkie and Fortuna (2003) indicate
that mangrove forest cover has declined
from 19.8 million hectares in 1980 to
15.9 million hectares in 1990, dropping to 14.7 million hectares in 2000.
There has been loss of mangrove cover
at the Caroni Swamp by anthropogenic
activities as far back as the 1920’s.
These losses include the Cipriani Reclamation Scheme of 1921 -1922 which
facilitated rice cultivation and involved
hydrological alteration of the swamp
(Juman and Ramsewak, 2013); the construction of the Princess Margaret Highway in 1958 which was extended in 1988
and renamed the Uriah Butler Highway
(Juman and Ramsewak, 2013); and the
construction of the Caroni Arena Reservoir by the Water and Sewerage Authority
to improve the water supply to the population of Trinidad. These activities have all
resulted in the reduction of freshwater
supply from tributaries which flushed the
swamp thereby maintaining tolerable salinity levels and simultaneously providing
the much needed sediment and nutrients
for mangrove growth. Juman and Ramsewak (2013) have provided a time series
analysis which identifies areas along the
Blue River and Channel #9 which were
once open water and marsh land in 1942
are now covered by new mangrove growth
in 2007.
this regrowth. The research area begins
at Channel #9 west of the Uriah Butler
Highway and continues along the Blue
River until the mouth at the Gulf of
Paria. It is hoped that analysis of the
data gathered can assist in restoration
projects of mangrove forest, which in
turn will ensure the survival of this
ecosystem and the benefits it provides.
This research project examines some of
the factors that may have contributed to
Issue 2
Page 6
© Howard Nelson
Public Participatory GIS for traditional uses of the Caroni Swamp Reisha Boodram
The Caroni Swamp is the largest mangrove forest in Trinidad and provides a
range of resources which makes it economically important to local people.
Uses of the swamp include recreational
©Luke Rostant
activities such as sport fishing, birdwatching and photography, and extractive activities such as subsistence or
commercial fishing, oyster harvesting
and crab harvesting (Bacon, 1968;
1993; Juman, Bacon and Gerald,
2002). The swamp was declared a Ramsar site in 2005 in order to protect its
rich biodiversity including many threatened species, and to practice sustainable use of its abundant natural resources (Juman and Ramsewak, 2013).
Prior to this, in 1987 a large portion of
the swamp, bounded by the Blue River
to the north and the Madame Espagnol
River to the south, was designated a
Prohibited Area in order to protect the
country’s national bird Eudocimus
ruber (Linnaeus, 1758), the Scarlet Ibis.
This ban resulted in a significant decrease in legal resource use within the
swamp (Juman, Bacon and Gerald,
2002).
This project uses Public Participatory
Geographic Information System
(PPGIS) to access local knowledge from
Felicity residents on the locations of
natural resources within the swamp
and assesses the relative importance of
these resources to them. PPGIS incorporates the use of GIS technology and
provides an opportunity for users of
the swamp to participate in a mapping
exercise done on an aerial photograph
of the swamp. The project tests whether the protected areas are effective by
comparing the PPGIS points to the
boundaries of the Forest Reserve, the
Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ramsar
Site. Distance measures would also be
done to compare the distances that
Felicity residents are willing to travel
for the identified resource uses. Survey
data would be used to determine
whether demographic parameters (e.g.
education and age) predict intensity of
subsistence and recreational use of the
swamp’s resources. It is anticipated
that information gathered from this
project can then be used as a foundation for further studies or for any future planning that may take place at
the site.
Page 7
Spatial Distribution, Relative Abundance and Habitat Use of
Shorebirds in the Caroni Swamp, Caroni Rice Fields and Orange Valley,
Trinidad - Hema David
Shorebirds are a varied group of wading
birds in the order Charadriiformes
(suborder – Charadrii) (O’Brien, et.al.,
2006 and Colwell, 2010). They are distributed nearly throughout the world,
and many of them are long distance migrants (O’Brien et.al., 2006), travelling
between their breeding and wintering
grounds (Long and Ralph, 2001). As
such, their flight is intermittent, requiring stops at intermediate sites to accumulate sufficient energy sources for the journey (Buler et al., 2007). The Caribbean
is a stopover site for Nearctic migrants,
being located between their breeding
grounds in North America and their
wintering grounds in South America
(ebird, 2013).
While several species of shorebirds which
occur worldwide are listed as ‘least concern’ by the ICUN Red List of Threatened Species, most are thought to be
declining or have unknown population
trends (IUCN, 2013). This suggests the
need for additional research on their
population trends, identification of potential threats facing these species and
recommended conservation measures
(IUCN, 2013). This is particularly im-
portant considering the range of anthropogenic threats, such as coastal development,
conversion of wetlands into agriculture,
and pollution, currently affecting worldwide shorebird populations (Sutherland,
W.J. et al., 2012).
Trinidad and Tobago’s coastal systems,
particularly those along the west coast, are
considered important stopover sites for
migratory birds (Morrison and Ross, 1989).
Approximately 49 species of shorebirds
occur within Trinidad and Tobago, of
which, the majority are migratory species
(Kenefick, et.al. 2011). The largest families
include the Charadriiae (Lapwings and
Plovers) and Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and
Allies) families (Kenefick, et.al., 2011).
One Important Bird Area is the Caroni
Swamp (White, 2008). The Caroni Swamp
is considered the largest wetland in the
country, covering approximately 883.4 km2
of mangrove dominated swamp-land, along
with some herbaceous marshland, tidal
mudflats, rivers, estuaries and a system of
channels and lagoons (Juman, 2011). It
remains an important habitat to a wide
variety of flora and fauna, and in particular,
avifauna.
Notwithstanding the shorebird diversity
which occurs in Trinidad and Tobago,
very few studies of shorebirds and their
habitat use, have been conducted in
Trinidad and Tobago. Considering that
very little information exists on shorebirds in Trinidad and Tobago
(including their population trends), and
the threats to shorebirds worldwide,
this paper aims to investigate the abundance, diversity and spatial distribution
of shorebirds in the Caroni Swamp and
its nearby landscape. It involves conducting bird census surveys within each
landscape, as well obtaining information on the abiotic and biotic characteristics of each site. These characteristics include benthic surveys, water quality monitoring and vegetative assessments (vegetation height and percentage vegetative cover). Knowledge of
habitat characteristics and population
trends can assist in conservation and
management strategies for the protection of shorebird species. This information will also be particularly important in determining the value of the
habitat in which the shorebird species
occur.
©Nigel Lallsingh
Issue 2
Page 8
Impact of environmental stressors on mangrove physiology – comparison
of Caroni Swamp, Caroni River & Point Lisas - Natalie Edghill
Despite recognition as one of the
earth’s most important ecosystems,
wetlands continue to disappear from
the Earth’s surface (Gibbes et al, 2009).
Comparable to the 50%
lost globally are the losses of wetlands in Trinidad and Tobago (World
Resources Institute,
1996; Juman, 2010).
Since 1787 the total
recorded losses exceed
1,300 hectares (more
than 50%) with the remaining mangroves under stress due to population, urban and industrial growth (Juman, 2010).
Environmental stressors
that have particular relevance to mangroves are
fluctuations in salinity
and the over accumulation of toxins
(Gibbes et al, 2009). The Rhizophora
mangle (L.) (red mangrove) has been
found in previous studies to be negatively impacted by a continuously fluctuating salinity level as compared to
areas in which the salinity was more
consistent (Biber, 2006). The toxicity of
heavy metals as well as their persistence
and bioaccumulation in the food chain
makes them significant environmental
pollutants (Defew et al, 2005). Although capable of filtering toxins, wet© Natalie Edghill
lands have a limit on the amount they
can absorb before negative impacts
begin taking effect (Davies & Claridge,
1993).
Neglecting to address environmental
stressors can result in further losses of
mangrove forests. In order to understand these impacts they must first be
adequately quantified. This study aims
to determine if reduced salinity and
heavy metal pollutants influence the
physiology and/or morphology of the
red mangrove.
Two noted sites of pollution where
red mangroves exist were studied:
the Caroni River and the Couva
River and compared to the control
site at the Caroni Swamp. At each
site twenty (20) young trees were
sampled, once in the rainy season
between October and November
2013 and again in the dry season,
between January and February
2014. Morphology (height, diameter, number of nodes) and photosynthetic capacity (chlorophyll and
chlorophyll fluorescence) were
measured for each tree. Soil samples were taken and analysed for
heavy metals; Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As,
Cd and Pb, at each site for both
seasons. Water salinity, pH, DO, and
temperature measurements were also
taken at each site for each season. Statistical analysis will be used to determine if there are differences between
the three sites and if any relationships
exist between the environmental conditions (salinity and heavy metal pollution) and red mangrove health.
© Natalie Edghill
Page 9
The UWI-Trinidad and Tobago Research and Development
Impact Fund
As we embark upon a new UWI Strategic Plan 2012-2017, one of the prioriThe University of the West Indies
St. Augustine
ties for the UWI St. Augustine Campus is to position our Campus as the leader in producing
relevant and impacting research. The University of the West Indies has for several decades produced outstanding research and sought to communicate new knowledge through teaching, con-
Contact information
Phone: 1(868) 662-2002 Ext 83739
Fax: 1 (868) 663-5241
E-mail: [email protected]
ferences, public lectures, consultancies and public service. In today’s highly competitive environment, however, this has become even more essential if the university is to distinguish itself and
provide leadership in new and emerging areas linked to national and regional development.
So how do we strengthen the synergy between scholarship and development impact? The appli-
W EBSI T E :
H T T P :// WWW . C ARONI S WAM P RDI . ORG /
cation of research, the engagement of key stakeholders throughout the process and the effective
communication of research outputs to diverse audiences are all critical elements in this process,
in addition to the availability of dedicated research funding.
F AC E B O OK P AG E :
H T T PS :// WWW . FACEB OOK . C OM /
C ARONI SWAM P . RDI
The focus of the RDI Fund is, therefore, to support projects that address pressing development
challenges and that will achieve recognizable and substantive impact in the short and medium
term (3-5 years). Emphasis will be placed on: multi-disciplinary research, collaboration and strategic partnerships, participation of PhD students and/or post-doctoral researchers, a focus on
research-directed action and impact on policy, practice, products and/or services, contribution
to shaping the intellectual discourse on a policy issue of national/regional importance,
knowledge dissemination and stakeholder engagement.
It is anticipated that through the methodological approach and execution of its projects, the
RDI Fund would foster a greater appreciation in our stakeholders, of the value and impact of
UWI research, innovation and knowledge transfer.
Caroni Swamp RDI Project Team
Prof John Agard– Project leader
Dr Luke Rostant — Co-Project Leader
Dr Howard Nelson– external project collaborator
Ms Lee Ann Beddoe– Internal project manager
Dr Bheshem Ramlal– Co-lead on GIS/Remote Sensing aspects
of Caroni Swamp
© Rachel Campbell
© Sherazade Ali
©Luke Rostant
H TTP : // WW W . CA RONIS WA M PR DI . ORG /
© Kamal Mahabir

here - Caroni Swamp RDI

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cypress gardens cvb ad.ai