February/March 2011


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Environment: Biodiversity Winners

Last year, 2010, was recognised as the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB), and its focus was raising public awareness of the importance of biodiversity and the consequences of its loss. It also sought to promote the engagement of the public and other stakeholders in the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

To highlight related scientific research being conducted in Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Housing and the Environment in collaboration with The UWI and the EDULINK Biodiversity Project convened a Research Poster and Paper Symposium in the commemoration of the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity in November 2010. This was meant to give decision makers a sound understanding of some of the critical issues affecting our national biodiversity based on scientific research, so they could develop more effective strategies to address these problems.

Biological diversity is essential, as it provides food, fuel, medicine and other resources, yet it is being lost at an accelerated rate, mainly due to human activities. These activities impoverish all people and weaken the ability of the living systems to resist growing threats, such as those from climate change. People all over the world are working to safeguard this irreplaceable natural wealth and reduce biodiversity loss. This is vital for the current and future human wellbeing. To even further highlight the importance of biodiversity, on the heels of the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, 2011 has been declared the International Year of Forests, and during this year the importance of forest biodiversity will specifically be showcased.

The Winners

Poster Presentations

• 1st Prize: Melissa Atwell (MPhil, Geography Department) “An innovative approach for monitoring abiotic factors influencing mangrove forest biodiversity in an estuarine ecosystem”
  
  
• 2nd Prize: Dr. Judith Gobin (Marine Ecology Lecturer, Life Sciences Department) “Biofouling on recreational vessels in Trinidad and Tobago”
  
  
• 3rd Prize: Ms Andrea Scobie (MPhil, Geography Department) “Biodiversity & biogeography of lichens in Trinidad and the implications for forest health and bio-sensitivity”

Oral Presentations

• 1st Prize: Mrs Michelle Cazabon-Mannette (MPhil, Life Sciences Department) “The extent of the sea turtle fishery in Tobago, West Indies”
  
  
• 2nd Prize: Mr Darshanjit Narang (MSc, Life Sciences Department) “Population Density of an Introduced primate - The Tufted Capuchin in Chaguaramas Trinidad”
  
  
• 3rd Prize: Mr Nigel Austin (PhD, Life Sciences Department) “Genetic Diversity and Structure of Mora excelsa”