The Basis:
The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme is a international, inter-governmental and scientific programme, with the objective being to form a basis for further improving the relationship between humans and their environments.
Read More:
Through a combined approach between natural and social sciences to improve human livelihoods and to manage natural and controlled ecosystems.
This in turn provides an innovative approach to economic development that are relevant and appropriate socially, culturally and environmentally sustainable.
NORTH EAST TOBAGO GAINS UNESCO MAN AND THE BIOSPHERE DESIGNATION
On this occasion, North East Tobago has been awarded the prestigious UNESCO Man and the Biosphere designation. The area is now the largest UNESCO site in the English Speaking Caribbean spanning fifteen (15) communities from Belle Garden in the east towards Moriah in the northern part of the island.
The announcement was made at this at the 32nd sitting of the Man and the Biosphere International Coordinating Committee on October 28th, 2020.
Public, Private & Civil Society Engagement:
The Division of Quarries Infrastructure and the Environment of the Tobago House of Assembly asserts that this can be viewed as a milestone for Tobago. Noting quite candidly that the region of North-East Tobago has always been the pearl of Tobago's paradise.
Having said that, Tobago can say that this award would attract international attention and also encourage researchers to participate in initiatives geared towards further gaining knowledge of the north eastern region of Tobago and it's environment.
Surely there must be some benefits to be had as a result of the attention being given internationally to Tobago.
The objective and hope is for the areas of economic development, culture and the arts and education to be given an audience globally.
Moreover the single most important objective from this award should be, beneficial approaches and initiatives that can better conserve and sustain the environment. By extension create long lasting partnerships and forge a united approach in pursuit of the SDG agenda as it relates to Tobago.
The relevance of the SDG agenda should always be considered when an organization affiliated with and governed by such values sees the need to award Tobago with such a high honour.
We are now inspired:
So...Can we gain inspiration from all of the fanfare and attention?
I think it is possible. Something to smile about but yet look critically at our approach in dealing with things such as climate change adaptation, blue and green economy readiness, and overall sustainable development and growth for Tobago.
Environment Tobago's very own Ms. Patricia Turpin (Vice President of Environment Tobago) as an advocate and very noteworthy and important part of the environmental and conservation voice of Tobago, was also very pleased by this award being given to Tobago.