Coastal Zones

Biography

Biography: Dr Rahanna Juman

Abstract

Trinidad and Tobago is the southern-most country in the Caribbean archipelagic chain with a land to sea ratio of 1:15, which indicates the importance of the marine and coastal sphere to the country. The country’s economy has always been supported by coastal and marine resources, primarily oil and gas, tourism and fisheries and it is is estimated that almost 80% of all socio-economic activities and 70% of the population are located along the coast. New economic policies, aimed at diversifying the economy, have seen investments in the tourism, agriculture, aquaculture and maritime sectors, all of which depend on a healthy coastal environment. Much of the nation’s coastal resources have already been destroyed, damaged or over-exploited to accommodate a growing population and their economic needs. Climate change, sea level rise and heightened erosion in some areas also exacerbate the problems associated with many interests competing for limited coastal space. In 2012, the Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago appointed a Steering Committee to Develop an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy Framework, Strategies and Action Plan. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) has been identified as the best approach globally to achieve balance between development and conservation by managing human activities within the coastal zone, and addressing conflicts amongst different resource users and uses. It is a strategy to adapt to climate change impacts and to reduce vulnerability to coastal hazards. The paper highlights the process undertaken by the Committee to develop the ICZM Policy Framework and the challenges faced with its implementation.