Covering over 835 square kilometres, our UNESCO Biosphere Reserve encompasses three protected areas, one of which is the oldest protected tropical forest reserve in the world, a large planned Marine Protected Area and 15 communities which are home to approximately 10,000 residents with a rich historical and cultural heritage.

The area’s rare and largely intact Caribbean Island Ridge-to-Ocean eco- and human-systems are well equipped to fulfil the three functions of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: its biodiversity, range of ecosystems, and special-interest species are important on a regional and global scale (Conservation); the cultural heritage is a living example for the region’s deeply rooted, historical, socio-economic and spiritual relationship between communities and natural resources (Development); and decades of regionally outstanding educational, research and networking activities (Knowledge Sharing).

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The close linkage between ecosystem services and natural resource use, active community groups, successful sustainable development projects, governmental initiatives and its closeness to Trinidad’s resources provide the area with the prerequisites to successfully implement a Biosphere Reserve and share lessons learnt with its Caribbean neighbours while serving as a regional role model.

Being a hotspot for conservation related research for decades and having a track record of environmental education, capacity building and monitoring are well established cornerstones for providing and further increasing logistical support.