Facilitating Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Trinidad

Royal Haskoning
n.carpenter@royalhaskoning.com ; t.strudwick@royalhaskoning.com ; v.clipsham@royalhaskoning.com

Abstract

Trinidad is the southernmost of the Caribbean Islands and is classified as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS). These States are prone to specific social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities.

Trinidad’s coastline supports a number of communities and a range of infrastructure including the coastal road, fishing facilities and ports, along with oil and gas facilities. Furthermore, the potential for eco-tourism should not be overlooked considering the aesthetic value of its beaches and their importance for Leatherback turtle nesting.

However, a number of coastal management issues are present along the frontage, including the imminent failure of the north-east coastal road at several locations. This threatens the socioeconomic continuity of the coastline and poses a risk to public safety. As such, the island requires a balance between imminent, hard engineering schemes and long term, sustainable and holistic coastal zone management.

In order to recognise the importance of this, Royal Haskoning hosted a Coastal Zone Management Workshop. This included representatives from various Ministries within the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and provided an opportunity to assess the current institutional structure of the island. Through this exercise it was possible to make recommendations towards methods to facilitate this management approach. As such, this paper elaborates upon the key findings, including the issues being experienced on the coastal frontage and the current institutional arrangement of the island in terms of delivering coastal projects. This is underpinned by a robust geomorphological understanding of the area and concludes with a series of recommendations towards its improvement through capacity building.