World's #1 Eco-Tourism Destination 2003 - Well Done Tobago!

[Steve Wooler]

At the recent World Travel Awards 2003, held in New York, Tobago's Rain Forest was selected as the World's #1 Eco-Tourism Destination 2003.

Well done Tobago! It is time that this wonderful protected and untouched resort - the oldest rainforest in the western hemisphere - achieved the recognition it deserves.

[Glyn Kirpalani]

Hi Steve

Yes I agree, good news indeed. However, the THA is worried about the rise in illegal forest logging, sand theft from beaches, turtle eating etc etc and is organising funding for the recruitment of more wildlife wardens to protect it all before it goes the way of some of the Reefs.

Finally recognising that the present complement of just three wildlife/forest wardens is woefully inadequate is a positive step, but we can all do out bit to protect things - if you see anything illegal going on, or an actvity that might be illegal, report it to the authorities - physical intervention is not recommended!


Regards
Glyn

[Trev C.]

And how well deserved the award is too. I was lucky enough to have a tour around the forest with David Rook whilst i was out there in November.
What an incredible area.....

I hope the authorities improve on the 3 wardens situation, and that something positive can be done to help protect the rest of the incredible wildlife on that beautiful island!

[Lyndon Ramrattan]

Tobago is really the number one eco destination in the world, in my simple opinion. We all know that if we dont have sort of way to control the dirty habits of some Trinidadian holiday makers, Tobago could soon be lost, to pollution and other scourages.

I think that visitors and locals, (making sure to exclude those forever intoxicated holidaying trinis) should start some sort of group or non-governmental organisation, that can lobby the THA and the present Governments to fix the sewage treatment plants in Buccoo and do some simple investigative work to see which airline companies are illegally disposing or untreated wastes in the local dump.

I will obviously be doing my part, next month, when I am going to attempt to revitalize the agriculture industry, by holding classes for the locals interested in organic farming.

Probably that will save us all from those large chemical companies that just dump toxins in trinidad and hence tobago where the usage is even banned in the country of production.

Until then, lets help the situation by making people aware through education, experience and " tobago love".

[Zora Lawrence]

I hope things work out for you Lyndon - your projects sound great and will be of huge benefit to Tobago. I always try and buy organic food - who wants GM stuff sprayed with chemicals. I am sure organic farming will appeal to the type of visitors who are attracted by Tobago's eco friendly reputation. I am going on holiday there in January and will ask around for organic food - so that people can be aware there is a market for it.
Good luck
Cheers
Zora

[Lyndon Ramrattan]

TObago having won the award for best Eco Destination of the year is laudable. However it is depressing to note that there is hardly any sort of development in the Tobago "Ecotourism" Industry.

Prestigious Eco Resorts, (the same ones that use chlorinated water swimming pools etc) should know better than to mislead the local population by labelling their establishments as being Eco Resorts when they are not. All of these resorts contribute to pollution on the island (yes believe it).

Its only a matter of time however before the locals in this island realise that we are the real eco attractions and there is going to be a time when a more discerning type of tourist (the hardcore ecotourist) will be present and hence be able to provide employment opportunities for the true grassroots ecotourism stakholders on the Island.

Again we must remain eternally vigilant to teach our brothers and sisters here to realise the reality apart from the illusion, especially in a place as important as Tobago.

Lyndon

[Lyndon Ramrattan]

Please be advised that Tobago Research and Environmental Education Service, has just launched its website. Like this site, this website aims to promote scientific research about Tobago. Higlights include downloadable vidoes, pictures, sounds etc. All services are subsidised.


URL:

http://www.geocities.com/lyndonramrattan/


Download video of Endangered Leatherback Turtle in Tobago

http://www.geocities.com/lyndonramrattan/hatchlings.mpg