Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve - Environmental Management ...

5.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
Section 16 (1) of the EM Act (2000), details of the functions of the Authority, which includes the development
and establishment of environmental standards and criteria. In its commitment to the wise use of natural
resources, conservation and the subsequent management of these resources, the Authority prepared the
Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Species Rules, 2001. This Administrative Record has been prepared in
order to give the public of Trinidad and Tobago the opportunity to comment and contribute to the process of
designating the Aripo Savannas as a Scientific Reserve under the Rules to declare environmentally sensitive
areas for the country. Designation will assist in the enhanced management and conservation of the natural
resources of Aripo Savannas in perpetuity for the benefit of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
5.1 Process of consultation towards Designation
In proposing the designation of Aripo Savannas as an ESA, the Environmental Management Authority is
satisfied that the decision was made on the basis of the best available scientific data and information available at
the time. The decision was also made in a participatory manner in consultation with civil society and
governmental stakeholders, and it built upon previous initiatives for the conservation and protection of this area.
A notice of the intention of the Authority was sent out to various governmental departments, whose operations
involve, impact or in any way relate to the proposed Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve. The EMA also sent
this draft Notice (Schedule IV) to all the organisations with which it has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU). Their feedback and comments have been incorporated into the present draft that is
before you for public comment.
EMA: The Administrative Record for the Designation of Aripo Savannas as an Environmentally Sensitive Area