Management and development plan Caroni Swamp National Park
The Caroni Swamp represents a unique and important ecosystem in Trinidad. The flora, including the mangrove forest and herbaceous swamps, estuaries and lagoons provide a habitat for many economically important aquatic species as well as 157 species of birds including the scarlet ibis, one of the national birds of the country. In 1936 a portion of the Swamp was declared a Forest Reserve and in the 1950's parts of the Reserve were declared Game Sanctuaries to protect the scarlet ibis. However, in view of increased fishing, recreational and touristic use as well as threats of pollution and water changes originating outside the area, the protection and management presently afforded is not sufficient to assure the ecological survival of the Swamp. Regional planning studies have recommended that the area be managed as a national park. The plan for Caroni Swamp National Park is based on a policy of protection of the natural ecosystem while allowing for non conflicting use. Objectives of management are to provide for protection of the ecosystem, environmental education, research, facilitation of recreation and tourism and accommodation of traditional productive uses. To accomplish these objectives the Park has been divided into scientific, wilderness, extensive and intensive use zones to provide for protection and non-confliciting use of the resources. Management programs are called for to provide for resource management including the protection of water quality and quantity, habitat management, wildlife protection, fisheries management and enforcement of park regulations. The research program outlines the studies and monitoring activities that are necessary to provide information for proper management of the Swamp. The visitor use program will provide a variety of recreational and educational uses of the Swamp, including bird viewing and nature study, recreational fishing, boating, hiking, picnicing bicyling and others. To accommodate these activities one principal development centre will be established at the Princess Margaret Highway-No. 9 Drain entrance and several subsidiary developments will be located within and on the periphery of the Swamp. Facilities include a visitor's centre and interpretive trails, marinas and docks, board walks, viewing towers, picnic sites, nature trails, camping grounds and utilities. Park Administrative requirements include headquarters facilities, park warden stations and equipment essential for the protection and management functions. The staffing pattern necessitates a manager to direct the Park, with divisions for administration, engineering and maintenance, resources management and protection, and visitor use and services. The budget necessary for implementation of the plan is about four million dollars in 1979 while the total five year budget for development and management of the park is estimated at 15 million dollars.
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| Format: | biblioteca |
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Port-of-Spain (Trinidad y Tobago)
1979
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| Subjects: | PLAN DE MANEJO, ZONIFICACION, PROGRAMAS DE MANEJO, SERVICIOS DE USO PUBLICO, PARQUE NACIONAL CARONI SWAMP, TRINIDAD Y TOBAGO, |
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