Bio-diversity

Among the reasons for the formation of the organisation GREAT was the concern of the founding members for the plight of the nesting turtles annually. This concern has been manifested in the voluntary patrolling of the beach during the nesting season for the past five years by members of GREAT. Attempts in the past to have the beach declared a prohibited area during the nesting season, with more sustainable means of surveillance, prevention of interference to the nesting turtles and proper visitor guidance and education, have not materialised. With increasing numbers of visitors to Grande Riviere, the members of GREAT are finding it increasingly difficult to work during the day to earn a living and patrol the beach at nights. The project will provide support to GREAT`s turtle protection project through initiation of a revenue-generating tour-guiding enterprise, beach protection and awareness. The Project will encompass four major integrated activities. (1) Designation of Grande Riviere beach as a prohibited area. (2) Designation of members of GREAT as honorary game wardens. (3) Implementation of formal turtle tour-guiding services and revenue generation.. (4) Community awareness programme. The grant will be used to provide equipment and material, including a 30` vessel, two outboard engines and accessories, communication and safety equipment, awareness material, ground transport and stipends for beach patrols.

Trinidad and tobago