People from across the globe travel to Tobago to experience the world-famous Buccoo Reef.
This natural wonder spans seven square kilometres and is home to vibrant marine life and stunning coral formations, but its beauty comes with a responsibility.
According to the Chairman of the Buccoo Reef Marine Park and the Director of the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), Allan Stewart, protecting Buccoo Reef is vital not only for tourism and Tobago’s economy but also for the health of this fragile ecosystem.
“This year, the Tobago House of Assembly, through its Executive Council, would have definitely identified a committee to protect, to look out for the park and to ensure that rules and regulations are adhered to, being a protected area, and for persons who are wishing to enjoy the space to do so with a certain discipline, with a certain level of balance to ensure that we don’t destroy it at the same time.”
Mr. Stewart also noted that the area has attracted illegal activities. In response, the committee is reviewing existing laws and considering necessary adjustments to strengthen protection.
“This Act came into being in 1973. Some of the penalties that we recognise, those penalties also need adjustment, so therefore it is the Committee’s Terms of Reference to ensure that we do a review of those to ensure that is passed to the executives of the Tobago House of Assembly to ensure that they can do the necessary work with Cabinet to ensure that everything is aligned well.”