It has been 250 years since the Main Ridge Rainforest in Tobago was legislated as a protected reserve.
To mark the historic milestone, the Tobago House of Assembly hosted a time capsule ceremony, sealing writings and reflections from Tobagonians to be opened 50 years from now.
250 steps, one for each year since the Main Ridge Rainforest was legislated as a reserve, the world’s first example of green legislation.
The time capsule, filled with contributions from Tobagonians was then taken by the retired conservator of forests, William Trim, and ceremoniously transferred to forest workers, who all contributed greatly to the continued preservation of the rainforest.
The final leg was carried by Goodwood Secondary School student, Destiny Weekes, before the capsule was officially placed by THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine and Secretary of Environment, Climate Resilience and Energy, Darren Henry.
For Secretary Henry, who has spent much of his public life working in the forest, the moment was deeply emotional.
“I actually cried on that walk and I am very, very emotional because of this day and I know the efforts of the forest workers and the game wardens what we put into in terms of preservation fo this main ridge rain forest.”
Also unveiled during the ceremony were copies of the original legislation that established the rainforest as a protected reserve.
The move was championed 250 years ago by British parliamentarian Soame Jenyns, who spent 11 years persuading Parliament to protect the forest at a time when there was strong pressure to clear land for plantations.
The Main Ridge Rainforest remains vital to Tobago’s watershed, soil stability, coral reef health, and pristine beaches. It is also home to a rich variety of birds, wildlife, flora, and fauna.
The Chief Secretary urged Tobagonians to continue protecting what he described as the island’s greatest natural asset.
“Let us not throw away our green and blue heritage for a few bucks when in fact we can leverage our green and blue heritage and leverage it in a way that we continue to earn, year upon year, for generations to come.”
The time capsule will be officially reopened in 2076.