Contributors to the documentary ‘Plight of the Ibis’ are calling for conservation plans to be put into practice to protect Trinidad and Tobago’s wetlands.
At the film’s launch, researchers and conservation advocates urged action to safeguard the national bird, the Scarlet Ibis, and its habitat.
The film’s writer and producer, Gideon Hanoomansingh, called for the documentary to be shown throughout the nation’s schools and communities, noting that the bird’s beauty should not distract from the plight of its environment.
“Our wetlands are under pressure. Our environment is changing, and the survival of the Scarlet Ibis depends upon whether we are prepared to recognise that nature is not an unlimited resource.”
During the panel discussion, researcher Dr Ryan Mohammed described salt water entering freshwater feeding areas used by juvenile ibises. He said an Ibis Management Plan had been prepared and reviewed but not yet implemented.
“So that is one of my concerns. We’re not really following through with what we started. So we don’t have to start from scratch with management of the Ibis. We know what to do, but now we need to enforce it.”
Philanthropist and attorney-at-law Wendy Fitzwilliam described a more personal connection to these majestic birds. She said regular visits to the Caroni Swamp with her son had deepened her appreciation of its ecosystem and encouraged others to experience it themselves.
“And how very, very important it is to us and to our quality of life in Trinidad and Tobago in a way in which we don’t fully appreciate. So what I want to say this evening is to those of you who may not have been to the swamp, go. It is absolutely worth it.”
Researcher and fellow panellist Dr Rahanna Juman called for the Wetlands Committee to be reappointed and the policy updated. She said the agencies responsible for carrying out the work also needed support.
“We need to implement, as Dr Mohammed said, and we need to provide the resources for the agencies that have responsibilities to actually implement, like the Forestry Division.”
For Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago Graeme Suite, conservation is also part of this generation’s responsibility to future ones.
“That we become active citizens in their conservation. We are the contemporary custodians of it, but only for the benefit of generations to come.”
Mr Hanoomansingh hopes to secure funding to take the message of ‘Plight of the Ibis’ beyond the launch and inspire others to become advocates for the birds’ protection.