1. Watershed Management in Tobago By William Trim MS Forestry

2. Hydrological cycle http://www.google.tt/hydrological+cycle&hl Condensation- the transformation of a gas or water vapor into liquid form Freezing – the transformation of a liquid into a solid form Evaporation- the transformation of a liquid to a gas usually under the influence of heat Transpiration- evaporation from leaf surfaces Precipitation- liquid or solid water falling from the sky to the ground

3. Hydrological cycle cont’d Infiltration- the absorption of liquid water into soil or rock Percolation Runoff- the flow of water across the soil by water not absorbed by soil Collection- accumulation of water from precipitation into a larger body of water (The Water Cycle, USEPA 2006)

4. Watershed definitions A ridge of high land dividing two areas that are drained by different river systems. Also called water parting. The region draining into a river, river system, or other body of water. Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/watershed 1. (Earth Sciences / Physical Geography) the dividing line between two adjacent river systems, such as a ridge 2. an important period or factor that serves as a dividing line http://www.thefreedictionary.com/watershed

5. Watersheds ttp://www.google.ttwatershed

6. Watershed management Tobago 1765: Young commission included in their sub-division of the island a 6,000 narrow acre (2,428.1 ha) band or virgin forest running along the main ridge for the protection of the rains (1764???) (Dardain 1972; Ramdial 1978

7. Main Ridge Forest Reserve 1904: the survey of the present area of 9776 acres (3,956.2 ha) which included the original belt was completed and subsequently proclaimed a forest reserve, which is protective in function (Dardaine 1972; Ramdial 1978). Broad leaf species contribution to the hydrological cycle is 40% greater than conifer species (Bond et al 2008) Umbrella, shape; Unlike Haiti

8. WASA Demarcations of watersheds Not according to catchment demarcation

9. Mission The mission statement of DNRE is: DNRE seeks to engender recognition and respect as the lead organization and a catalyst for change in environmental management in Tobago. DNRE is made up of four units namely: Environment Unit Wildlife Unit Parks and Recreation Unit Watershed Unit On the other hand, the mission of the Watershed Unit is: responsible stewardship of natural resources for increased multiple uses, for environmental services, NTFPs and timber and for balanced development. Hereunder, are some of the objectives and strategies of our watershed management.

10. Strategies Table 1: The objectives and strategies of the Watershed Unit in Tobago Objective Strategy Maximize the water storage potential of watersheds Reduce the incidence of squatting and maintain adequate forest and other vegetative cover Maximize the use of non-wood forest products Public mobilization and sensitization Reduce soil erosion Encourage the use of slope stabilization techniques Encourage the use of appropriate technology Encourage the use of portable sawmills and local timber and reduce the wastage associated with logging Balance the use and protection of natural resources Reduce the incidence of unplanned wild fires Forest restoration and plantation on degraded lands Linking forestry and tourism

11. Watershed Unit The Watershed Unit plays a major role in natural resources management in Tobago through these operations: Forest restoration and forest enrichment Establishing forest stands or plantations Implementing wild fire prevention, detection and suppression programmes on state lands Managing the Bloody Bay Recreation Site and Nature Trails (BBRSNT) for: 1) multiple uses, mainly watershed purposes and forest recreation, and 2) by linking tourism with forest management Enforcing the laws of several forestry and natural resources related Acts Providing extension services in agro-forestry systems and practices for hillside farmers Mobilizing and informing the public for or about forest and watershed management

12. Values Values Aesthetical Economical Leisure/recreational Environmental-biological Cultural – crafts, hunting Social

13. Challenges/issues Flooding Erosion (sugar cane cultivation) Landslides Pollution – air etc, farmers, waste water, effluent, fecal, hazardous waste, road development, dams, ridge to reef effects Bush fires Many stakeholders & little networking

14. Threats Aquatic/marine life (toxic) Plants Creatures Overexploitation/use Wild fires Runoff Health > Developments Invasive Mega-aquifers depletion Climate change

15. Implications Desertification - Haiti Fire hazardous vegetation Abandoned areas Poor water quality and quantity High cost of mitigation or alternatives

16. Conclusions

17. Recommendations Integrated mgt Community involvement and input Buffer zones Valuing environmental services Forest restoration Carbon credits Research Education Sun & H/cycle

18. Bond,B.J., F.C. Meinzer and J.R. Brooks. 2008. How Trees Influence the Hydrological Cycle in Forest Ecosystems