Hey #YugenCommunity! Can you believe that we are already in the second week of November?!
Today, we’re going to discuss North Tobago’s recent designation as a UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Reserve. At the end of last month, North Tobago was given these prestigious and coveted designation but what does it mean for Tobago and how is it beneficial to them?
Firstly, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is an area that has been recognized for its unique biodiversity, valued environment and sustainable way of life practiced by its human inhabitants. It therefore combines the natural and social sciences with the aim of improving human livelihoods and safeguarding natural and managed ecosystems.
North Tobago is now the 714th MAB reserve worldwide making Tobago home to the largest reserve in the English-speaking Caribbean. The reserve area covers 835 km2 and encompasses 3 major areas in Tobago; the Tobago Main Ridge which is the oldest protected tropical forest reserve in the world, the proposed North East Marine Protected Area and 15 communities from Belle Garden in the east to Moriah in the North which is home to approximately 10 000 people and a rich historical and cultural heritage.
This designation not only serves as an incentive for both Tobago and Trinidad to protect our natural environment but also to work towards becoming more sustainable so that this designation can remain for decades to come.
You can read more about the designation at the link below:
So I’d like to hear from you 😊. Is this the first time that you’re hearing about this designation? What can we do to create a more sustainable way of life to retain this designation for future generations to come?
-Daniella K