BES-Net TT

Trinidad and Tobago was one of the seven countries targeted for the third Regional Trialogue under BES-Net I, together with Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia.

Given the tangible commitment in Trinidad and Tobago to uptake the relevant IPBES thematic assessment messages on pollinators protection, as illustrated by a series of the post-Trialogue voluntary efforts, the country was selected as a priority target country for BES-Net II Component 1. The Trinidad and Tobago component of BES-Net Phase II seeks to address the science, policy and practice of pollination and pollinator management in Trinidad and Tobago. Issues facing pollinators in Trinidad and Tobago largely stem from a lack of data, a lack of public awareness and a lack of pollinator-appropriate management.  

This project aims to address these challenges by engaging a broad range of stakeholders through public awareness and citizen science initiatives, identifying knowledge gaps, encouraging and supporting scientific research, facilitating collaboration and improving livelihoods, and reviewing policy. It is expected that as a result of these activities, knowledge and understanding of pollinators and their threats and management options among the general public increases; management of pollinators improves, particularly among food producers; a number of tools are made available to present and future generations; relationships among stakeholders are improved; and policy options are highlighted.