Trinidad and Tobago, situated at the southern end of the Windward Islands in the Caribbean, are the two main islands of an archipelagic state. The islands are separated by approximately 32 km (20 miles), and Trinidad lies 13 km (8 miles) from the Venezuelan mainland. The combined land area of the two islands is 5126 km² (1,979 mi²), while their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spans roughly 75,000 km² (28,958 mi²), approximately 15 times their land area. The islands lie on the South American Continental Shelf and are influenced by the Orinoco and the South Equatorial Current, which affect marine conditions.

Unlike other Windward Islands that have ecosystems dominated by island endemic species, the biota and terrestrial habitats of Trinidad reflect the ecology of equatorial South America due to its recent separation from the mainland. The islands boast a vast range of terrestrial ecosystems, including seasonal evergreens, littoral woodlands, montane rainforests, swamp forests, marshes, and savannahs.

	Score	Rank	Change
Total Score – NCI 2024	52.67	125	N/A
Land Management	50	115	N/A
Protected Areas (Terrestrial)	96	38	N/A
Ecological Representativeness of Terrestrial Protected Areas	100	1	N/A
Connectedness of Terrestrial Protected Areas	45	125	N/A
Protected Areas (Marine)	0	142	N/A
Pristine Habitat (Converted Land)	100	1	N/A
Sustainable Nitrogen Management (Soil Pollution)	6	168	N/A
Sustainable Pesticide Use	0	154	N/A
Threats to Biodiversity	61	105	N/A
Threatened Species (Terrestrial)	96	4	N/A
Threatened Species (Marine)	60	83	N/A
Threatened Species’ Coverage by Protected Areas	100	1	N/A
Species Coverage by Marine Protected Areas	70	122	N/A
Species with Declining Populations (Terrestrial)	29	98	N/A
Species with Declining Populations (Marine)	0	10	N/A
Depleted Fisheries	0	39	N/A
Fishery Pressure in the High Seas	100	123	N/A
Invasive Species Pressure	89	123	N/A
Capacity and Governance	65	75	N/A
Total Management Cost	96	93	N/A
Conservation Culturomics	45	83	N/A
Conservation Legislation	52	43	N/A
Ratification of CBD	100	1	N/A
Ratification of CITES	100	1	N/A
Political Stability and Absence of Violence	50	63	N/A
Control of Corruption	42	95	N/A
Government Effectiveness	50	74	N/A
Future Trends	36	127	N/A
Climate Change Mitigation	36	127	N/A

Four pillars elaborated:

Land Management

Trinidad and Tobago boast a diverse range of protected areas spanning terrestrial, marine, and coastal zones, crucial for safeguarding the country’s rich biodiversity and ecological integrity. These designated areas serve as vital sanctuaries for numerous species and ecosystems. Notable among them are the Caroni Swamp, renowned as a crucial habitat for the iconic Scarlet Ibis; the Nariva Swamp and Coastal Zone, designated as a Ramsar site celebrated for its wetlands and diverse avian population; the Trinity Hills and Eastern Extension, characterized by picturesque mountains adorned with lush forests and cascading waterfalls; the North-East Tobago Marine area, encompassing coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds; and the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, home to the endemic Trinidad Piping-guan and various other rare species, sheltered within its verdant confines. These protected areas collectively represent a commitment to conserving Trinidad and Tobago’s natural heritage for future generations.

Threats to Biodiversity

The rapid and continuous development observed in both Trinidad and Tobago has precipitated alterations in the scope and integrity of natural ecosystems, with the most pronounced effects witnessed in forests and coastal systems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrasses. These transformations have been notably concentrated in the western regions of both islands. The primary drivers behind these changes are shifts in land use and land cover, which have significantly contributed to biodiversity decline across all biomes in Trinidad and Tobago. Predominantly, deforestation and land conversion, particularly for agricultural and residential purposes, have been the foremost catalysts, leading to diminished forest coverage and coastal ecosystems, alongside heightened fragmentation of the remaining natural habitats.

Furthermore, industrial expansion in Trinidad, particularly propelled by the burgeoning petrochemical sector in recent years, has led to the conversion of substantial expanses of coastal ecosystems, primarily mangrove habitats along the western coastline of Trinidad, into industrial zones. Additionally, some coastal conversion is also underway in the southwestern region of the island.

Capacity and Governance

Trinidad and Tobago have established an extensive framework of over 50 laws, policies, plans, strategies, and programs aimed at addressing biodiversity issues, aligning with the objectives of the CBD. Notable legislative instruments include the Conservation of Wildlife Act, Environmental Management Act, Fisheries Act, and Forests Act, complemented by key policies such as the National Environmental Policy, National Forest Policy, and National Protected Areas Policy. The establishment of the Green Fund under the Finance Act 2004 signifies the government’s commitment to environmental conservation, providing grants to Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and NGOs engaged in activities focusing on environmental conservation, reforestation, or remediation.

Noteworthy projects like the Nariva Swamp Restoration, Carbon Sequestration, and Livelihoods Project demonstrate Trinidad and Tobago’s proactive approach to ecosystem-based management, leveraging funding from international bodies like the World Bank to address climate change and biodiversity loss. Efforts to integrate biodiversity into education are evident through curriculum enhancements and initiatives like the Environmental Sciences syllabus at advanced levels. Moreover, various government ministries beyond the Ministry of the Environment are increasingly incorporating environmental considerations into their work programs, emphasizing a holistic approach to sustainability.

Collaboration and coordination among public sector institutions and civil society organizations play a crucial role in biodiversity management, with ongoing efforts to enhance partnerships and meet international obligations under multilateral environmental agreements. Key institutions such as the Forestry Division, Fisheries Division, Environmental Management Authority (EMA), and Tobago House of Assembly (THA) are instrumental in statutory control related to biodiversity management, each fulfilling specific roles in ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of Trinidad and Tobago’s natural resources.

Future Trends

Trinidad and Tobago’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) maps out vital strategies for conserving and sustainably utilizing the country’s biodiversity. The plan envisions enhancing capacity for biodiversity management by raising awareness, integrating biodiversity concerns into policies, fostering community participation, and bolstering information resources. Key objectives include conserving native ecosystems, managing species exploitation, and addressing challenges through education and stakeholder engagement. To achieve these goals, the plan emphasizes the need for transformative resource management practices and robust education initiatives to promote sustainable practices and underscore the value of biological resources.

Biodiversity

Trinidad and Tobago, a twin-island nation in the Caribbean, boasts an impressive biodiversity due to its varied landscapes, climates, and ecosystems. Trinidad, the largest of the two islands, is characterized by its lush rainforests, home to various plant and animal species. The Northern Range, a mountain range stretching across the island’s northern part, is covered in dense forests that support species such as the red howler monkey, ocelot, and capuchin monkey. Birdlife is abundant, with over 400 species recorded, including the scarlet ibis, the national bird, the blue-and-yellow macaw, and the elusive oilbird nesting in the Dunston Cave at Asa Wright Nature Centre. The island’s rainforests are also rich in plant diversity, with numerous species of trees, orchids, and bromeliads.

Tobago, the smaller island, is a jewel in the Caribbean, known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and rainforests. The Main Ridge Forest Reserve, a testament to the nation’s commitment to conservation, was established in 1776, making it one of the oldest protected rainforests in the Western Hemisphere. This reserve is a sanctuary for a diverse range of species, including the white-tailed sabrewing hummingbird, which is native to the island. Tobago’s marine environment, especially around Buccoo Reef and the Speyside Reefs, is a vibrant ecosystem rich in coral species, fish, and other marine life, making it a popular destination for diving and snorkeling.

Both islands are surrounded by coastal and marine ecosystems rich in biodiversity. Coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests provide crucial habitats for marine species such as sea turtles, various fish, and invertebrates. The waters around Trinidad and Tobago are also known for their populations of dolphins and whales. In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to Trinidad and Tobago only):

	Species (World rank)	Threatened	% Threatened	Endemic	% Endemic
Mammals	125 (#93)	2	1.6%	1	0.8%
Birds	395 (#85)	4	1.0%	3	0.8%
Reptiles	30 (#143)	7	23.3%	9	30.0%
Amphibians	40 (#70)	8	20.0%	5	12.5%
Fishes	991 (#51)	67	6.8%	2	0.2%
Plants	3,487 (#103)	50	1.4%	59	1.7%