Forestry Versus Economic Gain

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Recently there has been quite a stir in the news due to a mass deforestation project which is occurring in Las Cuevas, North Trinidad. These photos shows the extent to which the said project has stripped the land of is natural covering. It is important to note that the entire area was densely forested as its surroundings prior to the deforestation.

While the area looks big, it is actually bigger than the few photos may show, as an approximate 468 acres are being cleared for development by a private owner. This clearing of the land poses a question on which is values more, the natural environment or economic gain, as the rising calls to protect the environment in the face of rising global warming seems to be out the door as the land is stripped to facilitate the development of another concrete jungle.

Is this really development?!?!?!?!

The clearing of land so close to the coast will result in increase run off into the rivers, which will affect the freshwater/saltwater balance on the coast, and have a harmful effect on the lives of the fishermen in the village. This will also cause disruption and fragmentation in the habitats of organisms. This can greatly affect feeding relationships and affect food webs for species who thrive in that area.

Concern will also be on the cards for the Las Cuevas beach, which was granted the "Blue Flag Beach" title, the first of any Trinibagonian beach to achieve that status. Effluent runoff into the waters will make the waters running into the beach more pollute, which can cause the beach to lose the status it currently holds.

Additional concerns must arise over the slash and burn technique which is being use to clear the land. This not only releases greenhouse gases into the air, but contributes to a decrease in the carbon sinks. These fires can easily spread into the nearby forested areas causing large forest fires, which can harm the forest, its animals, as well as human lives and homes.

More must be done by the relevant authorities to regulate land clearance for development, and also the conduction of an Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) to determine the full extent of the damages the project may cause, and then determine its feasibility.

More news articles on the project can be seen below:

1. Las Cuevas project sparks fisherfolk worry - http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2016-04-01/las-cuevas-project-sparks-fisherfolk-worry

References

1. Las Cuevas first T&T beach to be designated as a 'Blue Flag Beach' - http://www.looptt.com/content/las-cuevas-first-tt-beach-be-designated-blue-flag-beach