The Ministry of Planning and Development in collaboration with Nature Seekers, commemorated World Earth Day 2023 with the global community, on Sunday 23rd April 2023, at Orosco Bay, Toco Main Road, Matura. The theme for World Earth Day 2023 was ‘Invest in our Planet’, the only thing all mankind have in common. According to EarthDay.org, which coordinates Earth Day events globally, this year’s Earth Day theme is asking humanity to build a healthier economy while also making sure we work towards a more equitable future for everyone. During the event, the largest ever recorded turtle to nest upon the shores of Matura, weighed 1150lbs. The turtle was named ‘Penny’, and was tagged with a satellite tracker by the Honourable Minister, which will aid with the ongoing research and conservation of the leatherback turtle. At approximately 10:23am today, May 1st, 2023, Penny surfaced again at the Balandra Beach (see satellite footage above). Also present at the event was His Excellency Peter Cavendish, Ambassador of the European Union, Her Excellency Tania Diego Olite, Ambassador of Cuba and Her Excellency, Sonya Koppe, High Commissioner of Australia.
The Honourable Pennelope Beckles, Minister of Planning and Development highlighted that, “our interest in the natural environment, and in recognition of the work and contributions made by organisations such as Nature Seekers, will continue to invest towards the sustainable management of this unique and amazingly diverse natural environment of turtle conservation, as well as conservation in general within our twin island state of Trinidad and Tobago as it pertains to the worldwide status of the leatherback sea turtle species. This emphasis on sustainable management and conservation ties in nicely with the philosophy of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s National Development Strategy, Vision 2030, in which one of the five main themes is entitled – ‘Placing the Environment at the Centre of Social and Economic Development’. What this means to us is that as we in Trinidad and Tobago continue on a sustainable development path and, with the continuing growth in the population, there will be increasing demands placed on our limited environmental resources. As such, our natural heritage must be protected, conserved and used wisely. The environment is the common thread that supports all sectors which contribute to the social and economic development of the nation. Therefore, it must be managed for the benefit of present and future generations.”
Minister Beckles reiterated the Government’s commitment to a sustainable environment unites with the obligation to achieve the global Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs. According to the honourable Minister, “our efforts in coral and seagrass rehabilitation, solid waste management, solar energy infiltration, managing greenhouse gas emissions, climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation and more reflect our working towards the SDGs 13, 14, 15 and more. These are Climate Action, Life Below Water and Life on land, respectively. However, a key element of this is also SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals. Through today’s exercise, we are also demonstrating our partnership for the Goals. Nature Seekers’ through their work in turtle and nature conservation is a key partner in development.” Minister Beckles stressed the importance of the work done by NGOs like Nature Seekers in their conservation efforts to protect the five species of sea turtles that visit Trinidad and Tobago’s waters and shores. These species include; the Leatherback, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Green and Olive Ridley turtles. All of these turtle species have received the designation of Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS) by the Environmental Management Authority. The Leatherback turtle is listed as vulnerable, the Loggerhead is also vulnerable, the Hawksbill is critically endangered, the Green turtle is endangered and the Olive Ridley is listed as another vulnerable species. In addition, Trinidad and Tobago is internationally recognized as one of the largest nesting sites for leatherback turtles in the world.