Aripo Savannas

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Through the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules, 2001 (ESA Rules 2001), the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has been declaring terrestrial and marine areas within Trinidad and Tobago to be protected according to criteria set out in the ESA Rules. In June 2007 the Aripo Savannas was declared an ESA. It was designated as a Strict Nature Reserve because it is one of the areas in Trinidad and Tobago with high scientific value. This designation makes the area eligible for special protection and management under the laws of Trinidad and Tobago. The Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve lies in north central Trinidad between Arima and Sangre Grande. The area of the Aripo Savannas is approximately 1, 788 hectares. The site can be sub-divided into six vegetation communities each with distinct characteristics as follows: open savanna, palm marsh, marsh forest, palm island, intermittent open water and trackside. The two most important factors contributing to its ecosystem are the hardpan layer of cemented clay and the infertility of the soils. There are high densities of rare, threatened, endemic and possible endemic species found in the savannas. A total of 457 plant species have been identified thus far, 38 are restricted to the Aripo Savannas with 16 to 20 that are rare or threatened, and 2 endemic floral species. There are five resident species of birds, several mammals, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, insects and crustaceans. In 2009, management plans were completed for the Aripo Savannas ESA. These plans outlined the long term direction for the protection, development, management and wise use of the area’s resources for a 10-15 year period. The EMA in conjunction with Forestry Division and the Aripo Savannas Stakeholders Management Committee oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the plans.