Tourism Minister Stephen Cadiz is expected to meet with Caroni Bird Sanctuary tour guides today to discuss renovation to the dilapidated observation tower. In an interview last week Cadiz said he was aware of the problems at the sanctuary. “There are a number of issues down there especially in the area where the tour operators are working from,” Cadiz said. He added that fishermen also have issues.
“The entire Caroni Bird Sanctuary needs reorganising. After speaking with our tour operators, fishermen and the forestry division, we will do an assessment on what needs to be fixed,” Cadiz added. He added that the sanctuary was a crucial part of T&T’s tourism product.
“I want to see the tours done in a professional way with all top-notch amenities and facilities put in place,” Cadiz said.
Last month, several tour guides complained that the observation tower was dilapidated. Built under the Basdeo Panday administration, along with a wooden boardwalk, the tower was used to get an up-close view of the birds. However, the boardwalk has since been destroyed and the wooden tower is termite-infested. The tour guides also called for better toilet facilities and parking.
More on Caroni sanctuary
The Caroni Swamp is an estuarine system comprising 5,611 hectares of mangrove forest and herbaceous marsh, interrupted by numerous channels, and brackish and saline lagoons, and with extensive mudflats on the seaward side. It is the home of T&T’s national bird, the scarlet ibis. This swamp is an important wetland since it is ecologically diverse, consisting of marshes, mangrove swamp and tidal mudflats in close proximity. The wetland provides a variety of habitats for flora and fauna and supports a rich biodiversity.
Among the animals seen in the swamp are boa constrictors, anteaters, caimans and a variety of birds. The sanctuary is a highly productive system that provides food and protection and is a nursery for marine and freshwater species. Red, black and white mangroves are present throughout Caroni, the red being very important for shoreline stabilisation and flood control.
The swamp is a major tourist attraction for bird watchers. Daily boating trips are conducted for both tourists and residents. Other recreational activities include game fishing, hunting and crab-catching.