Caption: Technical Officer I of the EMA Rishi Deosaran presenting to Tobago tour operators. Photo: EMA

THE Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has taken action to boost environmental awareness among tour operators in Tobago, amid public concern about “unsustainable tourism practices.”

The EMA’s Biodiversity Unit recently held a session at the Department of Natural Resources and Forestry (DNRF) in Tobago, following a similar session held in Trinidad earlier this year.

A release by the EMA on Thursday stated, “Both sessions aimed to educate tour operators about Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESSs) and Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs), as well as raise awareness of the relevant legislation, permits, approvals, and best practice guidelines for environmentally responsible operations.”

Presenting at the session were representatives from the DNRF, Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd, Save Our Sea Turtles (SOS) and the EMA.

The session addressed amendments to the Conservation of Wildlife Act (COWA), in particular, hunting regulations, maintaining tour operations and their capacity, issues in enforcing wildlife and tour regulations and proper practices for turtle handling.

The release said, “Participants reflected positively on the session in their feedback, noting that it enhanced their understanding of the best practices for tour operations, increased awareness of ESSs and ESAs, and clarified the permitting and approvals process.”