To commemorate World Wildlife Day, which is observed each year on March 3rd, the Cropper Foundation hosted an online panel discussion, “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation,” with conservationists and scientists on Sunday.
They discussed the state of wildlife conservation, its barriers and advances, sharing stories of successful stakeholder partnerships that have enhanced the impact of conservation efforts in Trinidad and Tobago and beyond.
One of the questions posed to the panel was whether citizens understood the importance of wildlife to development. In response, Wildlife Biologist at the Forestry Division, David Mahabir, said their understanding is limited.
In Trinidad and Tobago the demand for wild meat is high during the hunting season and even when its closed. President of the Hunters Association of T&T, Rashad Mohammed, said a cultural shift is needed to address this.