Wetlands Management in the Caribbean and the Role of Forestry and Wetlands in theEconomy. Proceedings of the Meeting of Caribbean Foresters at Trinidad (5th), and the Meeting of Ministers of Agriculture (1st) to Consider the Economic Role of Forestry at S

摘要

The fifth Caribbean Forester's conference convened in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad,from May 21 to 26, to discuss critical issues relating to the management of wetland ecosystems on 12 different islands. Wetlands, unfortunately, have become prime areas for dumping of wastes, including toxic chemicals, as well as favored areas for landfill operations, some aimed ultimately at conversion of the areas to suburban and industrial development. Uncontrolled activity, haphazard development, the private use of public resources, and the lack of adequate legal framework were all seen as detrimental to the conservation and wise use of wetland resources. The participants viewed wetland conservation on small islands as particularly important because their total area is often very limited and especially prone to destruction.