RBC Royal Bank recently presented US$30,000 to the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) to help it implement training activities geared towards strengthening watershed management in Trinidad and Tobago. The second tranche will be made in 2013 for a total commitment of US$60,000.
As part of its attempt to build awareness on the importance of watershed management, CANARI will host workshops in techniques used in reforestation, including contouring, eyebrow terracing, creating check dams and understanding why and how particular species of plants are used in these types of activities.
Participants will also gain training in development and management of seedling nurseries and training to understand the unique attributes, vulnerabilities and management requirements of their particular watershed. Community groups will then be able to develop a watershed management plan for their location.
"This donation will allow us to continue the important work of educating others about the importance of preserving our water resources. "This is done through the documentation of experiences and through training and technical support to government agencies, NGOs and community organisations," says Nicole Leotaud, executive director, CANARI.
She added: "An important element of CANARI's work is sharing the lessons of its research and analysis and those of other organisations involved in participatory resource management. "Watershed protection programmes and projects that focus on the protection and restoration of sensitive natural areas, community-based watershed stewardship, sustainable water use and conservation or watershed awareness form part of the focus of the RBC Blue Water Project.
"The project is a wide-ranging, multi-year programme to help foster a culture of water stewardship, so that people have clean fresh water today and tomorrow. "So far, we have pledged over CA$42 million to more than 500 organisations and initiatives."