Protecting the Aripo Savannas: Fencing as a last resort?

Trinidad and Tobago is home to a wealth of biodiversity, including the Aripo Savannas, the nation’s last remaining natural savanna ecosystem. Despite its designation as an environmentally sensitive area (ESA) in 2007, the Aripo Savannas Scientific Reserve (ASSR) faces ongoing threats from illegal squatting, land clearing, and poaching. Over the past decade, at least 28 acres have been lost to squatters, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced protection measures. The lack of clear boundaries and enforcement has exacerbated the problem, with some signs marking the perimeter being ignored or absent entirely. The construction of the Elmina Clarke-Allen Highway has further isolated the savannas, making it difficult for wildlife to disperse. One proposed solution is the construction of a security fence along the entire 96,000-foot perimeter, estimated to cost around $5 million. This fence would serve as a physical barrier to illegal entry, improve wildlife corridor usage, and facilitate easier patrolling by the Forestry Division. The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) is well-positioned to manage such a project, given its experience with initiatives like the $69 million Nariva Swamp Restoration. While fencing may not be visually appealing, it offers a reversible and practical solution to safeguard this critical natural resource. Education and community involvement remain ideal, but fencing may be the necessary ‘last resort’ to ensure the Aripo Savannas’ survival.