Matura National Park
Matura National Park was declared an Environmentally Sensitive Area
(ESA) in 2004, the first such area for Trinidad and Tobago.
 The
forest and the natural resources within it are conserved and protected
for everyone’s benefits. Matura National Park conserves a large
area of primary tropical forest and the largest intact mora forest
in Trinidad and Tobago. At least 70% of the area is undisturbed forest.
The park protects wildlife habitats of pawi (Trinidad’s only
endemic and seriously endangered bird), ocelot and other endangered
and rare animals and plants. Matura National Park also conserves
the natural and scenic beauty of streams, waterfalls and rugged mountains. |
| Map
of the Park |
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Matura
National Park is 9000 ha and includes the watersheds of the Rio
Seco, Rio Salybia, Grande Rivière and Shark River. Its
biodiversity is under threat from over-hunting, poaching, logging,
forest fires,
squatting, river pollution and littering.
This project studies the biodiversity of Matura National Park as well as how
the forest and its resources are used by local and visiting people. This will
provide scientific data needed to effectively manage and monitor Matura National
Park and its biodiversity.
Who manages MNP?
At present Matura National Park is managed by Forestry Division (FD). (Ministry
of Public Utilities and the Environment). However, when the park was declared
as an ESA, a Matura NP Stakeholders Management Committee was created by the
Environmental Management Authority (EMA). This committee, which meets monthly,
is formed by representatives of EMA, FD, M2M network (representing local communities
around MNP), Council of Presidents of the Environment (umbrella organization
representing environmental NGOs), Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Community
Development and Sangre Grande Regional Corporation. The committee oversees
the management of the park to achieve the objectives of its designation as
an ESA.
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