The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) handed over 162 copies of its new publication titled, The Mangrove Forests of Trinidad and Tobago, to the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) on February 23.

This book, which was launched in celebration of World Wetlands Day 2021 (February 2), was written by Dr Rahanna Juman, Hamish Asmath, Nikia Gooding and Gyasi Collins and funded by the Point Lisas Nitrogen Limited.

The IMA said that the publication is a compilation of primary information produced by the IMA and published literature. While written in simple and non-technical language, scientific notations for species are kept in order to maintain usefulness of future researchers. Intended users are public policy-makers, economic decision-makers, land-use planners, students at secondary and tertiary levels as well as members of the general public.

Apart from being informative, the publication is well designed and adorned with full colour glossy photographs which showcase the large variety of plant species found in mangrove habitats. Among the topics covered in the publication are: Benefits of Mangroves; Geographic Distribution of Mangroves in Trinidad and Tobago; Socio-Economic Importance of Mangrove Forests in Trinidad and Tobago; and Mangrove Conservation Efforts. Mangroves are among the most threatened ecosystems in the world and need to be viewed differently and hence conserved.

At the book presentation, Dr. Juman said, “Mangrove forests were once viewed as smelly mosquito laden wastelands that served better purposes by being converted to other uses – but as scientific research advances, we are learning more how important these ecosystems are to our very existence on earth. This book should not only raise awareness on the significance of mangroves but also help change the public’s perception of mangroves.”

Paula Greene, Executive Director (Ag.) said, “We cannot stress enough the importance of publications such as these which document life in Trinidad and Tobago.” Copies of the book will be made accessible via NALIS’ Heritage Library, Public Libraries, and School Library Media Centres (SLMCs).