Protecting a Vital Ecosystem: Stakeholders Visit the Godineau Swamp

On December 11, 2025, key stakeholders visited the Godineau Swamp as part of Component Three (3) of the SORB Project. The field visit provided an opportunity for a guided tour by the IMA, highlighting the scope of work executed as per the planned project's activities and environmental impacts firsthand.

The visit included Sebastián Rodríguez Claros of CAF (Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean), Hamish Asmath of the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), Denzil Roopchand of the Siparia Borough Corporation, and members of the SORB Project Management Unit. Led by IMA, the tour highlighted ongoing work under Activity 3.1, which is a hydrological, ecological, and socio-economic study of the Godineau Swamp.

Participants observed key ecosystem features, including water salinity, hydrological flows, and areas designated for ecological assessment. Discussions focused on project challenges, including saltwater intrusion from the Gulf of Paria and its effects on mangrove growth.

The visit underscored the importance of collaboration among project partners. It allowed CAF to gain a deeper appreciation of the biodiversity and environmental significance of the Godineau Swamp, as well as the progress being made under the SORB Project.

December 2025

Building Resilience Together: Highlights from the 2025 Community Meeting

Community engagement and open dialogue are at the heart of the South Oropouche River Basin (SORB) Project. With this in mind, the Project hosted its annual Community Meeting at the Barrackpore Regional Complex in November 2025, bringing together residents, project partners, and stakeholders to share updates, exchange ideas, and discuss work that directly impacts their lives and livelihoods.

The meeting began with an insightful presentation from Alpha Engineering on flood risk and land-use mapping. Residents got a clearer picture of which areas are most vulnerable to flooding and how these findings can help emergency responders and the wider community better prepare for extreme weather events.

Another highlight of the evening was the Institute of Marine Affairs' (IMA) assessment of the Godineau Swamp. Through ecological, hydrological, and socio-economic findings, attendees better understood the state of this important natural ecosystem and its role in the wider landscape.

The last segment was led by the Project's SORB Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist, who focused on SORB's social dimensions. Looking ahead, the Project will continue to strengthen climate change capacity among government stakeholders, develop educational resources for teachers and students, and deliver workshops for communities and private sector partners.

By keeping the community informed and involved, the Project is ensuring the work they do is meaningful, sustainable, and built on the voices of the people they serve.

November 2025

Upcoming Event:

We Want to Hear from You!

Residents, farmers, and fisherfolk from Penal, Debe, Barrackpore, Woodland, and surrounding communities affected by flooding, you are invited to the SORB Project’s Annual Community Meeting on Thursday, 6th November 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Barrackpore Regional Complex.

Join us to:

  • Get updates on the SORB Project’s progress

  • Share your experiences and ideas

  • Help shape sustainable solutions to flooding in the region

Register now: https://forms.gle/spmDDf6vCLbpTgLR8

Spread the Word! Invite your neighbours, colleagues, and community members who may be interested in attending

Upcoming Event

We are hosting a Virtual Capacity Strengthening Workshop for Regional Government Stakeholders.

This session focuses on building practical understanding and implementation of Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) — including impact assessments, ESS principles, grievance redress mechanisms, implementation tools, and inter-agency coordination.

🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/etJBkeTk

We are also pleased to welcome a special guest presentation from the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) on the process of obtaining Certificates of Environmental Clearance (CECs).

🎁 Bonus: All participants will receive interactive handouts with tools and templates to support their own project work.

Spread the Word! Feel free to forward this invitation to your team, networks, or anyone who may benefit from attending.

AF and CAF visit to the SORB: A SORB Project Update

After the swamp tour, participants engaged with local fishermen and farmers to discuss adaptation capacity and livelihood diversification. These conversations emphasized the importance of developing strategies that empower community members to cope with climate-related challenges.

The afternoon included a visit to the Penal Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC) and site visits with Mr. Muhammad Baksh from the Ministry of Works and Transport, Drainage Division. The team visited the riverbank at Big Apple, Debe, and the Three Mouth River in San Francique, Penal, where they evaluated the impact of rising water levels and discussed potential mitigation measures.

This collaborative approach aims to gather valuable insights and feedback from local stakeholders, which are essential for creating effective tools and monitoring systems to address climate risks in the area.

As the SORB project continues, we remain focused on building resilience in the South Oropouche River Basin and supporting the community in adapting to the challenges posed by climate change

July 2024

In July 2024, members from various organizations, including representatives from the AF (Adaptation Fund) and CAF (Corporación Andina de Fomento), visited the area to assess the local environment and discuss adaptation strategies with community members.

The day began with a boat tour through the Godineau Swamp, led by Hamish Asmath from the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), with Richie Lalsingh, Anil Gobinsingh, and Naim Ramdhanie from Mondesir Road, who demonstrated their expertise in navigating the Godineau Swamp. This tour offered a close-up view of the diverse wildlife and highlighted the swamp's ecological significance as a vital resource for local communities.

Advancing Climate Action in South Oropouche: Highlights from the SORB Inception Workshop

The Inception Workshop for the South Oropouche River Basin (SORB) project marked a pivotal moment in our journey towards a more resilient and sustainable future. Held at the Debe Secondary School, Debe on September 13, 2023, this workshop brought together an array of stakeholders, including representatives from CAF, the Ministry of Planning and Development of Trinidad and Tobago, our project team from The University of the West Indies, Regional Corporations, NGOs and residents of the SORB area.

The event solidified our collaboration and commitment, as we embarked on a shared mission to address climate change challenges in the SORB region.

The workshop was presided over by Mr Kishan Kumarsingh, Head of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements Unit at the Ministry of Planning & Development. Notable addresses were presented during the event, with remarks from Mr Bernardo Requena, the Country Representative from the Latin American Development Bank, CAF, and the keynote address delivered by The Honourable Penelope Beckles, the Minister of Planning & Development. The closing address was delivered by Professor Bheshem Ramlal, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, UWI.

Key project components and strategies were discussed during the Inception Workshop, which included strengthening territorial planning and risk management, enhancing green and grey infrastructure to combat floods and droughts, and safeguarding vulnerable coastal and wetland ecosystems in the SORB region. These discussions provided stakeholders with an opportunity to align their efforts and ensure the project's activities remain aligned with the goals set out in the project document.

Presentations of focal areas:

  • Carolina Cortés, Principal Executive Directorate of Technical Advice on Biodiversity and Climate, CAF; Presentation of the Scheme of the SORB project.

  • Navneet Boodhai, Manager of the UWI Engineering Institute; Presentation of the Annual Operating Plan of the SORB Project.

With a commitment to efficient resource use and timely results delivery, the project is on its way to making a positive impact on the region. The workshop was not just a starting point but a symbol of our shared dedication to building resilience, protecting ecosystems, and empowering communities in the SORB region.

September 2023