PhD Thesis Presentation and Examination, Environmental Sciences

Kimberly Wishart Chu Foon

Friday November 4, 2022, at 1:00 pm in AVC 286N

Title:  Networks, Governance, and Conservation in Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract:

Effective conservation approaches are essential for the future sustainability of island natural resources. This study was conducted on Trinidad and Tobago to examine organizational networks and their effectiveness in addressing conservation. A mixed methods approach was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Broadly, the organizational networks are poorly connected, and there is limited cross collaboration between organizations working in different ecosystems. When comparing three local protected areas, the partially co-managed protected area had better-connected networks, more positive views about conservation goal achievement and network performance and evidence of ecological outcomes as a direct result of this co-management approach. All networks faced several challenges including conflict issues, lack of state cooperation, and lack of time. Overall, this research has expanded our understanding of conservation networks in an island context. It provided useful data that can be utilized by both conservation practitioners and policymakers locally to improve conservation.