Abstract:
Trinidad and Tobago is blessed with an abundance of rivers and waterfalls that are a treat to visit. There are numerous roads and trails that hundreds of people traverse each year to enjoy these natural attractions. Unfortunately, the impacts of the visits on the environment sometimes go unnoticed, or are unknown to some people. Garbage, campfires, trail short-cutting, solid and liquid waste, have the potential to damage the environment beyond repair. What can be done to reduce this and preserve these natural wonders for future generations to enjoy?
The Leave No Trace Program is based on seven principles that educate all those who enjoy the outdoors about the impacts that they may have on the environment, as well as techniques to prevent and minimize such impacts. Leave No Trace is best understood as an educational and ethical program, not as a set of rules and regulations. This program has been successfully implemented in the US, Canada, and other developed countries. This paper addresses the benefits of the Leave No Trace Program, and how to implement it in Trinidad and Tobago. It is hoped that initiative will be taken to spread awareness about this program, and commence the clean up our natural environment.