Abstract:
The uniquecombination of aquatic and terrestrial conditions results in these ecosystems being the most complex in the world. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, commonly called the Ramsar Convention (1971), to which Trinidad and Tobago became a signatory in 1993, defines wetlands as “areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres”.