In light of clear evidence last week of poaching in the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) today accepted a proposal from Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Clarence Rambharat to fast-track the placement of the Scarlet Ibis on its list of environmentally sensitive species (ESS) following public consultation, and to take steps to declare the Caroni Bird Sanctuary an environmentally sensitive area (ESA). These two initiatives will strengthen protections for the national bird and other birds, and significantly increase the penalties for poaching the Scarlet Ibis. (more…)