To assist in the protection and conservation of the endangered Leather-back Sea Turtles and other species nesting on the Grande Riviere beach. These turtles were being slaughtered for meat at an alarming rate. Now because of the dedication and perseverance of our Twenty-two full time community volunteers, GRNTGA was able to achieve complete eradication of slaughter.
2. To provide quality informa
tion to the general public on the biology, unique characteristics, conservation and protection of these ancient reptiles and other species that graces our shores, through interpretive tours, allowing visitors to appreciate the significance of these creatures.
3. To encourage community development and to create sustainable employment within our remote and beautiful community via the medium of eco tourism, tour guiding (flora, fauna and avifauna) and other service related to eco tourism.
4. To sensitize the public ,especially the youths and school children to the importance of adapting a positive attitude, toward the importance of preserving and understanding our important ,rich natural resources e.g. rivers, forest covers, wildlife, natural and historical sites therefore increasing respect for the environment.
5. To increased awareness of the necessity, for preserving endangered species, both flora and fauna. Awareness of the need for worldwide teamwork in overcoming our environmental issues.
6. Patrolling and enforcing the annual beach prohibition, in partnership with the Wild Life Section, Forestry Division during March 1st to August 31st each year, to protect turtles from predation and human interference.
7. Collection of accurate and consistent data, on the number of Leather-back and other Sea Turtles nesting at Grande Riviere each year, eg.migration, nest positioning, hatch and emergence success and other relevant activities of nesting turtles through Tagging (some female are also flipper & microchip tagged, for identification) . This data is sent to Wildlife Section, Forestry Division, I.M.A. to analyze nesting trends. This program supports a series of research & monitoring projects including; turtle reproduction condition, color vision, hearing sensitivity, effects of climate change and post-nesting movements through the use of electronic technologies, such as satellite telemetry.
8. To provide visitors to the north coast area with a professional Tour Guide Unit, trained in holistic nature tour guiding.
9. Keeping the beach clean, ensuring nesting site are free from physical obstacles that may impede any nesting event and use by the wider community.
10. Identifying natural and man-made threats.
11. Coordinate the Piping-Guan or Pawi (Pipile Pipile), conservation initiative annually; this project is done in partnership with the University of the West Indies. Pawi study group co-ordinate by Dr Cooper.
12. We provide Guided Tours into the dense Rain Forest, allowing individuals great Bird Watching opportunities and to come face to face with the illusive Trinidad Piping Guan (Pawi.), our only endemic bird, or experience our rich and abundant Avifauna. Catch a glimpse of our abundant exotic Wild Life and experience the breathtaking view of our many Waterfalls (Homard, Jakatan etc.) and Gorge (Alan Gorge). Experience a Specialty Tour such as, Snakes, Insects, Butterflies or Boat Tours to secluded beaches. We also facilitate overnight expeditions into the forest or a forest hike through the Matura National Park.
13. We conduct voluntary patrols into the forest, to minimize threats to habitat destruction, over exploitation of the Wildlife and Flora in our area and monitor activities that may compromise our watershed.
14. Increased awareness of Environmental Careers.
15. To work with other organizations, corporate entities and government, to foster awareness of the natural assets of Grande Riviere, in a bid to establish Trinidad & Tobago as the premiere Turtle Watching Destination, globally.
16. Training, using alternative methods of fishing that is safe during the Turtle Nesting Season to reduce the accidental catch and drowning of turtles.
