This project is expected to tackle the issue of Persistent Organic Pollutants (namely aldrin and toxaphene) in the local environment and focuses on making positive changes in the attitudes of farmers, school children and hotel and restaurant staff in Tobago. Although these individuals make up the major target group, the project is expected to reach households throughout the island through a promotional and awareness programme which will also be pursued.

The area of focus is in reducing the use of harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers which have far-reaching negative effects on human and environmental health. The project also tackles the issue of reducing the volume of compostable organic matter which enters the single landfill in Tobago at Studley Park by 10% in the first instance. Individuals and businesses will be encouraged to separate garbage and produce their own compost on-site. The project aims at encouraging farmers, homeowners and landscapers to practice ?organic? production in an attempt to protect the very fragile environment in which they operate. As a demonstration, one shade house will be established in schools and on a farm to demonstrate the impact of the production of vegetables under a controlled environment. It is expected that there would be a reduction in pesticide use with this system as farmers will be able to better control diseases which are spread through rain-splash. Production under this system is expected to be done using ?principles of organic farming?.

There is no concerted effort in Tobago at present to address this particular issue. There is need for education from the ground level up i.e change in behavior patterns and attitudes with regard to environmental issues, waste management and sustainable development.

This project will provide alternative products, methods and strategies for reducing persistent organic pollutants. The use of organic matter in farming practices will be optimized and the volume of compostable material from hotels, restaurants and schools will be reduced by 10%. The volume of harmful pesticides being used by the target group will also be reduced by 10%.