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PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – A recognized nesting site for endangered leatherback turtles and the only Blue Flag certified beach in the Southern English-speaking Caribbean, Las Cuevas Beach was praised for its eco-tourism efforts in an article posted on the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) website earlier this month.
Rolling in with the rising tide throughout the months of April to August are female sea turtles, heavy with eggs and ready to lay on the dry, sandy shores of Trinidad and Tobago’s beaches for the 2016 Turtle Nesting Season.
According to the article, Las Cuevas beach has met international standards for safety and environmental awareness and is among 4,000 beaches in over 50 countries that promote good environmental practice identified by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Denmark-based non-charitable organization.
CHTA explains, “Las Cuevas Beach has twice complied with the 33 Blue Flag beach criteria, including monthly water quality testing.” The article continues, “The Blue Flag National Coordinator for Trinidad and Tobago, Asclepius Green, continues to work diligently with the Tourism Development Company (the beach operator for Las Cuevas), the Ministry of Tourism and the 12-member National Blue Flag Jury to ensure the beach maintains its acquired status and working on the establishment of other Blue Flag beaches.”
The article also recognized the contribution of the Las Cuevas Eco Friendly Association, a local turtle conservation group, whose members have facilitated an environmentally-safe environment for turtle nesting viewing as well as create public awareness activities to protect the leatherback turtles.
Trinidad and Tobago is the third largest nesting site for leatherback turtles in the world. Leatherback turtles come from as far as Africa, Canada and the UK to nest on our beaches. In addition to Las Cuevas Beach, some of the other nesting sites in Trinidad are Matura Bay, Fishing Pond, and Grande Riviere and Turtle Beach in Tobago.
Home to the largest Carnival celebration in the Caribbean, Trinidad & Tobago is the southernmost Caribbean nation located seven miles east off the Venezuelan coast. Ranked the happiest nation in the Caribbean by the United Nations’ World Happiness Report, in 2013 and 2015, the destination’s distinct and harmonious blend of cultures, eclectic cuisine and environmental treasures continue to attract travelers of all ages to its shores. Birthplace of the limbo and the world famous steelpan, the only acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century, as well as a diverse mix of monthly festivals and events, it’s little wonder that Trinidad is known as the ‘cultural capital of the Caribbean.’ Sister island Tobago offers a quintessential Caribbean vibe with secluded beaches, quaint villages, private villas and award-winning eco attractions. Tobago is home to the largest brain coral in the Western Hemisphere and the oldest protected reserve in the Western hemisphere, The Main Ridge Rainforest. Come and explore Trinidad and Tobago – the true Caribbean!
For more information on Trinidad & Tobago, visit gotrinidadandtobago.com or visittobago.gov.tt
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