The Environmental Management Authority (EMA), through the BIOREACH Project, successfully hosted an Integrated Wildfire Management Training programme from January 8th to 16th, 2024, in both Trinidad and Tobago. This intensive training targeted professional Officers and Community-Based Organisations with experience in wildfire response.
Over 60 participants, including personnel from the Forestry Division on both islands, the National and Tobago Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programmes, the Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation Project, Protectors of the Environment, Fire Services and Disaster Management Agencies, benefited from the training. The programme was led by Mr. Thomas Anderson, a seasoned Fire Management Specialist with over 20 years of experience with the US National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy, and extensive regional expertise in bridging the gap between emerging wildland fire science, community preparedness, and ecosystem resilience. Mr. Anderson was supported by Mr. Blane Heumann who brought to the team extensive experience in fire safety and the Incident Command System.