Turtle Village Trust

TURTLE VILLAGE TRUST PROFILE 

TVT is a unique, independent, non-partisan, non-profit umbrella body registered under the laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 2006 that facilitates empowerment and sustainable livelihood development of the coastal communities of Trinidad and Tobago through knowledge-based sea turtle conservation, protection and monitoring initiatives.

As a steward, TVT has an obligation to conserve, protect, and manage living marine resources in a way that ensures their continuation as functioning components of marine ecosystems, affords economic opportunities, and enhances the quality of life for the Trinidad and Tobago public. 

We use strategic partnerships to coordinate, facilitate and implement knowledge-based sea turtle conservation efforts in Trinidad and Tobago for the development and empowerment of coastal communities. 

The key beneficiaries of TVT’s work are sea turtles, coastal communities and the entire nation of Trinidad and Tobago 

Who We Represent

At present Turtle Village Trust is the umbrella body representing twenty-one (21) community turtle conservation groups in Trinidad and Tobago who are actively involved in Turtle Conservation, Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Awareness, Advocacy, Eco-Tourism, Agriculture and Community Development programmes throughout Trinidad & Tobago. 

Our Vision and Mission 

Vision:  Our vision is “Sea turtle conservation by communities, for communities and in communities” We will do this by:

• Building a sustainable, value generating communities.
• Striving to place Trinidad and Tobago as the premier turtle tourism destination globally.
• Creating Long Term Relationships,
• Unleashing the full potential of our community people,
• Positively impacting Trinidad and Tobago communities – building capabilities for the benefit of the nation.

Our process will be distinguished by:

• Processes marked by consultative and transparent communication,
• Outcomes that demonstrate creativity and innovation,
• Initiatives that are focused, leverage resources and can be measured,
• Projects that help communities, stakeholders and individuals realize their full potential,
• Implementation driven by flawless execution, with results that reflect what we said we would do.

Mission: The mission of Turtle Village Trust is to foster and strengthen strategic partnerships with turtle conservation groups and the wider coastal communities to protect the natural resources and create superior quality products and services for customers to achieve sustainable community growth.

The Turtle Village Trust represents a number of community groups and we are actively involved in Turtle conservation, research, awareness and advocacy throughout Trinidad and Tobago. We also promote the embrace the understanding that the fate and future of sea turtles in Trinidad and Tobago are inextricably linked to our own.

The Turtle Village Trust through our work compliments and furthers the global agenda by striving to improve the welfare of sea turtles through our own program work and our focus areas which include: protecting sea turtles from illegal trading and indiscriminate slaughter, the advancement of research and preserving the critical habitats and nesting sites of the sea turtles.

Under this mission, the goal is to optimize the benefits of living marine resources to the Nation through sound science and management. This requires a balancing of multiple public needs and interests in the sustainable benefits and use of living marine resources, without compromising the long-term biological integrity of coastal and marine  ecosystems. 

Our principles: Our actions are guided at all times by commitment, dedication, respect, unity and solidarity. 

Our values: As a collective, we are determined to maximise the full potential of our network of organisations to achieve the greatest impact for turtle conservation, and the greatest influence and synergies with community.  We envision a world in which all people embrace their responsibility to protect animals and the environment we share.  We are committed to: 

• People: We work towards building the capacities of people and communities to work in solidarity to achieve sustainable community growth and create a better present and future. The foundation of our work is our volunteers and staff in the community.

• Transparency: We are open and honest in our interactions. We seek and welcome opportunities to share information and support community initiatives.  We are committed to accountability in our work.  

• Integrity: We are true to our mission, values, and vision. We actively strive to live by moral and ethical principles and values, and work in open and transparent ways, without compromise.   We are non-partisan and respect diversity.  Our efforts for change rely on sound science and robust, information.  We are accountable for our actions. 

• Diversity: As a collective, we celebrate the diversity of the communities we work with, as well as our volunteers and staff, and our partners. We are open, inclusive, and welcoming to all, treating all people with respect, dignity and without discrimination.  

• Leadership: We strive to provide leadership in our core areas of work and by advocating and speaking out on issues.  We strive for excellence in all we do and attempt at all times to deliver the highest quality programmes with the greatest impact possible.

• Success: We work towards success in our endeavour. We pursue projects that advance our mission.  With each and every success, we improve the lives of animals and people. 

• Compassion: We work because we care. We strive for empathy and sensitivity in all our interactions.  

• Innovation: We value our shared history and tradition, but are equally committed to finding progressive, innovative, lasting solutions to achieve our goals. We work to identify practical solutions that benefit both animals and people. We are mission driven, but flexible and realistic in our approach.

Our Priority 

To achieve our vision and Mission TVT’s focus is on five (5) priority areas namely:

1. Conservation, research, and data management.
2. Education, advocacy and public communication and participation.
3. Community empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.
4. TVT organizational strengthening; and
5. Climate Change. 

Where we work

In Trinidad we operate on 31 beaches and monitor a nesting area of > 82 km working with >400 community persons from 12 community organisations.

In Tobago we operate on 26 beaches and monitor a nesting area of > 14 km working with >180 community persons from 7 community organisations.

Our Stakeholders

TVT works directly with a range of stakeholders who have expert knowledge in sea turtle conservation, interests in, or formal or informal responsibilities for community development, sea turtle conservation, protection, and monitoring. Stakeholders include sea turtle conservation research organisations, members of the coastal community groups, NGOs’, CBOs’, media, academic institutions, funders, technical assistance organisations, government and intergovernmental agencies and the private sector and the public. TVT’s work brings together individuals across sectors and at the local, regional, and international level to build relationships and foster collaboration. 

Local & International recognition 

TVT’s work has earned respect and recognition as is evidenced by TVT’s receipt of:

• The Trinidad and Tobago Environmental Management Agency Green Leaf Award at its World Environmental Day celebration on June 5th, 2014, in recognition of TVT’s positive and significant contribution to the environment and success in highlighting substantial environmental issues to the wider public, community, or those who have taken national or international action towards notable environmental concerns.
• -The Judge’s Award for Corporate Social Responsibility at 2015 Atlantic LNG Company of Trinidad and Tobago 2015 CEO Awards for TVT’s Nest Relocation and Hatchery Programme.
• -The 2016 Trinidad and Tobago Energy Chamber Award for Best Environmental Project for TVT’s Nest Relocation, Hatchery and Tank Husbandry Programme 2016.
• Our Executive Director Allan Bachan received the Prime Minister’s award for community work in 2012.
• At the EMA’s 25th Anniversary in 2020 two of our Board members, Len Peters, Tanya Clovis received awards for dedicated service to environmental stewardship.
• TVT’s Board Member Ms. Susan Lakan Baptiste was recognised as a CNN Hero in 2009.
• Our Past President, Mr Len Peters-was recognised by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and awarded the Commonwealth Star in 2020.

Join the Friends of Sea Turtle friends@turtlevillagetrust.org
Help us, help sea turtles. 

Please Donate at: https://fundmetnt.com/campaign/turtle-village-trust-fund