An exploration of the impacts of Covid-19 on the work of conservation actors in Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract The Covid-19 pandemic has had global impacts, leading to changes in human activities and resulting in both positive and negative outcomes for the natural environment. To more fully understand the pandemic’s impact on the conservation of ecosystems and conservation actors or organizations, this research investigated its impact on the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and targeted follow up semi-structured interviews. The results showed that the pandemic led to many challenges for some actors, including job loss and cancellation of fieldwork and outreach events. More positively, there were opportunities for some actors to adapt or find new modes of operation, which unexpectedly made some of them more effective at achieving their goals. The results also suggest that the impacts of the pandemic on ecosystems were both positive and negative. On the positive side, curfews and lockdowns restricted access to natural areas, resulting in benefits such as ecosystem recovery. More negatively, there were issues associated with spikes in illegal activities such as poaching and squatting in protected areas. Respondents suggested that better access to funding and local government support would have helped conservation actors be in a better position to adapt to the changes brought about by the pandemic. The results of this research provide much needed insight into how the Covid-19 pandemic is and will continue to impact conservation actors and their initiatives. Further studies can build on this research to explore the impact of pandemics on conservation in the long term.