Pride in PAWI Takes Flight
Guardian Life Wildlife Fund launches campaign to save endangered avian
They are unique to this nation and their numbers are dwindling, but the Trinidad Piping Guan, more commonly known as the Pawi, has found new support. The Guardian Life Wildlife Fund (GLWF), working with other national and international conservation groups and environmental agencies, will launch a comprehensive communication campaign aimed at raising awareness and encouraging the protection of this rare bird. The awareness campaign is being funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) GEF/Small Grants Programme.
“This campaign is aimed at educating nationals, particularly in this season of bush and forest fires, on the extreme urgency in protecting this critically endangered national treasure,” said Dr. Carol James, GLWF Chairman. “It will focus on communities, schools and overall national awareness. We envisage that the project will encourage education and interest in the Pawi, thus laying the foundation for ecotourism and alternative sustainable appreciation of the Pawi and its habitat.”
Once widespread throughout Trinidad, the Pawi is believed now to be confined to the north-eastern forests of Trinidad. In spite of its protection under national legislation, it continues to be threatened by the loss of its habitats through deforestation, including forest fires, quarrying and the encroachment of the built environment. The bird is also threatened by indiscriminate hunting.
The Promise of the
Pawi
full colour on recycled paper; 24 pages, saddle-stitched. Available at TT$65
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On Wednesday, April 14 this community outreach “Pride in Pawi”, will be officially launched at the Normandie Hotel in St Anns. The occasion will also be used to launch “The Promise of the Pawi”, an illustrated children’s book written by Janice Hernandez and produced in collaboration with advertising firm Lonsdale Saatchi & Saatchi and the Asa Wright Nature Centre. “The Promise of the Pawi” recently won a highly prestigious silver “Addy” in the American Advertising Federation (AAF) awards.
“Pride in Pawi” is scheduled to begin at 11.00 am.