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Nariva Swamp: A blueprint for community-led, coastal and marine tourism in the Caribbean largest freshwater wetland in Trinidad

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Nariva Swamp: A blueprint for community-led, coastal and marine tourism in the Caribbean largest freshwater wetland in Trinidad

July 2025

The Blue Tourism Initiative, in collaboration with its partner, the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI), is proud to announce the launch of community-based coastal and marine tourism activities in Nariva Swamp wetland in Trinidad and Tobago.

Nariva Swamp, the largest freshwater wetland in Trinidad

Project Title: Nariva Swamp: A blueprint for community-led coastal and marine tourism

Duration: June 2025 – January 2026

As part of the Caribbean Blue Tourism Initiative, the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) upcoming work at the Nariva Swamp will prioritise empowering local communities to create eco-friendly tourism experiences that can transform Nariva into a premier blue tourism destination.

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Project Objectives

  • Operationalise and Strengthen the Experience Nariva Ecotourism Cluster;

  • Promote community-led, eco-friendly tourism by implementing the cluster’s marketing strategy, which aims to increase visibility, attract tourists, and establish a recognisable brand.

  • Promote Sustainable, Climate-Resilient, and Environmentally Responsible Tourism by integrating environmental stewardship with innovative, nature-based tourism approaches.

Key Activities

  1. Supporting the establishment and coordination of the Experience Nariva Ecotourism Cluster;

  2. Marketing Nariva Ecotourism Cluster experiences: highlighting Nariva’s natural assets.

  3. Building local capacity: support local economic development through investment, training, and capacity building in sustainable tourism ventures.

  4. Develop and Implement Greening, Climate Resilience, and Stewardship Plans: assess current practices and issue microgrants to support environmentally friendly operations, climate-proofing, and ecosystem stewardship actions,  including upgrading key ecotourism infrastructure.

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Expected Results

  1. Strengthened community capacity for adaptive tourism planning and management.
  2. Promote coordination and functionality of the Ecotourism Cluster;
  3. Increased Visibility and Tourist Engagement to attract local and international visitor interest and bookings through improved branding and outreach.

  4. Improved Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resilience, thanks to adopting greener tourism practices and climate resilience strategies supported by assessments and microgrants, and stewardship actions.

Impact

The successful implementation of community based coastal and marine blue tourism at the Nariva Swamp Protected Area can lead to long term impacts which include strengthening local communities through participation in eco-tourism ventures, developing innovative, nature-based tourism experiences, and safeguarding Nariva’s unique biodiversity. These efforts will create sustainable economic opportunities for the community while promoting environmental conservation and climate resilience.