- Core Programme:
- Community Livelihoods and Resilience
- Thematic Area:
- Sustainability Financing
Upscaling Ecotourism and Agrotourism Operators in Trinidad and Tobago
Building sustainable nature-positive businesses that strengthen livelihoods, conserve biodiversity, and connect communities to new opportunities.
Why Agro-Ecotourism?
Trinidad and Tobago possesses rich biodiversity, vibrant rural communities, and unique agricultural landscapes. However, many eco-tourism and agro-tourism operators face challenges accessing markets, partnerships, training, and business development opportunities.
BIOREACH seeks to bridge these gaps by strengthening operators, promoting sustainable business practices, and creating pathways for biodiversity-positive economic development.
About the Project
This initiative forms part of the Biodiversity Conservation and Agroecological Land Restoration in Productive Landscapes of Trinidad and Tobago (BIOREACH) Programme led by FAO and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The project supports farmers, communities, and tourism operators to develop sustainable nature-based enterprises that:
- Protect biodiversity
- Create income opportunities
- Strengthen local livelihoods
- Promote agroecology
- Enhance rural development
As part of BIOREACH, The Cropper Foundation (TCF) has been selected to lead the implementation of Output 3.2.3: Upscaling Ecotourism and Agrotourism Operators in Trinidad and Tobago.
The project focuses on strengthening eco-tourism and agro-tourism enterprises in four ecologically vulnerable areas of Trinidad and Tobago by improving business capacity, market access, partnerships, and sustainable tourism practices. Through stakeholder engagement, market analysis, training, business acceleration, and knowledge sharing, the initiative aims to create biodiversity-positive livelihood opportunities that support both conservation and economic development.
Recognising the importance of agriculture as a foundation for agro-tourism experiences, the project will prioritize value chains that contribute to sustainable tourism offerings and local economic development. These include:
- Cocoa
- Coconut
- Avocado
- Pineapple
- Roots and Tubers
- Specialty products such as Moruga Hill Rice
By connecting agriculture, tourism, culture, and biodiversity conservation, the project seeks to showcase Trinidad and Tobago’s unique landscapes, farming traditions, and community experiences while creating new opportunities for rural enterprises and local communities.
Project Objectives
Strengthen Businesses
Support the development of resilient eco-tourism and agro-tourism enterprises.
Improve Market Access
Connect operators with new markets, partners, and opportunities.
Promote Sustainability
Encourage environmentally responsible tourism and farming practices.
Conserve Biodiversity
Support conservation while generating economic benefits for communities.
Who Can Participate?
Target Groups
- Farmers and agri-entrepreneurs
- Ecotourism operators
- Agrotourism operators
- Community groups
- Rural enterprises
- Youth-led businesses
- Women-led businesses
- Nature guides
- Tourism service providers
The BIOREACH Journey
Our 4-Phase Approach
1. Engage & Assess
Stakeholder Landscape Assessment & Engagement
Identify operators, needs, opportunities, and partnership pathways.
2. Analyse & Plan
Sustainable Agro-Eco Tourism Roadmap
Develop market insights, business models, and growth strategies.
3. Train & Connect
Capacity Building & B2B Accelerator
Deliver training, mentoring, networking, and market access support.
4. Grow & Showcase
Promotion & Business Support
Increase visibility, strengthen partnerships, and showcase success stories.
Benefits of Participation
Participants may benefit from:
- Business development training
- Market intelligence
- Mentorship and coaching
- Partnership opportunities
- B2B networking
- Increased visibility
- Access to showcase events
- Sustainable business guidance
Project Timeline
May 2026 – November 2026
| Phase | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Engage & Assess | Months 1–2 |
| Analyse & Plan | Months 2–4 |
| Train & Connect | Months 4–6 |
| Monitoring & Learning | Throughout |
Our Partners
Lead Partners
- FAO
- BIOREACH Programme
- Global Environment Facility (GEF)
- The Cropper Foundation
Supporting Stakeholders
- Ministry of Planning & Development
- NAMDEVCO
- EMA
- Tourism agencies
- NGOs
- Financial institutions
- Private sector partners
Contact Us
Brandon Murphy – Programme Officer
📧 bmurphy@thecropperfoundation.org
📞 +1 (868) 362-9771
Cherisse Braithwaite-Joseph – CEO
📧 cbjoseph@thecropperfoundation.org
📞 +1 (868) 221-5751
