Protecting Watersheds, Preserving Wildlife, Inspiring Generations

Since 1982, FACRP Forest Defenders have been leading the fight against bush and forest fires in Trinidad & Tobago. What once were fire-scorched hillsides are now flourishing green forests, restored by the hands of volunteers and community members who refuse to let their land burn away. Through community-driven fire prevention, firebreak maintenance, and rapid response patrols, we protect vital watersheds while replanting over 200,000 native and local trees from our Clean Trees Organic Nursery.                       

But we don’t stop at reforestation. FACRP combines traditional ecological knowledge, modern fire management, and citizen science to protect biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and educate the next generation of environmental leaders. From safeguarding endangered wildlife to building climate-ready communities, our work is both urgent and enduring. 

As a women-led, award-winning NGO, we invite donors, researchers, and partners to join us in scaling a proven model of fire prevention, forest restoration, and community empowerment. Together, we can stop the fires, grow resilient forests, and protect life for generations to come.

Mission Statement To sustainably manage the St. Ann's watershed and use it as a model of community forestry.

Vision Statement A healthy agro-forestry environment in Trinidad and Tobago, providing sustainable livelihoods based on the FACRP participatory model of Community Forestry.

Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation Project (FACRP)

FACRP’s work actively supports SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Our initiatives promote sustainable livelihoods, environmental education, and gender equity, contributing to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—sharing knowledge and building capacity for sustainable resource management.

Public Education and Fire Awareness - Campaign – F1 Agency

FACRP’s partnership with F1 Agency earned us multiple Gold ADDY Awards in 2025 (including "Best Public Service"), for a creative and impactful bushfire prevention campaign raising public awareness about bushfires and endangered species in Trinidad’s hills.

Sustainability Award

In recognition of your outstanding and dedicated service to responsible environmental management and sustainable development in Trinidad and Tobago - Awarded by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA, 2012)

Since its founding, FACRP has received national recognition for its leadership in environmental restoration and community empowerment. We are proud recipients of five Green Leaf Awards from the Environmental Management Authority (2000, 2001, 2003, 2012), were honored in 2008 by the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and the Solid Waste Management Company Limited (SWMCOL) for pioneering watershed protection and sustainable waste management, and received the 2013 Community Heroes Award from the Ministry of Community Development for our transformative community-based approach to natural resource management. Most recently, in 2025, FACRP was awarded the Women in the Environment Award on International Women’s Day, recognizing our exceptional contributions to environmental sustainability and community empowerment.

Awards and Recognitions

President’s Humming Bird Gold Medal of the Order of the Trinity

Awarded for “Loyal and Devoted Service to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the sphere of "COMMUNITY SERVICE". Seal of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago at The President's House, St. Ann's, 2007

Bush & Forest Fire Management

Bush and Forest Fire Management

We believe in the power of communities to protect and restore their environment. Our work focuses on building capacity in bush and forest fire management and suppression, as well as engaging the public through education that drives positive behavioural change. By advocating for tree planting and agroforestry, we are not only combating environmental degradation but also enhancing biodiversity and strengthening the resilience of our ecosystems for future generations.

The Draft National Bush and Forest Fire (DNBFF) Policy is a civil society–led initiative that recognizes the vital role of community-based organizations in safeguarding Trinidad and Tobago’s biodiversity and watersheds. It broadens stakeholder participation, strengthens collaboration between civil society and the State, and creates a structured framework to reduce bush and forest fires while minimizing their impacts. By integrating both empirical data and decades of community experience, this draft policy ensures practical, evidence-based action that aligns goals with responsibilities and promotes long-term environmental resilience.

Draft National Bush and Forest Fire Policy Document for Trinidad and Tobago

FACRP is a registered NGO under the Companies Act of 1995 in Trinidad and Tobago and Registered under the Trinidad and Tobago
Not-Profit-Organization Act, No. 7 of 2019.

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