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Education and Awareness are Crucial to Promoting Sustainable Practices

Khalid Alladin is the Projects Director at EMC and has been with the company for over ten years. Khalid plays a leading role in the execution of EMC projects, including coordinating the work of project teams.


Why did you choose to work in the environmental field?

I come from a farming family, meaning I spent most of my childhood outdoors in rice fields and cattle pastures. Whether helping or being curious and mischievous, learning about the environment and its impact was key to a successful crop. Naturally, this interest grew, and I gravitated toward geography and the environment at university. So, while it might be correct to say I chose the environmental field, it wasn’t much of a choice as it came naturally.

How did it feel to be part of the inception of environmental protection in Guyana?

I am privileged to have been a part of the inception of environmental protection in Guyana, contributing to the framework for environmental and natural resources management. The early days were challenging given the limited resources that were available for the sector, lack of legislation, and resistance by some industries, among others. However, with patience, hard work, and commitment, we made progress.

It is not easy to imagine how impactful your work and dedication will be when you are in the middle of it; you just do what needs to be done. However, when I reconnect with colleagues I had the privilege of working with in those early years and recount the great adventures we had, the vast distances we covered, and the challenging work we undertook, we feel proud and grateful to have contributed positively to the growth of the Guyanese environmental landscape.

What is the best part about working in the environmental field in Guyana?

 Exploring our beautiful country is undoubtedly the best part of working in the environmental field. I have had the unique opportunity to travel to and spend time in some of the most interesting and picturesque parts of Guyana and interact with my fellow Guyanese. Some of these locations are very remote, and I may not have had the opportunity to visit had it not been for work. I still have a few more places on my bucket list, which I hope to see in the future.

How does your work at EMC contribute to the protection of Guyana’s environment?

 EMC has been able to attract a wide variety of projects in various sectors ranging from areas of conservation to development. Through my work at EMC, I am able to approach environmental protection in a holistic rather than isolated manner and therefore continue to contribute towards achieving the goal of the protection and sustainability of the environment. Importantly, a lot of what we do involves working with both the private and public sectors to improve environmental compliance and management within their operations and activities, thus contributing directly to reducing environmental pollution.

 What are your hopes for the future of environmental protection in Guyana?

Education and awareness are crucial to promoting healthy and sustainable practices that benefit our environment and its rich biodiversity. I look forward to a more inclusive approach to protecting and managing our resources, such as the addition and utilisation of environmental studies in the teaching curriculum and improved awareness at the community level.

What advice would you give young environmental enthusiasts looking to work in the environmental field?

 I encourage environmental enthusiasts looking to work in the environmental field to keep an open mind when starting out; the sector is vast, and there are many exciting areas to explore. Ultimately, the environmental sector is rewarding. If you are willing to work hard with enthusiasm and dedication, you will contribute to protecting the environment within Guyana or globally.

Khalid conducting fieldwork over his years in the environmental field


Environmental Management Consultants Inc. (EMC), as an environmental service provider and promoter of green growth, works to support efforts to protect and sustain Guyana’s environment.