EMC and NAREI Unveil Mangrove Awareness Signboard at Kingston Esplanade
On July 26, 2024, EMC and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), with support from the Guyana Conservation Initiative (GCI), unveiled a mangrove awareness signboard at the Kingston Esplanade, Georgetown. The ceremony was a key highlight of Mangrove Day, a global celebration of mangroves and their role in coastal protection, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
The event, chaired by Ms Kene Moseley, Project Coordinator at NAREI, brought together representatives from various organisations and members of the public to celebrate their collaborative efforts in mangrove conservation. Ms. Moseley warmly welcomed attendees and reiterated the event’s theme, “Mangroves Matter: Safeguarding Our Coastal Guardians,” urging participants to deepen their understanding of mangroves through visits to the Mangrove Centre.
In his address, Mr Dane Gobin, CEO of Iwokrama International Centre, highlighted the critical support provided by the ExxonMobil Foundation for the GCI, which has been instrumental in advancing conservation and education initiatives in Guyana. He emphasized the interconnectedness of conservation efforts, from the Rupununi to the coastal regions, and praised the collaborative achievements in mangrove restoration and awareness.
Ms. Kandila Ramotar, Projects Manager at EMC, outlined the focus areas of GCI, including awareness, ecosystem management, and livelihood support in coastal communities. She expressed optimism about expanding these conservation initiatives nationwide and emphasized the significance of the newly unveiled mangrove awareness signboard as a milestone in public education.
Mr. Matthew Scharf, Manager of Public and Government Affairs at ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), shared his appreciation for the positive changes along the Kingston Seawall, including the flourishing mangroves, and encouraged particiapnts to engage with the information presented on the signboard. He recognized the leadership of Iwokrama, EMC, and NAREI in driving impactful environmental and community initiatives.
The keynote address, delivered by Mr. Jagnarine Singh, CEO of NAREI, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, underscored the importance of mangroves to Guyana’s environmental and economic health. Mr. Singh highlighted the government’s substantial investments in the Mangrove Restoration Programme, which has successfully restored over 500 hectares of mangroves across Regions 2 to 6. He also announced additional funding for ongoing mangrove restoration efforts and reiterated their alignment with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
The event not only celebrated the unveiling of the signboard but also served as a platform for reaffirming the collective commitment to protecting Guyana’s coastal guardians. The signboard, strategically placed in a high-traffic area frequented by both locals and tourists, will play a pivotal role in raising public awareness about the ecological significance and conservation of mangrove ecosystems.
Speakers during the program. From left: Kene Moseley, Dane Gobin, Kandila Ramotar, Matthew Scharf, Jagnarine Singh
Unveiling of the Signboard
Attendees During the Program
Environmental Management Consultants Inc. (EMC) is an environmental service provider and promoter of green growth. EMC works to support efforts aimed at the protection and sustainable management of Guyana’s environment.