Green conversations in New Amsterdam
– focus on sustainable agriculture
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, November 21, 2018
As the green economic development path is advanced, the government’s regional consultation and awareness-raising initiative “Green Conversations” was recently hosted in New Amsterdam, Region Six.
The forum seeks to engage citizens in public discussions and consultation regarding the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS). The seminar in New Amsterdam focused on opportunities in sustainable agriculture.
Addressing those gathered, Country Manager for World Wide Fund Guianas, Aiesha Williams said, “Green Conversations is an open, non-partisan, inclusive space [physical and online] where Guyanese learn about green economic development and what it means to their future and engage in discourse around the subject in ways relevant to their unique circumstances.”
Williams noted that the discussion creates spaces for learning through candid discussions which situate people and their interests at the heart of the conversation. These spaces, she noted, will promote an understanding of green economic development, including the social, economic and environmental aspects, and help persons to grasp why a green economy is important to their future while building their capacity on the various themes presented.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairman of Region Six, (East Berbice-Corentyne), David Armogan noted it is important to live in harmony with nature since this is crucial to our continued development.
Armogan applauded Conservation International for focusing on sustainable enterprises in agriculture. He noted that while farmers in Guyana have been dependent on the use of chemicals in cash crop farming, rice and cane cultivation; other countries have been moving in the direction of ‘Green Agriculture’ where they utilise biological waste for enhanced agriculture production.
“This is the way we have to go in Guyana and not only to talk about the preservation of our forest and our environment but we also have to look at organic agriculture where we can utilise our environment to produce our crops,” Armogan said while adding that this form of agriculture will allow farmers to receive better prices for their produce.
Prior to Monday’s activity, the Green Conversations were taken to the towns of Linden, Bartica and Lethem. In Linden, the Green Conversations focused on the Sovereign Wealth Fund, in Lethem, the focus was on Good Governance, and in Bartica, the focus was on responsible mining.
Story and Images: Tanuja Raikha