Protecting biodiversity is everyone’s business

By Isaiah Braithwaite

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, May 23, 2019

Students from various schools across the country were today educated on the importance of protecting Guyana’s biodiversity.

The students gathered at the Umana Yana in observation of the International Day for Biological Diversity which was observed on Wednesday, under the theme “Our biodiversity, Our food, Our health”.

The Environmental Protection Agency organised the event, in collaboration with several agencies, including the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Department of Environment (DOE).

Schools involved included Christianburg Wismar, Uitvlugt Secondary, Belladrum Secondary, The New Guyana School, Linden Foundation Secondary, North Ruimveldt Secondary, Mackenzie High School, Mahaicony Secondary, Marian Academy, West Demerara Secondary, Rosignol Secondary, Stewartville Secondary, President’s College, Queen’s College, Mae’s Academy and Brickdam Secondary.

The students from the various schools, through poetry, dance, songs, oral presentation and skits, depicted the harm of destroying biodiversity and how it can be protected.

Chairman of the EPA, Dr. Patrick Williams told the students that their very survival depends on protecting the country’s biodiversity. With that, he noted that the EPA has been playing its role in ensuring that the environment is protected. He noted that outreaches, awareness campaigns and collaboration with other local agencies are ongoing in its effort to protect the environment.

However, he highlighted that while Guyana has signed on to several treaties with international agencies to protect its biodiversity, more can be done.

Director of the Department of Environment, Ndibi Schwiers, in brief remarks, highlighted that the biodiversity recession that has hit our planet is a direct result of human activities. With this in mind, the director informed the students that they are not too young to play their role in protecting Guyana’s biodiversity.

The students were encouraged to help by supporting local farmers who produce organic crops and by studying in the science field to find ways to protect the environment.

Images: Ameer Sattaur.

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