Improvements made in the state of Guyana's environment
By Navin Chandarpal Presidential
TODAY, we are once again observing World Environment Day. Since the last observance one year ago, many important steps have been taken to improve the state of the environment in our country. The Environmental Protection Agency which was established in 1996 was given a considerable boost with the appointment of the Executive Director and the Directors of operations and education, information and training - all with the support of the IDB. With the Executive Director in place, the disbursement of project funds from the IDB started, allowing among other things, for international experts to be recruited for specific tasks. Currently, we are supported by a Legal expert and a training expert. We have been pursuing the task of Environmental Management in a manner aimed at ensuring the broadcast involvement of relevant agencies, organisations and interested individuals. There are four special committees in which such involvement is developed. The Inter-Agency Technical Committee considers the whole spectrum of environmental issues and allows for the perspectives of various interests to be considered in developing approaches to specific issues. It also helps to coordinate the involvement of different agencies in practical tasks. The National Biodiversity Advisory Committee deals with matters related to the conservation and sustainable utilisation of Guyana's rich biodiversity. Based on the National Biodiversity Strategy which was developed earlier, a National Biodiversity Action Plan is nearing completion after consultations were held in different parts of the country. The National Climate Committee overlooks the implementation of projects related to the phased ending of the use of Ozone Depleting Substances and to Adaptation to Climate Change. Linked to climate change adaptation is the development of an integrated coastal zone management programme. The National Environmental Education Advisory Committee has a pivotal role to play in rapidly improving environmental awareness countrywide. A National Environmental Education Strategy has been developed together with an Action Plan for Implementation. While taking steps to properly organise its efforts on these important thematic areas with the help of broad-based committees, the EPA has also been working directly with individual agencies in Specific Sectors. Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) have been developed individually with the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology. In Forestry, the Forestry Act, Forestry Regulations, Standards and EIA guidelines are being revised and updated. A project is being designed to assist forest producers to meet the requirements of the code of practice and to move in the direction of low impact logging. In mining, a project is also being developed to assist miners to reduce the environmental damage resulting from mining operations. Efforts are also being made to develop a code of practice and regulations for environmental issues related to mining. Government is introducing necessary codes, standards and regulations in order to protect neighbouring communities and the nation at large. We recognise the limitations of producers and are always seeking an acceptable balance in the extent and pace of introducing new measures. In other aspects of fulfilling its mandate, the EPA is discussing with the Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Local Government the creation of MOU's for cooperation. A major ongoing task of the EPA is the review of Environmental Impact Assessments and the investigation of complaints about specific operations. The EPA is seeking to streamline the requirements for EIA's and to present them in a simplified form to developers and the public. Workshops have been held to explain the EIA process to specific groups. In addition to the many different issues which the EPA has had to work on, special attention is being given to a major nationwide problem - the disposal of solid waste. The accumulation of garbage in the City and along roadways and trenches throughout the country requires special attention. We welcome the efforts of the National Enhancement Committee and other groups which are seeking to improve the appearance of our roadways and communities and call on all Guyanese to emulate them. The EPA is working to develop a comprehensive and long- term approach to this problem through a project to develop Solid Waste Management capacity in all municipalities and NDC's In the meantime, it is necessary for each individual to play a part in reducing the pressures on such a management effort. If no one litters or dumps garbage there will be a greater chance for proper handling of waste to be achieved in a much shorter time. Also, the EPA would be willing to assist all communities to establish Environment groups which will protect their communities. While the EPA is seeking to boost its capacity in the area of monitoring and enforcement, it is hopeful that a greater degree of self monitoring will develop among companies and a greater degree of community pride will develop among communities and individuals in order to protect our natural environment.
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