Fabiana Mcklmon
In celebration of its seventh anniversary, the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) organized an open day and exhibition, supported by various stakeholders including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Environmental Management Consultants (EMC), and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).
The open event aimed to promote awareness of wildlife conservation, offering interactive activities and an exhibition featuring various animals.
Commissioner of the GWCMC, Alona Sankar, emphasized the significance of reaching citizens who may not fully grasp the importance of wildlife conservation, particularly in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts.
According to Sankar, fostering an understanding of coexistence with wildlife is crucial for resolving conflicts effectively.
Participants echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of raising awareness about biodiversity, especially among youth, as biodiversity provides essential ecosystem services and benefits to humans.
Nehru Narine, Senior Environmental Officer at the EPA, highlighted the unique biodiversity found in Guyana and the need to protect it to prevent the loss of valuable assets, not only for biodiversity studies but also for tourism.
Deopaul Somwaio, a representative from EMC, emphasized the integral role of wildlife in Guyana’s growth and environment, particularly in the tourism sector.
The event also marked the launch of the organization’s first signboard, aimed at increasing visibility and furthering its mission of wildlife conservation.
The GWCMC’s anniversary celebration underscored the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding Guyana’s rich biodiversity for future generations.